Urticae radix

Nettle root, preparation made from the whole, cut or powdered rhizomes or roots of the species Urtica dioica or Urtica urens (small nettle).

Quality is defined in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.).

HMPC monograph: Traditional-use: complaints of the urinary tract in benign prostatic hyperplasia
ESCOP monograph: micturition complaints in benign prostatic hyperplasia stage I and II (according to Alken) or stage II and III (according to Vahlensieck), painful and frequent urination, nocturnal urge to urinate, urinary retention.
Commission E-Commission: micturition complaints in prostate adenoma stage I to II according to Alken

Empirical medicine: internally: as a blood-forming preparation and diuretic, for arthritis, joint and muscle rheumatism, promotion of wound healing, biliary tract diseases. External: care of scalp and hair.

Antiphlogistic, anticongestive, immunomodulating, antiexudative, anticongestive, increase in urine excretion, reduction in residual urine volume, inhibition of aromatase and 5 alpha-reductase

Tea preparation: Mix 1.5 g coarsely powdered drug with cold water, heat, boil for 1 minute, leave to infuse for 10 minutes, strain.

Occasionally: Gastrointestinal complaints.

Rarely itching, skin rash, hives.

Hypersensitivity to the active ingredients

^{in combination preparation e.g. Prostagutt® duo Kps.}

Ingredients: The roots contain lectins, phytosterols, lignans and polysaccharides, sterols (sterols), beta-sitosterol and -glucoside, coumarin, tannins, agglutinins, scopoletin, lectins.
in advance: Exclusion of prostate carcinoma.

A combination with saw palmetto fruit seems to have a positive effect.

1. Wenigmann M. (2017) Phytotherapy medicinal drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, application. Urban & Fischer, p. 89
2. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/brennnessel.php
3. https://www.awl.ch/heilpflanzen/urtica_dioica/brennessel.htm
4. Blaschek W (2015) Important tea drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. A handbook for practice. Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Munich. S 671-673
5. Chrubasik JE et al. (2007) A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles. Part II: urticae radix. Phytomedicine 14:568-579.
6. Loew D (2012) in Beer A M et al [eds] Leitfaden Naturheilverfahren für die ärztliche Praxis, Urban und Fischer Verlag p 183.