What do nettles feel like

Sting operation: Jellyfish targeted before they can multiply Jun 19, Oct 08, Feb 28, Recommended for you. Amazon Rainforest birds' bodies transform due to climate change 9 hours ago.

Nov 11, Mangrove restoration has ecological and economic benefits, report reveals Nov 11, Nov 10, Load comments 0. Let us know if there is a problem with our content. Your message to the editors. Your email only if you want to be contacted back. Send Feedback. Thank you for taking time to provide your feedback to the editors.

E-mail the story Yes, stinging nettles sting. Your friend's email. Your email. I would like to subscribe to Science X Newsletter. Learn more. Your name. Note Your email address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the email. Your message. Nettle leaf can inhibit the classic complement pathway and the proinflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase.

In addition, it may stimulate the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL These anti-inflammtory properties often make nettles a go to remedy for seasonal allergies. Nettle leaves are also nutritional powerhouses.

Not even nutrient packed greens such as kale can compare to the amount of magnesium, calcium, and potassium found in nettle leaves. Do not worry! Once dried, crushed, or blanched the stinger is flaccid and no longer able to inject formic acid sting. One great way to enjoy the nutrient abundance of nettles is to make a cold infusion overnight and drink the throughout the day like a delicious readily absorbable liquid vitamin.

Add 4 Tbs of dried nettle leaves to a quart of water and allow it to sit in the refrigerator overnight. Infusing it in cold water instead of hot will prevent you from extracting the tannins that will bind the minerals and give the tea more of an astringent taste. Do not be alarmed, this is a product of its extreme mineral density! 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. DNR IN. Find an IN. People will be able to treat most cases of stinging nettle rash with home treatments, which can usually relieve the symptoms within a few hours. In some cases, stinging nettles may cause a severe allergic reaction , and a person will require immediate medical attention.

In this article, we look at the symptoms and at-home treatment of stinging nettle rash, as well as prevention tips and when to seek medical help.

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. If people come into contact with stinging nettles, they may experience :. In some cases, people may have a severe allergic reaction to a nettle sting.

This complication can be life threatening and require immediate medical attention. The symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include :. People should seek emergency treatment or call in the case of any of these symptoms or a suspected severe allergic reaction.

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. It is best to use soap and water, but a clean, damp cloth will also work if running water is not available.