Urtica dioica L. (Stinging Nettle / Common Nettle) — Powder

Urtica dioica L. (Stinging Nettle / Common Nettle)

Product Name: Крапива двудомная, Urtica dioica, Große Brennnessel, Ortiga mayor, Grande ortie, القراص الكبير, ป่านหูช้าง

Synonyms: Крапива жгучая, крапива обыкновенная, крапива, nettle, stinging nettle, Brennnessel, Nesselkraut, ortiga, ortiga común, ortie, grande ortie, القريص، نبات القراص، الحريق, ป่านช้าง, หญ้าช้าง, ผักหูช้าง

Main Indications for Use of Urtica dioica: Iron-deficiency anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, benign prostatic hyperplasia, osteoarthritis, chronic gastritis, metabolic syndrome, secondary hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, exogenous hypercholesterolemia, vitamin C deficiency, contact dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, chronic urticaria, dysmenorrhea, postpartum hemorrhage, ulcerative colitis.

Use of Urtica dioica in Mixtures and Complexes: Essential arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, postmenopausal osteoporosis, chronic pyelonephritis, bacterial cystitis, recurrent candidal infection, irritable bowel syndrome, skin abscesses, oral herpes, chronic bronchitis, dermatomycoses, seborrheic dermatitis, androgenetic alopecia, chronic fatigue syndrome.

Pharmacological Properties of Urtica dioica: hematopoietic, hemostatic, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, diuretic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, analgesic, antitumor, antiandrogenic, wound-healing, expectorant, antiallergic, hepatoprotective.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Urtica dioica L.

Powder — Urtica dioica L.

Indications (Powder): Iron-deficiency anemia, benign prostatic hyperplasia, osteoarthritis, chronic gastritis, exogenous hypercholesterolemia, contact dermatitis, chronic urticaria, dysmenorrhea.

Standard Dosage (Powder): 2 g of powder twice daily, 15 minutes before meals, washed down with warm water or chamomile decoction. Course — 20 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 3 g of powder 3 times a day for pronounced manifestations of iron-deficiency anemia, prostatic hyperplasia, or heavy menstrual bleeding. Course — 14 days followed by a dose reduction.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): No more than 12 g per day for no more than 7 days. Used for acute forms of dysmenorrhea or massive blood loss under specialist supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 1 g of powder once daily in the morning, for 30 days, the course repeated every 3 months. Recommended for patients with chronic forms of gastritis, mild anemia, women in premenopause, and individuals with vegetative-vascular disorders.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): From 8 years of age, with a body weight of at least 25 kg — 0.5 g of powder once daily after meals. Used for hypovitaminosis and mild forms of anemia. For children under 8 years of age, the form is not recommended.

Contraindications (Powder): Thrombophlebitis, thromboembolic conditions, hypercoagulation, acute forms of nephritis. No reliable data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in childhood under 8 years of age have been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Powder): In case of overdose, nausea, increased sweating, a feeling of heat, paresthesia in the extremities, and sleep disturbance are possible. These effects were reversible upon discontinuation of the preparation.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Powder): For body weight less than 60 kg — a 25% dosage reduction is recommended. For body weight over 90 kg — a dose increase up to 3.5 g per dose is permissible in enhanced regimens, under specialist supervision.

Preparation Method (Powder): Raw material: dried and sifted leaves of stinging nettle — 100 g.

• Leaves are collected in dry weather during the flowering phase.
• The raw material is dried in the shade at a temperature up to 40 °C until brittle.
• The dried leaves are ground in a porcelain mortar or using a mill to a powder-like state.
• Sifting through a 0.25 mm sieve.
• Stored in an airtight glass container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store in a tightly closed container, in a dark, dry place at a temperature of 10 to 25 °C. Avoid exposure to direct light and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — up to 1 year. After opening the package, use within 30 days.

Dry Extract — Urtica dioica L.

Indications (Dry Extract): Iron-deficiency anemia, osteoarthritis, chronic gastritis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, hyperuricemia, allergic rhinitis, irritable bowel syndrome.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 250 mg of dry extract twice daily, 20 minutes before meals. Course — 21 days with a 7-day break.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 500 mg 3 times a day for chronic pain syndrome in osteoarthritis, exacerbation of prostatic hyperplasia, or pronounced hyperuricemia. Course — no more than 14 days.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): No more than 1800 mg per day, divided into 3 doses, for 5–7 days. Permissible for resistant forms of joint pain and severe allergic reactions (as part of complex therapy).

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 100–150 mg once daily in the morning for 30 days. Repeat 2–3 times a year. Indicated for patients with chronic forms of gastritis, rhinitis, and arthralgia in the cold season.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): From 10 years of age and body weight of at least 30 kg — 50–75 mg once daily after meals. Use under 10 years of age is not recommended due to the absence of a clinical base.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): Exacerbation period of nephritis, thrombophilia, pregnancy, lactation. For childhood under 10 years of age and persons with oncological diseases — contraindicated. The possibility of use during pregnancy and lactation has not been scientifically confirmed.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): In clinical practice, nausea, headache, a feeling of heat, and episodic allergic skin reactions have been described. All cases were reversible after discontinuation.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Dry Extract): For patients with body weight less than 60 kg — the initial dosage should be reduced to 70% of the standard. For weight over 90 kg — an increase up to 600 mg per dose is possible in an enhanced regimen under supervision.

Preparation Method (Dry Extract): Ingredients per 100 g: dry leaves of stinging nettle — 500 g; purified water — 2 liters; food-grade 70% ethanol — 500 ml.

• The crushed leaves are soaked in water for 2 hours at a temperature of 25 °C.
• The mixture is subjected to maceration with periodic stirring for 24 hours.
• Filtration, addition of ethanol, repeated infusion for 12 hours.
• Concentration in a water bath to 10–15% of the initial volume.
• Drying in a drying chamber at 45–50 °C to a powder-like state.
• Sifting, packaging into glass containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Store in an airtight dark glass container at a temperature of 15–25 °C in a dry place protected from direct light and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — up to 2 years. After opening, use within 40 days.

Alcohol-Based Tincture — Urtica dioica L.

Indications (Tincture): Benign prostatic hyperplasia, chronic gastritis, osteoarthritis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, exogenous hypercholesterolemia, skin inflammations, chronic rhinitis.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 15 drops (0.75 ml) twice daily, diluted in 50 ml of water, 20 minutes before meals. Course — 21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 25 drops 3 times a day for pronounced lipid metabolism disorders, inflammatory joint diseases, and prostatic hyperplasia. Course — no more than 10 days, then switch to the standard regimen.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): 30 drops 3 times a day for 5 days for exacerbation of arthralgia, pronounced vasomotor disorders, and severe forms of recurrent gastritis. Only under specialist supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 10 drops once daily, course — 14 days. Repeat 3–4 times a year. Indicated for men over 50 years of age, patients with vegetative disorders, a tendency to hypercholesterolemia, and women in premenopause.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): Contraindicated for children under 12 years of age. From 12 years: no more than 5 drops once daily, only in agreement with the attending physician.

Contraindications (Tincture): Alcoholism, liver diseases in the decompensation stage, epilepsy, pregnancy, lactation, childhood under 12 years of age. No reliable safety data in these groups have been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Tincture): In case of overdose, dizziness, palpitations, tremor, and sleep disturbances are possible. Isolated cases of urticaria and gastrointestinal irritation have been recorded.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Tincture): For body weight less than 60 kg — a 30% dosage reduction. For weight over 90 kg — a 20% increase is permissible with good tolerance.

Preparation Method (Tincture): Ingredients per 100 ml: dry crushed nettle leaves — 20 g; 70% ethanol — 100 ml.

• The raw material is placed in a glass container and poured with ethanol.
• Infuse in a dark place at room temperature for 10 days, shaking daily.
• At the end of the period, the tincture is filtered through a cotton-gauze filter.
• Poured into dark glass bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store in an airtight dark glass container at a temperature of 15 to 25 °C, away from sources of light and heat. Shelf life — up to 3 years. After opening, use within 90 days.

Oil Infusion — Urtica dioica L.

Indications (Oil Infusion): Contact dermatitis, chronic eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, skin itching, androgenetic alopecia, trophic ulcers, frostbite of degree I–II.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): Externally — 1–2 ml of oil infusion applied in a thin layer to affected skin areas twice daily. Course — up to 14 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): Up to 3 ml per treatment, 3 times a day, for pronounced inflammatory and allergic skin manifestations, exacerbations of seborrhea, or persistent skin itching. Course — no more than 10 days.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): 5 ml per day for extensive skin lesions (treatment area up to 30% of body surface). Permissible only in the absence of erosive or weeping processes, course — no more than 5 days.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): 1 ml once daily at night on dry skin of the face and scalp. Course — 21 days, repeat every 3 months. Recommended for patients with sensitive skin, seborrhea, seasonal alopecia, and couperose.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): From 6 years — 0.5 ml once daily externally in the presence of indications (dermatitis, scratching, insect bite). Use under 6 years of age is not recommended due to increased skin absorption.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): Weeping eczema, allergy to plant components or the base oil, acute pustular skin processes. Reliable data on safety during pregnancy and lactation are absent. Do not apply to mucous membranes.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): Local allergic reactions have been clinically recorded, in rare cases — hyperemia, burning sensation, skin peeling. Occur predominantly when the dose is exceeded.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Oil Infusion): Not required, as the form is applied externally. However, in persons with low body weight, it is recommended to limit the treatment area.

Preparation Method (Oil Infusion): Ingredients per 100 g of product: dry leaves of stinging nettle — 30 g; cold-pressed oil (olive or sesame) — 100 ml.

• The raw material is crushed and placed in a glass jar.
• Poured with oil and kept in a water bath at a temperature of 40 °C for 2 hours.
• Cooled, infused additionally for 7 days at room temperature in a dark place.
• Filtered through several layers of gauze and stored in a tightly closed container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): Store in a tightly closed dark glass container at a temperature of 10–20 °C. Do not allow sunlight and overheating. Shelf life — up to 6 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Vaginal Suppositories — Urtica dioica L.

Indications (Vaginal Suppositories): Dysmenorrhea, postpartum hemorrhage, chronic colpitis, atrophic vaginitis, cervical erosion, leukorrhea, vaginal inflammation of non-infectious etiology.

Standard Dosage (Vaginal Suppositories): 1 suppository (2 g) at night intravaginally, course — 7 days. If necessary, the course is repeated after 10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Vaginal Suppositories): 1 suppository twice daily (morning and evening) for pronounced bleeding or pronounced leukorrhea with an inflammatory component. Course — up to 5 days, then transition to the standard dosage.

Maximum Dosage (Vaginal Suppositories): 3 suppositories per day, short-term (up to 3 days) for intense postpartum hemorrhage or acute conditions. Use strictly under medical supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Vaginal Suppositories): 1 suppository every other day at night, course — 10 administrations. Recommended for women in premenopause, with a tendency to hypoestrogenic mucosal changes, after long-term antibiotic therapy, and during the recovery period after surgery.

Pediatric Dosage (Vaginal Suppositories): Contraindicated in pediatric practice. Use in persons under 18 years of age is not recommended due to the absence of an evidence base and standards.

Contraindications (Vaginal Suppositories): Pregnancy, malignant neoplasms of the reproductive system, allergy to suppository components. There are no scientific data on safety during breastfeeding and in adolescence.

Side Effects (Vaginal Suppositories): Cases of burning sensation, increased vaginal discharge, and mild contact hyperemia have been registered. All side effects disappeared after discontinuation of use.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Vaginal Suppositories): Not required. Efficacy and safety are not related to body weight.

Preparation Method (Vaginal Suppositories): Ingredients per 100 g of product: dry extract of stinging nettle — 10 g; cocoa butter (natural) — 90 g.

• Cocoa butter is melted in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 40 °C.
• The dry extract is gradually introduced into the melted butter, stirring constantly.
• The resulting mass is poured into vaginal molds with a volume of 2 g.
• The molds are cooled until completely solidified and removed.
• Packaged in foil or blisters.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Vaginal Suppositories): Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of +2…+8 °C, in individual packaging. Protect from light and heat. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening, use within 7 days.

Rectal Suppositories — Urtica dioica L.

Indications (Rectal Suppositories): Hemorrhoids, rectal fissures, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, inflammatory diseases of the rectum, chronic proctitis, intestinal bleeding of non-infectious origin.

Standard Dosage (Rectal Suppositories): 1 suppository (2 g) rectally at night, after cleansing the intestines. Course — 10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Rectal Suppositories): 1 suppository twice daily (morning and evening) for acute forms of hemorrhoids with bleeding or pronounced pain. Duration — up to 5 days, then switch to the standard regimen.

Maximum Dosage (Rectal Suppositories): 3 suppositories per day for acute thromboses of hemorrhoidal nodes or in case of massive blood loss against the background of erosive proctitis. Only under medical supervision. Course no more than 3 days.

Preventive Dosage (Rectal Suppositories): 1 suppository every 2 days at night, course — 10 administrations. Recommended for patients with chronic hemorrhoids, a tendency to intestinal bleeding, and in the postoperative period after proctological interventions.

Pediatric Dosage (Rectal Suppositories): From 10 years of age and body weight of at least 30 kg — 0.5 suppository (1 g) once daily. Used for chronic anal fissures or minor proctitis. Under 10 years — contraindicated.

Contraindications (Rectal Suppositories): Acute purulent paraproctitis, rectal tumors, pronounced spasm of the anal sphincter, individual sensitivity to components. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established.

Side Effects (Rectal Suppositories): Rare cases of burning sensation in the anal area, increased peristalsis, and false urges to defecate. All symptoms are reversible upon discontinuation of use.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Rectal Suppositories): For body weight less than 60 kg, a dose reduction to 1 g is recommended. For body weight over 90 kg with pronounced symptoms, an extension of the course to 14 days at the standard dosage is permissible.

Preparation Method (Rectal Suppositories): Ingredients per 100 g of product: dry extract of stinging nettle — 10 g; natural cocoa butter — 90 g.

• The butter is melted at a temperature of 38–40 °C.
• The extract is introduced with constant stirring.
• The homogeneous mass is poured into rectal molds (2 g).
• The molds are cooled until completely solidified.
• The suppositories are packaged in foil or blisters.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Rectal Suppositories): Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of +2 to +8 °C. Do not freeze. Protect from sunlight. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening the package, use within 5 days.

Nasal Drops — Urtica dioica L.

Indications (Nasal Drops): Allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, acute and chronic rhinitis of non-infectious nature, atrophic rhinitis, hypersecretion of nasal mucus, nasal congestion.

Standard Dosage (Nasal Drops): 2 drops into each nostril 3 times a day. Course — 7 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Nasal Drops): 3 drops into each nostril 4 times a day for a pronounced allergic or vasomotor component. Course — up to 5 days, then transition to the standard dosage.

Maximum Dosage (Nasal Drops): 4 drops into each nostril up to 5 times a day. Use no more than 3 consecutive days for severe congestion and abundant secretion. Then a break is necessary.

Preventive Dosage (Nasal Drops): 1 drop into each nostril once daily in the morning. Course — 14 days. Repeat once every 2 months during the period of seasonal exacerbation of allergic conditions. Recommended for patients with pollinosis, seasonal rhinitis, and after nasal sinus surgery.

Pediatric Dosage (Nasal Drops): From 5 years — 1 drop into each nostril 1–2 times a day. Used for non-infectious rhinitis and mucosal hyperreactivity. Under 5 years, the form is contraindicated.

Contraindications (Nasal Drops): Individual intolerance, nasal polyposis, a history of nasal bleeding, pregnancy (not recommended due to lack of data). Safety during lactation and in children under 5 years of age has not been established.

Side Effects (Nasal Drops): Mild burning in the nose, mucosal dryness, a feeling of soreness in the throat. Rarely — reflex sneezing and itching. Do not require discontinuation, disappear on their own.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Nasal Drops): Not required. Dose adjustment by body weight is not applied in nasal forms.

Preparation Method (Nasal Drops): Ingredients per 100 ml: dry extract of stinging nettle — 5 g; distilled water — 90 ml; vegetable glycerin — 5 ml.

• The dry extract is dissolved in distilled water heated to 40 °C.
• The mixture is thoroughly stirred until complete dissolution.
• Glycerin is added, the solution is stabilized.
• The solution is filtered through a sterile 0.2 μm filter.
• Poured into sterile dispenser bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Nasal Drops): Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of +2 to +8 °C. Protect from light. Shelf life — up to 30 days. After opening the bottle, use within 7 days.

Ear Drops — Urtica dioica L.

Indications (Ear Drops): Inflammation of the external ear (external otitis), eczema of the auditory canal, otohematoma, itching in the auditory canal, dry skin of the auricle, dermatoses of the external ear.

Standard Dosage (Ear Drops): 2 drops into each auditory canal twice daily. Course — 5–7 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Ear Drops): 3 drops 3 times a day for pronounced inflammation or itching accompanied by peeling or microerosions. Course — up to 4 days, then switch to the standard regimen.

Maximum Dosage (Ear Drops): 4 drops up to 4 times a day for extensive lesions of the auditory canal skin. Permissible no more than 3 consecutive days. Use only in the absence of perforation of the eardrum.

Preventive Dosage (Ear Drops): 1 drop into each auditory canal once daily for 5 days, the course repeated once a month. Indicated for patients with chronic dermatoses, atopy, and after water procedures in children and the elderly.

Pediatric Dosage (Ear Drops): From 6 years — 1 drop into each auditory canal once daily for external forms of inflammation or itching. Under 6 years, not used.

Contraindications (Ear Drops): Perforation of the eardrum, purulent otitis, allergy to components. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established; if necessary, short-term external use under medical supervision is permissible.

Side Effects (Ear Drops): Sensations of mild itching and tingling in the first minutes after instillation have been registered. In rare cases — contact dermatitis, hyperemia of the auditory canal.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Ear Drops): Not required. The volume of the instilled preparation does not depend on body weight.

Preparation Method (Ear Drops): Ingredients per 100 ml: oil infusion of stinging nettle — 70 ml; jojoba oil — 20 ml; natural vitamin E — 10 ml.

• The oil infusion is pre-strained through a sterile gauze filter.
• Mixed with jojoba oil and vitamin E.
• The mixture is homogenized at a temperature not exceeding 30 °C.
• Poured into dark glass dropper bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ear Drops): Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of +2 to +8 °C. Protect from light and heat. Shelf life — up to 3 months. After opening, use within 14 days.

Ointment — Urtica dioica L.

Indications (Ointment): Trophic ulcers, dermatitis, eczema, urticaria, psoriasis, local first-degree burns, infiltrates after injections, insect bites, exacerbation of chronic skin itching.

Standard Dosage (Ointment): Externally — apply in a thin layer twice daily to affected skin areas. Course — up to 10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): 3 times a day with an increase in dose up to 2 g per treatment. Used for a pronounced inflammatory component, peeling, itchy plaques, or extensive areas of skin manifestations. Course — no more than 7 days.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): Up to 8 g per day, provided it is applied to no more than 20% of the body surface area. Course — up to 5 days under medical supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): Once daily (up to 1 g) on local areas of increased dryness or irritation. Course — 10 days, repeat once a month in the off-season. Recommended for patients with chronic forms of dermatosis, eczema, and atopy.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): From 3 years — no more than 0.5 g once daily for mild forms of dermatitis, skin irritation, and insect bites. Under 3 years, the form is not recommended.

Contraindications (Ointment): Acute purulent skin lesions, individual intolerance. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been confirmed. Do not use on mucous membranes and open wounds.

Side Effects (Ointment): Rarely: hyperemia, feeling of warmth, local itching. These reactions were registered predominantly with individual sensitivity.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Ointment): No adjustment is required for external use. In persons with body weight less than 40 kg, it is recommended to limit the area of simultaneous treatment to 10%.

Preparation Method (Ointment): Ingredients per 100 g: dry extract of stinging nettle — 10 g; beeswax — 20 g; unrefined sesame oil — 70 g.

• The wax is melted in a water bath to 60 °C.
• The oil is introduced and stirred until homogeneous.
• Cooled to 40 °C, the dry extract is introduced with constant stirring.
• The finished mass is packaged into tubes or glass jars.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment): Store in a cool place (8–15 °C) in a tightly closed dark glass or metallized tube container. Protect from light and heating. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Cream — Urtica dioica L.

Indications (Cream): Dry skin, irritation after shaving, atopic dermatitis in the remission stage, prevention of age-related skin changes, skin hypersensitivity to weather factors, recovery after peeling or laser procedures.

Standard Dosage (Cream): Apply in a thin layer to cleansed facial or body skin 1–2 times a day. Course — 14 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream): Up to 3 times a day for pronounced dry skin, redness, or a feeling of tightness, especially in the area of the cheeks, nose, forehead, and neck. Course — up to 7 days, then transition to the standard regimen.

Maximum Dosage (Cream): Up to 4 applications per day of 2 ml per application, for restorative therapy after cosmetic interventions (laser resurfacing, deep peeling). No more than 3 consecutive days.

Preventive Dosage (Cream): Once daily in the evening on areas prone to dryness and photoaging. Course — 21 days, repeat once a season. Recommended for patients with sensitive skin prone to peeling, and during periods of hormonal changes.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream): From 2 years — once daily (0.5 ml) on limited skin areas for mild forms of irritation or peeling. Under 2 years — not recommended due to the risk of sensitization.

Contraindications (Cream): Individual intolerance. Do not apply to weeping areas or in the acute stage of skin infection. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established; external use on limited areas is permissible.

Side Effects (Cream): Rarely: mild tingling, feeling of tightness, isolated cases of allergic dermatitis. Occur, as a rule, with intolerance to additional components.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Cream): Not required. It is important to consider the application area, not body weight.

Preparation Method (Cream): Ingredients per 100 g: aqueous extract of stinging nettle — 30 ml; unrefined shea butter — 20 g; plant-derived emulsifier (cetyl alcohol) — 5 g; purified water — 45 ml.

• The emulsifier is dissolved in the oil and heated to 60 °C.
• The aqueous phase (extract + water) is heated to 60 °C.
• The aqueous phase is slowly poured into the oil phase with intensive stirring.
• Cooled to 30 °C with continuous emulsification.
• Packaged into tubes or frosted glass jars.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cream): Store at a temperature of +4 to +10 °C in a tightly closed container, away from light and heating. Shelf life — up to 3 months. After opening, use within 21 days.

Serum — Urtica dioica L.

Indications (Serum): Reduction of the severity of vascular network (couperose), restoration of sensitive skin, photoaging, pigmentation, inflammatory skin elements, seborrheic skin, prevention of age-related changes.

Standard Dosage (Serum): 2–3 drops on the face and neck area once daily (in the evening) after cleansing the skin and before applying cream. Course — 28 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Serum): 3–4 drops twice daily — morning and evening, for active inflammations, pronounced vascular dysfunction, or age-related hyperpigmentation. Course — up to 14 days, then continuation in the standard regimen.

Maximum Dosage (Serum): Up to 5 drops twice daily on areas with pronounced symptoms (nasolabial folds, forehead, nose). No more than 7 consecutive days, with transition to the basic regimen. Only with individual tolerance.

Preventive Dosage (Serum): 1–2 drops once daily, at night, for 21 days. Repeat the course monthly for stressed skin, in conditions of heat, cold, or active insolation. Recommended for women 30+, patients with seborrheic skin type and a tendency to telangiectasias.

Pediatric Dosage (Serum): Not used in pediatric practice. Contraindicated under 18 years of age.

Contraindications (Serum): Pustular eruptions, deep open inflammations, individual hypersensitivity. Do not use during pregnancy and lactation — safety data are absent.

Side Effects (Serum): Tingling sensations, short-term burning, and isolated cases of allergic rash are possible. Discontinuation of use eliminates all symptoms.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Serum): Not required. The volume of application is determined exclusively by the area of exposure, not body weight.

Preparation Method (Serum): Ingredients per 100 ml: aqueous extract of stinging nettle — 70 ml; chamomile hydrolate — 20 ml; natural stabilizer (xanthan gum) — 0.3 g; vitamin B3 (niacinamide) of natural origin — 1 g; vegetable glycerin — 8.7 ml.

• Mix the aqueous extract and hydrolate, heat to 35 °C.
• Introduce glycerin with pre-dissolved niacinamide.
• Gradually add xanthan gum with intensive stirring until a gel is formed.
• The solution is filtered and poured into bottles with a pipette dispenser.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Serum): Store at a temperature of +4 to +8 °C in a tightly closed dark glass bottle. Avoid exposure to light and heat. Shelf life — 60 days. After opening, use within 14 days.

Essential Oil — Urtica dioica L.

Indications (Essential Oil): Seborrheic dermatitis, scalp itching, skin irritation, stress-induced skin reactions, tension headaches, muscle tension, anxiety, sleep disorders.

Standard Dosage (Essential Oil): Externally: 1–2 drops diluted in 10 ml of base oil (almond, grapeseed), apply to the scalp or rub into the temporal area once daily. Aromatherapy: 3 drops per aroma lamp for 30 minutes. Course — 10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Essential Oil): Up to 4 drops per aroma lamp, up to 3 times a day for pronounced nervous tension, anxiety, or muscle-type headache. Externally — no more than 5 drops in 20 ml of base oil. Course — no more than 5 days.

Maximum Dosage (Essential Oil): 6 drops per day with combined use (externally and in an aroma lamp). No more than 3 consecutive days. Mandatory dilution before application to the skin.

Preventive Dosage (Essential Oil): 1 drop on an aroma pendant or 1 drop diluted in 5 ml of cream, for local application once every 3 days. Course — 3 weeks. Indicated for a tendency to dermatoses, during periods of climatic stress, and for vegetative dysfunction.

Pediatric Dosage (Essential Oil): Not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age. From 12 years — 1 drop in 20 ml of base oil externally no more than once daily for skin itching or insect bite. Aromatherapy — 1 drop per 50 ml of water.

Contraindications (Essential Oil): Pregnancy, epilepsy, individual intolerance, airway hyperreactivity. Do not apply undiluted to the skin and mucous membranes. Data on safety during lactation are absent.

Side Effects (Essential Oil): Contact dermatitis, burning, lacrimation, increased headache in case of overdose. Symptoms regress upon discontinuation of use.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Essential Oil): Not required. Essential oils are used based on the volume of the medium (carrier oil, water), not body weight.

Preparation Method (Essential Oil): Ingredients per 100 ml: dry leaves of stinging nettle — 1 kg; distilled water — 10 liters.

• The leaves are placed in a distiller with water.
• Steam distillation is carried out at a temperature of 98–100 °C for 3 hours.
• The essential oil is collected in a trap and separated from the hydrolate.
• The oil is filtered and poured into sterile dark bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Essential Oil): Store in airtight dark glass bottles at a temperature of +4 to +10 °C. Do not expose to light, heat, and EMI. Shelf life — 12 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Urtica dioica L.

Studies on the toxicity of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) show a high biosafety profile when used both in traditional phytotherapy and in standardized pharmaceutical forms. Experimental data on animals confirm that plant extracts have extremely low acute toxicity.

The LD50 value of the aqueous extract of stinging nettle in rats is more than 5000 mg/kg body weight with oral administration, which classifies the substance as practically non-toxic (class V according to the OECD classification). No signs of organ toxicity were detected with prolonged use at doses up to 2000 mg/kg/day for 28 days. No mutagenic, embryotoxic, or carcinogenic action has been established in standard test systems.

Studies in humans demonstrate good tolerance of nettle even with prolonged course use. The main limitations concern individual sensitivity and the presence of conditions in which the stimulating effect of the plant on the hemostasis system may be undesirable.

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go... – Riehemann K. et al. (1999) "Anti-inflammatory properties of Urtica dioica extract in vivo and in vitro"

Pharmacodynamics — Urtica dioica L.

Standard extracts and infusions of stinging nettle exhibit pronounced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity due to a wide spectrum of biologically active substances, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, phytosterols, and lectins. They inhibit the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators, reduce the activity of the enzyme systems cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX), and suppress the NF-κB and MAPK cascades, which leads to a decrease in the production of cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α). In addition, nettle has an antioxidant effect — it improves the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase, reduces the level of reactive oxygen species, providing protection of cell membranes and mitochondria. Additionally, extracts of U. dioica demonstrate modulation of the immune system through action on macrophages and neutrophils, as well as the nervous system — they have a sedative effect indirectly through influence on neuropeptides. Systemic action is observed with oral administration, local — with external application. The effects are realized through interaction with enzyme and receptor systems at the cellular level.

Pharmacokinetics — Urtica dioica L.

After oral administration, biologically active compounds, predominantly flavonoids and phenolcarboxylic acids, are absorbed through the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. They undergo metabolism in the liver (glucuronidation, sulfation) and are distributed in the systemic bloodstream, with possible accumulation in the liver, kidneys, and skin.

With transdermal or local application, flavonoids and phenolic components penetrate the dermis and epidermis, providing local antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Through mucous membranes (rectal, vaginal, nasal forms), absorption occurs directly into the capillary network of the mucosa, bypassing significant metabolic inactivation. Excretion of metabolites occurs mainly by the liver and kidneys, with excretion through urine and bile. With inhalation or external essential forms, partial excretion through the lungs and skin is possible.

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Urtica dioica L.

The phytochemical profile of nettle includes flavonoids (quercetin, rutin), phenolic acids, and lectins, which have the ability to modulate enzyme and receptor pathways. These compounds inhibit COX-2 and LOX, which leads to a decrease in the level of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, guaranteeing an anti-inflammatory effect. Flavonoids stimulate the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase) and protect mitochondrial function, strengthening cellular protection against oxidative stress pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15researchgate.net+15mdpi.com+15.

Some lectins from the roots interact with the NF-κB and JAK/STAT signaling cascades, modulating the immune response, reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of immune activation. Additionally, ligands have been discovered that influence receptor systems (e.g., H1-histamine receptors — confirmation of activity in rhinitis models), providing a soothing effect on mucous membranes and skin inflammations. Thus, the mechanisms of action of nettle combine anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects through interaction at the level of enzyme and receptor systems.

Synergy — Urtica dioica L.

The high concentration of flavonoids and phenolic acids in nettle ensures effective interaction with other plant extracts. In particular, when combined with extracts of Altai chamomile or calendula, an additive enhancement of anti-inflammatory and wound-healing action on the skin is observed — enhanced inhibition of COX-2 and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes have been noted. With combined use with hypocholesterolemic plants (artichoke, garlic), potentiation of the hypolipidemic effect has been revealed: nettle enhances antioxidant protection and regulates lipid metabolism — the overall systemic effectiveness is strengthened.

A synergistic effect with other antiallergic substances (e.g., with stinging nettle and phenolic extracts of berries) has also been noted: the combinations showed an enhanced effect on H1 receptors and a decrease in the secretion of mediators, which is confirmed by data from in silico and in vivo model studies.

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Urtica dioica L.

Stinging nettle was traditionally used in the folk medicine of almost all regions of the temperate climate of the Northern Hemisphere, including Eastern and Western Europe, Northern Asia, Asia Minor, the Caucasus, the Middle East, India, China, Japan, Korea, Canada, and a significant part of the United States. It is firmly rooted in the ethnomedical systems of Germanic, Slavic, Baltic, Celtic, and Romance peoples, as well as in Tibetan, Persian, and Indian Ayurvedic traditions. In herbals and medical manuscripts of Medieval Europe, nettle was mentioned as a plant with a hot and drying nature, capable of "driving out mucus," "strengthening the blood," and "cleansing black bile." Written evidence of the use of the plant dates back to no later than the 1st century AD, including the works of Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder.

In Slavic folk healing, nettle was used in the form of infusions and decoctions, juices, and poultices — both internally and externally. It was used in rites of spring purification, in wreaths and bunches for solstice holidays, as a symbol of vital force and protection from evil spirits. In Polesie and the Russian North, nettle branches were placed at the head of infants as a protective element, and also burned in huts in rituals of purification and expelling diseases. In the Carpathian and Balkan tradition, nettle was used in the form of washes and wraps in bath practices to "remove disease from the joints." In Armenia and Iran, the juice of fresh nettle was applied to the skin and applied to areas of bites, bruises, and tumors, considering the plant "fiery" and cleansing.

In Tibetan medicine, nettle was part of mixtures for strengthening the fire of digestion and "calming the wind," used in the form of decoctions, dry powder, inhalation of vapors, and in some cases — as part of smoking mixtures for fumigating premises. In the Indian Ayurvedic tradition, Urtica dioica was considered a plant of bitter and astringent taste with a cooling aftertaste, used for cleansing "channels" and as part of oils for head massage.

On the British Isles and in Scandinavian countries, there were practices of using nettle in the form of cut fresh leaves applied to the skin as an element of "fire bloodletting." In the German folklore tradition, the plant was associated with Mars and was used in mixtures for blood purification and strengthening the will. In the rituals of Western European folk Christianity, nettle was brought into homes on the days of the spring solstice as a symbol of renewal and expulsion of diseases.

In the Chinese province of Yunnan, its decoctions were used by the folk Hani and Miao in combination with other local herbs, mainly for cleansing the body and supporting "inner balance." In Japan, nettle had limited use — mainly as a steam poultice or additive in wraps for local procedures.

Thus, stinging nettle represents one of the most universal taxa in the ethnomedicine of the temperate climate, possessing deep historical and cultural significance and many forms of folk use, including medical, ritual, and protective practices.