Stinging Nettle Root
Modulates SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) — making more free testosterone bioavailable. Also a moderate prostate herb (often combined with saw palmetto).
Moderate for BPH urinary symptoms, free testosterone elevation via SHBG binding. Effects: 4–12 weeks.
Make it part of your plan
Reference dose
120–360 mg/day standardised extract, or 4–6 g/day root.
Choose a stack first, or enter your own amount here. Reference information is not a personal prescription.
Urtica dioica root (distinct from the leaf, which has different uses) contains lignans and lectins that bind to SHBG, freeing testosterone from its carrier protein and increasing the bioavailable / free fraction. Used clinically in Germany for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — improves urinary symptoms comparable to mild medications. Often combined with saw palmetto for prostate stacks; on its own for men trying to free up bound testosterone.
- Form
- Standardised nettle root extract. Often combined with saw palmetto and pygeum in prostate formulas.
- Timing
- With food. Often split.
- Schedule
- Daily.
- Side effects
- Generally well-tolerated. Mild GI upset, allergic reactions rare.
- Interactions
- Antihypertensives — possible additive (mild diuretic effect). Diabetes medications — mild glucose effects. Lithium — diuretic effect can alter levels.
- Contraindications
- Pregnancy. Hormone-sensitive cancers (relative — hormonal modulation).
- Lab markers
- Total + free testosterone, SHBG. PSA, IPSS for BPH.
- Food sources
- Nettle leaf is edible (cooked / dried — raw nettle stings). The root is the medicinal part used in supplements.
Pairs with
Saw palmetto, pygeum, beta-sitosterol (prostate stack). Tongkat ali for men's hormone support combos.
Where to buy
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