Urtica Urens is a homeopathic remedy made from the small stinging nettle. In homeopathic practice it is traditionally associated with stinging, burning, itching skin eruptions such as hives and nettle-rash, with minor burns and scalds, and with reactions after eating shellfish.
This page covers the plant it comes from, the complaints it has traditionally been linked to, the symptom picture that points to it, and the forms and potencies commonly used.
The short version: A stinging-nettle remedy classically reached for hives, nettle-rash, minor burns and itchy, stinging skin.
What is Urtica Urens and where does it come from?
Urtica Urens is prepared from the dwarf or small stinging nettle (Urtica urens), whose fresh plant famously raises stinging, burning weals on the skin when touched. That very action is mirrored, in homeopathic thinking, by the eruptions the remedy is reached for. The fresh plant is used to make the tincture, which is then diluted and succussed.
It is one of the go-to skin remedies of the classical materia medica, closely tied to burning and itching.
What is Urtica Urens traditionally used for?
The whole picture guides the choice. Urtica Urens is traditionally associated with:
- Hives (urticaria) and nettle-rash, with raised, itchy, stinging blotches.
- Burning and prickling skin that stings as if 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.
Who typically reaches for it?
The classic Urtica picture is a stinging, burning, intensely itchy rash that flares in raised weals, exactly the sensation of brushing against nettles, sometimes after shellfish or exposure to cold, damp air. It is also a familiar name in the first-aid kit for minor burns and scalds.
Symptoms are typically worse from touch, cool moist air and exertion, and the itching often returns in the same spots.
What forms and potencies does it come in?
Like most classical remedies, Urtica Urens is prepared by serial dilution and succussion from its source material. You will most often see it in small lactose pillules or tablets, and sometimes as liquid drops or in combination formulas alongside complementary remedies.
In home self-care it is commonly used in low to medium potencies such as 6C or 30C. Lower potencies are often chosen for more physical, everyday complaints, while 30C is a popular general-purpose strength. Higher potencies are usually reserved for guidance from an experienced homeopath.
Your natural toolkit — and which to reach for
You'll find Urtica Urens as a single remedy in the pick below, prepared as ampoules.
Urtica Injeel - Ampoules — reach for this if you want Urtica Urens as a single-remedy ampoule preparation.
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Common questions
What plant is Urtica Urens made from?
It is made from the small stinging nettle, using the fresh plant to prepare the homeopathic remedy.
What is Urtica Urens best known for?
Traditionally, stinging, itching hives and nettle-rash, minor burns and scalds, and itchy reactions after shellfish.
How is it usually taken?
It is available as single-remedy pillules and ampoules; low to medium potencies such as 6C or 30C are common in self-care.
Note: This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Homeopathic remedies are used within a long tradition of self-care; they are not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, or if you are unsure, please speak to a qualified health professional.