Evidence supporting the use of: Nettle (unspecified)
For the health condition: Hair (loss or thinning)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Nettle (Urtica dioica), commonly known as stinging nettle, has a long history of traditional use for supporting hair health, particularly in addressing hair loss or thinning. In European folk medicine, nettle leaf and root have been used both topically (as rinses and tonics) and orally to promote hair growth and reduce hair fall. The rationale stems from nettle’s rich content of vitamins (such as A, C, and K), minerals (iron, silica), and purported anti-inflammatory properties. Traditional herbalists believed these nutrients could support scalp health and nourish hair follicles.
However, scientific validation for nettle’s efficacy in treating hair loss is limited. A small number of laboratory and animal studies suggest that nettle extracts may have anti-inflammatory and 5α-reductase inhibiting properties, theoretically supporting hair retention, especially in androgenetic alopecia. Some modern hair products and supplements include nettle based on these traditional claims and preliminary findings. Nevertheless, robust clinical trials in humans demonstrating clear benefit for hair loss or thinning are lacking. Thus, while nettle is widely used in traditional and commercial preparations for hair support, current scientific evidence is minimal and does not strongly substantiate its effectiveness for this specific indication.
More about Nettle (unspecified)
More about Hair (loss or thinning)
Other ingredients used for Hair (loss or thinning)
alfalfaamino acids
apricot
ashwagandha
biotin
black garlic
bovine gelatin
rice
burdock
collagen
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fish protein
flavonols
gelatin
ginseng
gooseberry
gotu kola
onion
green tea
iron
l-cystine
l-methionine
licorice root
moringa
nettle
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
omega-3 fatty acids
PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
pollen
protein
quail egg
quercetin
reishi mushroom
selenium
silicon
spinach
spirulina
almond fruit
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
zinc
bee pollen
dioscorea
ganoderma
morinda
royal jelly
trace minerals
fulvic acid
algae
thyroid substance
Argan nut oil
Animal protein
Black Seed
Babchi
Beef liver
Ba Ji Tian
Borassus aethiopum
coconut oil
Chlorophytum
Cystine
DL-Methionine
Epidermal Growth Factor
Egg
Eugenol
Fo-Ti
Fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
silica
walnut
Other health conditions supported by Nettle (unspecified)
ArthritisBenign Prostate Hyperplasia
Bladder Infection
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Cough (general)
Diabetes
Edema
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hemorrhoids
Hypertension
Inflammation
Kidney Stones
Liver Detoxification
Menopause
Pain (general remedies for)
Prostatitis
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores