Stinging nettles are easily distinguished plants with a memorable sting. This plant, which can easily reach 6 feet in height, has fine hairs on the stems and leaves. Each hair is like a hollow needle filled with formic acid, the same chemical in ant saliva that causes pain to humans when bitten. This acid can redden the skin and cause a non-spreading rash that can last up to 24 hours.
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. Rubbing human saliva on the stung area can lessen the pain as well.
The more interesting aspect of this plant, despite the painful effect it is known for, is its use as a remedy for many ailments. It was, at one time in history, used as an antispasmodic, a treatment for asthma, and a hair growth stimulant. Some have, and still do, use it as a cure for swollen joints from arthritis. They hit the swollen area with the stinging nettle plant. In Germany, the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical devices has approved the use of stinging nettles as a cure for urinary tract infections and kidney stones. It is also believed to build energy and restore flexibility to blood vessels for women going through menopause.
Nettles have also served other purposes. One such use is as a food source. They can be used in teas or soups, or simply cooked and eaten like other green vegetables. Native Americans relied on this plant as a means of keeping themselves awake while staying up late to keep guard and used the fibers, which are stronger than cotton, as rope-making material. There’s more to this plant than meets the eye, or skin, in this case.
FAQs
Stinging nettle is a nutritious plant popular in Western herbal medicine. It may reduce inflammation, hay fever symptoms, blood pressure and blood sugar levels — among other benefits. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has been a staple in herbal medicine since ancient times.
How bad is a stinging nettle sting? ›
Nettle stings can be itchy and you may feel a stinging or burning sensation. This will usually settle down within a few minutes or a few days and you can often treat them yourself. They may cause a raised area nettle rash on the skin.
Is it safe to eat stinging nettles? ›
Stinging nettle can be eaten on its own or as an ingredient in foods. Nettle leaves must first be cooked or steamed to destroy the hairs on them, which contain a number of irritating chemicals. Most medicinal uses of stinging nettle use more of the plant than you would typically eat.
Why are stinging nettles so painful? ›
Stinging nettles can cause a rash and other symptoms if people touch them. The reason for this is that stinging nettles contain fine hairs and chemicals that irritate human skin. One of these chemicals is formic acid, which causes the painful rash.
Is it safe to drink nettle tea every day? ›
The dose of nettle tea should be limited to 300 mg one or two times daily. Nettle should not be taken if you are taking any medications, herbs, or other supplements. Before continuing, consult your doctor if any side effects are observed.
Why is nettle so good for you? ›
Stinging nettle is high in amino acids, protein, flavonoids, and bone-building minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Nettle contains vitamins and minerals that can help keep your bones strong (Gupta, 2021). Stinging nettle is one of the greatest sources of vitamin K.
What neutralizes a nettle sting? ›
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. Rubbing human saliva on the stung area can lessen the pain as well.
Are there any benefits to getting stung by stinging nettles? ›
And while its sting may be uncomfortable, it actually has a beneficial effect on inflammation in the body. By preventing the body from making inflammatory prostaglandins, the sting results in an overall less inflammatory reaction in the body.
What does nettle do for a woman? ›
This nutrient-dense herb has a wide-array of uses, but today we want to take a closer look specifically at how it's been used to treat issues of women's health. From treating UTIs and painful menstruation, to mitigating and preventing osteoporosis, the nettle plant is an ally not to be overlooked.
What is the difference between nettle and stinging nettle? ›
Plant Description
Stinging nettle is the name given to common nettle, garden nettle, and hybrids of these plants. Originally from the colder regions of northern Europe and Asia, this herbaceous shrub grows all over the world today.
Due to these sleep-aiding qualities, it's encouraged to be wary of consuming nettle tea and sleep medications, as this may cause too much drowsiness if taken too early before bedtime.
Can you eat nettle raw? ›
It's the simplest way of getting nettle into your body, but you can also cook it into larger dishes or even apply it topically if you have a skin irritation. Because the stings have to remain firm to cause the irritation, cooking the leaf instantly makes them safe – don't try to eat the leaf raw in a salad or anything.
How long does a nettle sting last? ›
The stinging can last for hours but usually resolves within a day. If you come into contact with stinging nettles, wash the area of contact well and apply a cool compress to help manage your pain.
What kills stinging nettles? ›
For areas that are too heavily overgrown with stinging nettles to be tackled by hand, spray with a systemic weedkiller containing glyphosate, such as Roundup Ultra. Glyphosate is a non-selective systemic weedkiller that will kill any plant it touches, so protect nearby plants with plastic sheeting before spraying.
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.
Stinging nettles are easily distinguished plants with a memorable sting. This plant, which can easily reach 6 feet in height, has fine hairs on the stems and leaves. Each hair is like a hollow needle filled with formic acid, the same chemical in ant saliva that causes pain to humans when bitten. This acid can redden the skin and cause a non-spreading rash that can last up to 24 hours.