Nettle
A common plant used for hay fever and joint comfort.
Benefits
- Traditionally for hay fever and joint comfort
- Mineral-rich
How it's used
- Teas, capsules and cooked greens
Cautions & interactions
- May interact with blood pressure, diuretic and diabetes medicines
- Fresh plant stings
Forms & sources
- Leaf and root
How to read the evidence for botanicals
"Traditionally used for" describes historical use — it is not the same as proven effectiveness. Most botanical products have laboratory or small-trial evidence at best, and few have the large clinical trials that medicines require. In the UK, a Traditional Herbal Registration (THR) mark means a product meets quality standards, not that it has been proven to work.
Before taking any botanical: tell your doctor or pharmacist — herb–drug interactions are common (St John's Wort alone interacts with contraceptives, antidepressants, anticoagulants and transplant medication). Avoid botanicals in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or alongside prescription medicines unless a clinician has confirmed it is safe.