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Nettle tea is an herbal tea made from the dried leaves of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), a plant whose fine hairs sting bare skin. It is widely known as a traditional diuretic tea, and claims about nettle tea benefits range from joints and allergies to blood sugar and the prostate. Human research is small, and most of it tested capsules or extracts rather than tea. Here is what nettle tea is, what the studies found, the side effects, and who should check with a clinician first, especially people taking lithium, blood thinners, or blood pressure or diabetes medicines.
Peptide Labs sells no nettle tea or nettle supplements, and none of the product labels in our catalog list nettle. This article is general information, not medical advice.
Key Takeaways
- Nettle tea is usually made from stinging nettle leaf; nettle root is a different part used in other products.
- In the EU, nettle leaf is recognized only as a traditional herbal medicine, based on long-standing use rather than trials.
- Small trials of nettle extracts looked at blood sugar, allergy symptoms and urinary symptoms, with preliminary results.
- Because nettle may increase urine flow, people taking lithium should talk to their prescriber first.
- The European Medicines Agency does not recommend nettle during pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety data are lacking.
What is nettle tea?
Stinging nettle is a leafy plant whose leaves and stems carry tiny stinging hairs. Touching fresh nettle can cause pain, welts and a stinging feeling that may last more than 12 hours. Formic acid, histamine and serotonin have long been described as the irritants, and a 2006 study of a related nettle species found histamine, oxalic acid and tartaric acid were the main compounds in the hairs.
For tea, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) describes the herbal substance as cut, dried nettle leaves. You will also see nettle sold as capsules, liquid extracts and blends with other herbs.
Nettle leaf vs nettle root
Nettle leaf and nettle root are used for different purposes. EMA has a separate monograph for nettle root, recognized as a traditional product for urinary symptoms linked to an enlarged prostate, and only after a doctor has ruled out serious conditions. Research on root extracts does not automatically apply to a cup of leaf tea, so check which part a product contains.
Nettle tea benefits: what the research shows
Most claims rest on traditional use and a few small trials. The table summarizes the evidence; none of it shows that nettle tea can stand in for medical care.
| Area | What was studied | What it found | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urine flow | EMA review of traditional use | Accepted as a traditional product to flush the urinary tract in minor complaints | Based on long-standing use, not trials |
| Joint discomfort | EMA review of traditional use | Accepted as a traditional product for minor joint pain | Based on long-standing use, not trials |
| Blood sugar | 92 adults with advanced type 2 diabetes, leaf extract for 3 months (2013) | Lower fasting glucose and HbA1c than placebo | One small trial; extract, not tea |
| Allergy symptoms | Trials from 1990 (69 finished) and 2017 (40 finished) | Slightly better than or similar to placebo | Small, short, many dropouts |
| Urinary symptoms in men | 620 men with enlarged prostate symptoms for 6 months (2005) | Larger symptom score drop than placebo | Single trial; needs confirmation |
Nettle tea and urine flow
EMA’s 2010 monograph on nettle leaf recognizes it as a traditional herbal medicine to increase urine and flush the urinary tract as an add-on in minor urinary complaints, a status based exclusively on long-standing use. The same monograph says not to use it when a doctor has advised limiting fluids, for example with severe heart or kidney disease, and to see a doctor if urinary symptoms worsen or come with fever, painful urination, cramping or blood in the urine. Our dandelion root guide covers another traditional diuretic herb, and our water pills guide explains how prescription diuretics differ.
Blood sugar
In a 2013 Iranian trial, 92 adults with advanced type 2 diabetes who were candidates for insulin took nettle leaf extract capsules or placebo alongside their usual diabetes pills for three months. The nettle group had lower fasting and after-meal glucose and lower HbA1c. It was one small trial of an extract. If you take diabetes medicines, an added effect on blood sugar is a reason to talk to your clinician before drinking nettle regularly, not a reason to change your medicines.
Allergy symptoms
A 1990 trial gave freeze-dried nettle or placebo for one week to people with hay fever; 69 of 98 finished, and nettle was rated only slightly better in symptom diaries. A 2017 trial of a nettle root extract randomized 74 people, of whom 40 finished, and symptoms improved about equally with placebo. The authors called for larger, longer studies.
Prostate research
A 2005 trial in Tehran randomized 620 men with urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate to a nettle preparation or placebo for six months. Average symptom scores fell from 19.8 to 11.8 with nettle and from 19.2 to 17.7 with placebo, and no side effects were reported. The author wrote that more trials are needed before concluding nettle is effective. Urinary symptoms in men need a doctor’s evaluation; our saw palmetto guide shows how larger trials of another popular prostate herb turned out.
Nettle tea side effects
Nettle tea side effects listed in the EMA monograph are mild stomach complaints, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and skin reactions such as itching, rash and hives; how often they happen is not known. Drug references also mention sweating. Fresh plants sting, so wear gloves when handling them, and stop using nettle if you notice signs of an allergic reaction.
Medicine interactions and who should avoid nettle tea
EMA reports no known interactions for nettle leaf, but a widely used drug-interaction reference rates several combinations as moderate, based on nettle’s possible effects on urine, blood pressure, blood sugar and vitamin K. Take these as reasons to ask first.
- Lithium: nettle’s possible diuretic effect may reduce how well the body clears lithium, which can raise lithium to harmful levels. Ask your prescriber before using nettle.
- Warfarin: the leaves and stems contain large amounts of vitamin K, which may reduce warfarin’s effect. Keep vitamin K intake steady and tell your anticoagulation clinic; our vitamin D3 and K2 guide explains the warfarin and vitamin K link.
- Blood pressure medicines: nettle might lower blood pressure, adding to their effect.
- Diabetes medicines: combined use could push blood sugar too low.
- Sedatives: large amounts might add to drowsiness.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: EMA does not recommend nettle because safety has not been established, and the same drug reference rates it likely unsafe in pregnancy because it might stimulate uterine contractions.
- Children and fluid limits: EMA says use under age 12 has not been established, and nettle is not for people told to limit fluids because of severe heart or kidney disease.
Diuretic herbs and potassium often come up together. Our potassium citrate guide explains why extra potassium is risky for people with kidney disease or on certain blood pressure medicines.
How to choose and check a nettle leaf tea
- Check the botanical name and part: look for Urtica dioica and whether the product is leaf, root or a blend.
- Tea or extract: capsules and liquid extracts are more concentrated than tea; the trials above mostly used extracts.
- Read blends carefully: diuretic or detox teas often combine nettle with other herbs that have their own cautions.
- Look for testing: herbs can carry contaminants; see our guide to third-party tested supplements.
- Skip disease promises: teas and supplements are not allowed to claim they relieve arthritis, allergies, diabetes or prostate problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are nettle tea benefits?
In the EU, nettle leaf is a traditional herbal medicine for flushing the urinary tract and minor joint pain, based on long-standing use. Small trials of extracts are preliminary.
Is nettle tea a diuretic?
It is traditionally used to increase urine flow, and EMA accepts that use based on tradition rather than trials. People told to limit fluids or taking lithium should ask a doctor first.
What are nettle tea side effects?
Mild stomach upset, such as nausea or diarrhea, and skin reactions such as itching or hives. Fresh stinging nettle causes a painful rash on contact.
Can I drink nettle tea while pregnant?
EMA does not recommend nettle during pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been established. Ask your obstetric provider about any herbal tea.
Does nettle tea interact with medications?
It may affect lithium, warfarin, blood pressure medicines, diabetes medicines and sedatives. Ask your pharmacist before combining them.
Is stinging nettle leaf the same as nettle root?
No. Tea is usually made from the leaf, while root extracts are sold for urinary symptoms in men and were studied separately.
Questions about a label? Contact us or read our Buyer’s Guide. Follow the label and ask a healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you take medicines or are pregnant. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Last reviewed October 2026.
Related guides: Dandelion Root Benefits: What the Evidence Shows, Tea, Side Effects and Interactions, Water Pills: How OTC Diuretics With Pamabrom or Caffeine Work, and Who Should Avoid Them, Saw Palmetto: Benefits, Side Effects and Hair Loss Evidence.