Educational information on traditional homeopathic use only. Not medical advice.
Urtica Urens is a homeopathic remedy made from the small stinging nettle. In homeopathic tradition it is linked with stinging, burning, itchy skin eruptions such as nettle-rash and hives, with minor burns and scalds, and with itchy reactions after shellfish. Its picture mirrors what happens when you brush against a nettle.
Urtica Urens quick facts
- Common name: small nettle, dwarf nettle, annual nettle.
- Source: the fresh stinging plant (Urtica urens), made into a tincture and then diluted and succussed.
- Potencies you will see: 6C and 30C in single-remedy pillules; the Heel single-remedy ampoule lists D12, D30 and D200; Guna and Heel combinations use D4 or X-type potencies.
- Who uses it: home-kit users following homeopathic tradition for itchy skin and minor burns, and practitioners.
Buy Urtica Injeel AmpoulesWeleda Combudoron OintmentCutis Compositum
What is Urtica Urens used for in homeopathy?
Traditionally it is associated with:
- Hives (urticaria) and nettle-rash: raised, itchy, stinging blotches.
- Burning and prickling skin that feels freshly nettled.
- Minor burns and scalds, a classic first-aid association.
- Itchy reactions after eating shellfish, such as prawns.
- Skin symptoms worse from cool, damp air and touch, with itching that returns in the same spots.
- Uric-acid type complaints and the flow of breast milk after childbirth, as listed in the Urtica Injeel product notes.
These are traditional descriptions and not claims that Urtica Urens treats any condition.
Where does Urtica Urens come from?
The small nettle is a common annual weed of gardens and waste ground across Europe. Its leaves are covered with fine hairs that release an irritant when touched, causing the familiar sting and raised weals. Nettle has long been a food and folk medicine plant. Homeopathy takes the fresh plant, prepares a tincture, and dilutes and succusses it, applying the like-with-like idea: a plant that raises weals is reached for weal-like eruptions.
Urtica Urens 30C vs 200C
- 6C and 30C: the strengths usually chosen for everyday, short-term use.
- 200C and above: usually chosen with a practitioner.
We do not claim any potency is stronger or more effective. At the time of writing we stock Urtica as a multi-potency single-remedy ampoule (D12, D30, D200) rather than as a 30C tablet.
Dosage as traditionally used (our products)
- Urtica Injeel Ampoules (1.1 ml): oral vials are taken by mouth, directly or in water. A general guideline is the contents of one ampoule 1-3 times weekly, more often in acute situations or as directed. Other methods of use, including injection (i.m., s.c., i.d., i.v.), are for trained individuals, e.g. practitioners.
- Weleda Combudoron Ointment (25 g): for adults and children aged 6 and over, first run the burn under cold water, then apply to the affected part directly or on a dry dressing. It contains extracts of Arnica and Urtica urens in a base that includes wool fat and beeswax.
- Weleda Insect Bites Spray (20 ml): shake, spray the affected area, let it dry and reapply as necessary. Contains ethanol (approx. 36%).
- Cutis Compositum tablets: adults and children above 6 years, 1 tablet sublingually 3 times daily; half dose for children up to 6. Ampoules: in acute disorders daily, otherwise 1 ampoule 3-1 times weekly.
Products that contain Urtica Urens
- Urtica Injeel Ampoules: the single remedy.
- Cutis Compositum: Urtica urens D4 among many ingredients, for skin conditions.
- Galium-Heel: a Heel combination whose ingredients include Urtica urens.
- Guna Allergy Prev Drops: includes Urtica urens 18X with Parietaria and pollen preparations.
- Weleda Combudoron Ointment and Weleda Insect Bites Spray: Urtica urens plus Arnica extracts, for minor burns and insect bites respectively. These are topicals, not potentised remedies.
How does Urtica Urens differ from similar remedies?
- Versus Cantharis: Cantharis is the intense, raw, burning picture, often for fiercer burns and cystitis-type burning; Urtica is the nettle-sting itch.
- Versus Apis: Apis is the puffy, hot, stinging swelling that feels better for cold; Urtica is more about the itchy weal.
- Versus Rhus tox: Rhus tox is the restless, blistery, itching eruption that is better for warmth.
Who should avoid it, and when to see a doctor
- Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, wheezing or faintness after eating or a sting is an emergency. Call for urgent help.
- Hives that last more than a few days, keep returning, or come with fever need a doctor.
- For burns, cool under running water first. Large, deep, blistering, facial or child burns need medical care.
- Shellfish or other allergic reactions should be managed by your doctor.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding? Ask your practitioner. Check labels for alcohol, lactose and wool fat if you are sensitive to them.
Frequently asked questions
What is Urtica Urens used for in homeopathy?
Traditionally for stinging, itchy, nettle-rash type skin, minor burns and scalds, and shellfish-linked itching. It is not a treatment for allergies.
What are the benefits of Urtica Urens?
We do not make benefit claims. It is traditionally reached for in the nettle-rash picture described above.
Is Urtica Urens the same as nettle tea or nettle extract?
No. It comes from the same plant, but the homeopathic remedy is a highly diluted preparation.
Can I use Urtica Urens for hives?
Urticaria is one of its classic traditional associations. Hives should be assessed by a doctor if they are severe or recurring.
Urtica Urens 30C or 200C?
30C is the usual home strength; 200C is typically chosen with a practitioner. We do not claim either is better.
Can children use it?
Ask your practitioner or doctor first. Combudoron ointment is labelled for children aged 6 and over after cooling a burn under running water.
Shop Urtica Urens products
Keep reading
- Urticaria and Hives: Homeopathic Remedies
- Burns: Homeopathic Remedies
- Itching of Skin and Pruritus: Homeopathic Remedies
- Cantharis: Homeopathic Uses and Benefits
- Rhus Toxicodendron: Homeopathic Uses
Browse more
Homeopathic medicines are not a substitute for medical care.
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