Evidence supporting the use of: Stinging Nettle
For the health condition: Dysmenorrhea
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) has been used in traditional herbal medicine for a variety of ailments, including as a remedy for menstrual discomfort such as dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). Historical use has centered around its anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic properties, with some cultures using nettle tea or extracts to help ease menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding. However, direct scientific studies specifically addressing stinging nettle’s efficacy for dysmenorrhea are limited. Most of the evidence comes from its general use in reducing inflammation and pain, as shown in studies related to arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. One small clinical trial did examine a multi-herb formula containing stinging nettle among other plants and found some benefit for menstrual pain, but the individual contribution of nettle was not isolated. Overall, while traditional use for menstrual pain exists, high-quality scientific evidence supporting nettle's role in treating dysmenorrhea is lacking. Most authoritative sources and reviews conclude that more research is needed to determine its effectiveness and safety for this specific condition.
Other ingredients used for Dysmenorrhea
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)black cohosh
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
fish oil
ginger
magnesium
motherwort
omega-3 fatty acids
parsley
passionflower
peppermint oil
phytocannabinoids
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
gastrodia
anise
peony
dioscorea
trichosanthes
shepherd's purse
Avens
Ambergris
Angelica
Achyranthes
Anamu
Albizia
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Anemone
Actaea spicata
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Arisaema
Blue Cohosh
Blepharis
Boswellia
Bethroot
Boerhavia diffusa
Cohosh
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Cyathula
Corydalis
Didymocarpus
Dong Quai
Erythropalum scandens
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Euphorbia
Pennyroyal
Poppy
Other health conditions supported by Stinging Nettle
Abdominal PainAllergies (respiratory)
Anemia
Arthritis
Asthma
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Bladder Infection
Bronchitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dysmenorrhea
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Edema
Endometriosis
Fatigue
Fever