Evidence supporting the use of: Nettle (unspecified)
For the health condition: Urinary Tract Infections

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Nettle (Urtica dioica), commonly referred to as stinging nettle, has a long history of traditional use in European and other herbal medicine systems for supporting urinary tract health, including the management of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Historically, nettle has been used as a diuretic—an agent that increases urine flow—which was believed to help "flush out" pathogens and irritants from the urinary tract. Herbal texts from the Middle Ages and folk remedies frequently cite nettle for urinary complaints, though these uses were based primarily on empirical experience rather than scientific investigation.

Modern scientific studies specifically evaluating nettle for the treatment or prevention of UTIs are limited. Most research on nettle has focused on its anti-inflammatory properties and its use in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), not on infectious conditions like UTIs. Some laboratory studies suggest nettle extracts have mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, but these findings have not been robustly translated into clinical research for UTIs. As such, nettle's use for UTIs is supported mainly by tradition, with limited and indirect scientific evidence.

In summary, while nettle is a traditional remedy for urinary tract issues, including UTIs, rigorous clinical evidence for its effectiveness in this specific context is lacking. Its use should not replace standard medical treatments for UTIs.

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