Botanical Overview
Urtica dioica (semen), commonly referred to as nettle seed, belongs to the family Urticaceae. The seed is the primary part used medicinally. It is native across Europe, Asia, and North America where it grows commonly in temperate zones.
Energetics
Urtica dioica seed is considered to have a cooling temperature and moistening quality. Its taste is primarily bitter and salty, and it is tonifying with effects on blood and fluid regulation.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Diuretic
- Demulcent
- Nutritive
Indications
Western
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms
- Urinary difficulty
- Inflammation
- Allergic rhinitis
Syndromes
- Benign prostatic hypertrophy
- Chronic inflammation
TCM
No well-documented indications for seed form.
Ayurveda
No specific recorded seed indications.
Unani
No specific recorded seed indications.
Constituents & Mechanisms
The seed contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, lectins, fatty acids, as well as phytosterols such as stigmasterol and β-sitosterol, contributing to its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion of 1–2 g seed in 150 mL water, taken 1–2 times daily
- Powdered seed 1–3 g daily
- Tincture (1:5 in 40% ethanol) 2–5 mL 1–3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe when used appropriately, though mild gastrointestinal reactions may occur. Caution is advised in pregnancy and lactation due to limited data. Avoid in individuals allergic to nettle. Interactions with antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and diuretic medications require monitoring.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliably sourced planetary or elemental rulers identified for the seed of Urtica dioica.
Selected References
- Community herbal monograph on Urtica dioica L., folium – European Medicines Agency, 2014
- Phytochemical and pharmacological overview of Urtica dioica – Kavalali et al., PubMed, 2018
- Nettle Seed – Drugs.com Herbal Database