The stinging nettle has always been known as a medicinal plant. It has a draining effect, purifies the blood and replenishes the iron stores in the body. Now it's supposed to be poisonous too?
Is the nettle poison in the nettle dangerous?
Stinging nettles contain nettle poison, which consists of histamine, acetylcholine, formic acid and serotonin and is found in the fine hairs on leaves and stems. Although it is not fatal to humans, it is a deterrent and can repel pests and weeds.
Nettle poison as a culprit
In the fine hairs that are found particularly on the leaves and stems of the nettle, there is a poison, the so-called nettle poison. It consists, among other things:
- Histamine
- Acetylcholine
- formic acid
- Serotonin
The stinging nettle uses this poison to keep predators away. It does not have a lethal effect on the human organism, nor does it have a lethal effect on domestic and pasture animals. But it deters when the skin or tongue comes into contact with it. Pests and weeds can be destroyed with it
Tip
The stinging nettle is he althy and edible. It is advisable to use the young shoots in particular for consumption, as the older shoots can be extremely rich in nitrates.