Do dock leaves relieve nettle stings?
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- Anecdotally, several “treatments” are thought to lessen the pain of nettle stings. These include rubbing dock leaves (Rumex obtusifolius), sage (Salvia officinalis), peppermint (Mentha x piperita), mud, or even toothpaste on the site of the sting.
- These treatments are based on the belief that nettle stings are caused only by a biochemical reaction in the body, resulting in a painful, inflamed skin rash.
- The evidence from animal studies suggests that nettle stings are a combination of a biochemical reaction (from an acid touching the skin) and the mechanical action oftiny hair-like spikescalled “trichomes” piercing human skin; therefore treatment may be more complex than previously thought.
- It was believed that dock leaves could neutralise the acid in nettle stings. However, we now know that the sap from dock leaves is also acidic, and so it is unlikely to counteract the acid.
It may be that dock leaves were historically used to treat nettle stings based on:
- their availability (they usually grow near nettles)
- when dock leaves are rubbed onto a nettle sting, they might cause a placebo-based distraction from the sting’s pain (i.e. the person believes the dock leaf will help, and this belief provides a beneficial effect).
Things to Remember
- Faulty logic “Old is better!” – Just because a treatment has been used for a long time or by many people, it does not mean that it helps or is safe.
- Trust alone “It worked for me!” – If someone got better after using a treatment, it does not necessarily mean that the treatment made them better. There are many other things to consider, even though they are rarely mentioned in casual conversations.
- Just because using a treatment is associated with people getting better or worse, that doesn’t mean that the treatment made them better or worse.
Reviewers
- Lead Researcher: Dr Sandra Galvin, HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network, University of Galway.
- Reviewed by: Professor Declan Devane, School of Nursing and Midwifery, HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network, Evidence Synthesis Ireland & Cochrane Ireland, University of Galway.
- Topic Advisor: Prof. Liam Glynn, Professor of General Practice at the Graduate Entry Medical School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Chair of the North Clare Primary Care Team and Rural GP.
- Public and Patient Advisor: Ms Anne Daly, Public and Patient Involvement in research (PPI) advisor, PPI Ignite, University ofGalway.
- Journalist Advisor: Dr. Claire O’Connell, Journalist, Contributor, The Irish Times.
Conflict of Interest Statement: The authors have no financial or other conflicts of interest for this health claim summary.
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FAQs
It was believed that dock leaves could neutralise the acid in nettle stings. However, we now know that the sap from dock leaves is also acidic, and so it is unlikely to counteract the acid.
Does dock leaf cure nettle sting? ›
It is often claimed that crushed dock leaves relieve the pain because their alkaline sap neutralises the nettle's formic acid, but dock leaf sap is acidic too, so this cannot be true. Nevertheless, many find that the dock leaf remedy seems to work, so there may be other reasons for this.
How to use a dock for stinging nettle? ›
Dock leaves are a sworn analgesic proof against nettle stings. You need only plunge some part of your anatomy into stinging nettles and then rub the crushed leaf, vein-side down, across the affected part, to effect instant relief and an empirical proof.
What neutralizes stinging nettles? ›
Baking soda is the simplest home remedy for nettle stings. It's an alkaline which neutralises the nettle sting's acid. Mix a few drops of cold water with some baking soda in a cup. Then, spread it over the sting using a gentle cloth.
What is the plant that is an antidote for nettles? ›
Remedies for this sting include a plant that often grows next to it called jewelweed. Applying the crushed stem of this plant to the affected area soothes the irritated skin. Another method for alleviating the pain is to apply a mixture of baking soda and water.
What is the best plant for nettle stings? ›
Dock leaves and stinging nettles grow in similar habitats. There are a few theories as to why dock leaves appear to help nettle stings. The most plausible are: the cooling sensation of the sap evaporating from the affected skin can relieve some of the stinging sensation.
Are dock leaves poisonous to humans? ›
Dock leaves are edible although not particularly palatable. If you have kidney disease, bear in mind that dock leaves contain oxalic acid, which, if eaten in large enough quantities, can increase your risk of developing kidney stones.
Do dock leaves contain antihistamines? ›
Dock leaf sap contains a natural antihistamine, which helps to ease the stinging sensation. The dock leaves themselves contain oxalic acid, which deters herbivores from eating them.
Does toothpaste help nettle stings? ›
Anecdotally, several “treatments” are thought to lessen the pain of nettle stings. These include rubbing dock leaves (Rumex obtusifolius), sage (Salvia officinalis), peppermint (Mentha x piperita), mud, or even toothpaste on the site of the sting.
What not to take with stinging nettle? ›
Possible Interactions
- Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners) Stinging nettle may affect the blood's ability to clot, and could interfere with blood-thinning drugs, including:
- Drugs for high blood pressure. ...
- Diuretics (water pills) ...
- Drugs for diabetes. ...
- Lithium. ...
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
To get rid of stinging nettles, cut them down in early summer before they start to flower and use a garden fork to dig up the roots of the plants. Hoe beds regularly to kill stinging nettle seedlings, or dig up individual seedlings with a hand fork. To remove stinging nettles in lawns, mow regularly.
How do you get rid of nettle stings fast? ›
People can treat stinging nettle rash by washing the affected area and the surrounding skin as soon as possible after coming into contact with the plant. Doing this helps remove chemicals and nettle hairs from the skin, which should ease the discomfort of the rash within a couple of hours.
Do you spit on dock leaves? ›
If you pick a dock leaf and break it up to release the chemicals and then add some spit to the crumpled up leaf prior to applying it gently to the stings, both the antihistamine and the natural healing properties of saliva will ease the pain.
Are dock leaves an antidote to nettle stings? ›
It is often claimed that crushed dock leaves relieve the pain because their alkaline sap neutralises the nettle's formic acid. But dock leaf sap is acidic too, so this cannot be true. Nevertheless, many find that the dock leaf remedy seems to work, so there may be other reasons for this.
What is the best killer for stinging nettles? ›
If the nettles are appearing in areas you don't want any plant growth, you could use a glyphosate based product such as Roundup Pro Active or Gallup Home & Garden. Consider mixing this with Paradise to ensure that the area is weed free for the growing season (5 months).
Which part of stinging nettle is poisonous? ›
The leaves and stems are very hairy with non-stinging hairs, and in most subspecies, also bear many stinging hairs (trichomes or spicules), whose tips come off when touched, transforming the hair into a needle that can inject several chemicals causing a painful sting or paresthesia, giving the species its common names: ...
What leaf do you rub on a nettle sting? ›
Treating a nettle sting
It is widely believed that rubbing a dock leaf on a nettle sting helps to ease the discomfort. This may be due to a cooling effect caused by sap from the leaf, or may simply be a placebo.
What are dock leaves used for? ›
Boiled dock leaves were used as pig food and fallow deer are particularly fond of the leaves. The leaves have also been used to wrap cheese and butter, hence the name butter-dock. A widespread practice that continues to the present day is to encourage children to use dock leaves to soothe the sting from nettles.
What is the best essential oil for nettle stings? ›
Lavender Essential Oil
The qualities of the Essential oil conveniently reduce stinging nettle rash and offer prominent relief. Further lavender Essential oil when combined with castor oil or beeswax creates a protective layer on your skin that deeply moisturizes it preventing the chances of further infections.
