Nettle

Buy Nettle: Nettle Leaf and Extract as a Supplement

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is one of the best-known native herbs in the Netherlands. The plant is especially known for the fine stinging hairs on its leaves and stems, but has traditionally also been used as a tea and as a dietary supplement. In supplement form, it usually consists of nettle leaf, which is processed into powder, capsules, or a concentrated extract.

In this range, you will find nettle as a dietary supplement in capsule form. The collection includes Vit4ever Organic Nettle Extract 10:1: an organic extract made from nettle leaf with a 10:1 concentration, supplied in a pack of 240 capsules. Below, you will read what nettle is exactly, which plant parts are used, what forms are available, and what to look for when buying.

What is nettle?

Nettle is a perennial plant from the nettles family (Urticaceae). The common nettle, Urtica dioica, grows in nutrient-rich soil and can be found along ditches, forest edges, and in gardens. The plant can grow to over a meter tall and has serrated, heart-shaped leaves. The characteristic stinging sensation upon contact is caused by the stinging hairs, which lose their effect when processed into tea, powder, or extract.

What is nettle naturally found in?

Nettle is a wild plant that is naturally common in the Netherlands and the rest of Europe. The common nettle is found mainly in nutrient-rich, nitrogen-rich soil along ditches, forest edges, in roadsides, and in gardens. As a supplement, it consists of the harvested plant material itself: the nettle leaf is dried and processed into powder, tea, or extract. Nettle is therefore not obtained from another food source, but directly from the plant.

Which plant parts are used?

Various plant parts are used in nettle, each with its own tradition. The nettle leaf (folia) is the most commonly used part and forms the basis of most leaf powders, teas, and extracts. In addition, there are products based on the nettle root (radix) and the nettle seed. The supplements in this collection are made from nettle leaf.

Forms and variants

Nettle is available in various forms. Loose leaf powder and tea are the traditional forms; you can make an infusion from them or stir the powder into water or smoothies. Capsules and tablets are convenient to use and easy to dose. An extract is a concentrated form: with a 10:1 extract, approximately ten kilos of plant material are processed into one kilo of extract, allowing you to take in a compact amount per capsule.

Organic Nettle Extract 10:1

Vit4ever Organic Nettle Extract 10:1 is made from organically grown nettle leaf. The 10:1 designation refers to the concentration ratio of the extract compared to the starting material. The product is certified organic and is supplied in capsule form, making it easy to maintain a fixed daily amount. Check the packaging to see if the extract is free from additives, as per your preference.

Dosage and use

The amount of nettle you take depends on the form and concentration of the product. Leaf powder and tea are generally dosed more generously than a concentrated extract, with a 10:1 extract requiring a smaller amount. Preferably take capsules with plenty of water. Always follow the directions for use on the packaging for the correct daily amount and do not exceed the recommended dosage.

When do you take nettle?

There is no fixed time when you should take nettle; it is mainly a matter of what best fits into your daily routine. Many people take capsules with a meal and plenty of water, so they can easily remember it. If you choose tea or leaf powder, you can decide on a time of day that suits you. Follow the directions on the packaging for the recommended time of intake and dosage.

Who is nettle interesting for?

Nettle has traditionally been used by people looking for a plant-based herbal supplement who appreciate the tradition surrounding this native plant. Because nettle is a botanical source, you usually choose a form that suits your routine: loose powder or tea for those who like to dose themselves, or capsules for convenience. Do you use medication, are you pregnant, or are you breastfeeding? Then consult your GP or pharmacist before using a herbal supplement.

What to look for when buying nettle?

When purchasing, pay attention to the plant part used (leaf, root, or seed). Also look at the concentration: an extract with a ratio such as 10:1 is more highly concentrated than pure leaf powder. An organic certification mark indicates that the nettle was grown according to the rules of organic farming. Also check the ingredients list for any fillers and processing aids, and whether the product is suitable for a vegan or vegetarian diet.

Frequently asked questions about nettle

What is the difference between nettle leaf and nettle root? The leaf and the root are different plant parts, each with its own composition. Most leaf powders and extracts, such as the product in this collection, are made from nettle leaf.

Can you also use nettle as a tea? Yes, dried nettle leaf has traditionally been brewed as an herbal tea. A capsule or extract is a concentrated variant that you can take without brewing.

What does a 10:1 extract mean? This is a concentration ratio: approximately ten times as much plant material is used as extract produced. As a result, a 10:1 extract contains more concentrated plant material per unit of weight than unprocessed leaf powder.

Also view our other collections Herbs & Plants and Vit4ever for more plant-based supplements and herbs.