Stinging nettles usually have a negative reputation. Contact with the inconspicuous plant can ultimately end up painful. Small hairs distributed on the plant are responsible for this pain. These are known and notorious as stinging hairs.
Why do the stinging hairs of the nettle burn the skin?
The stinging hairs of the nettle burn the skin because they release acorrosive liquid when the plant is touched. The heads of the stinging hairs break off and release a substance made up of formic acid, histamine, serotonin, acetylcholine and sodium formate.
Where can the stinging hairs of the nettle be found?
The nettle's joke-causing stinging hairs can be foundon the stem and on the top of the leaf. These are microscopic hairs with tiny heads. They break off at the slightest touch and release a burning substance. This is responsible for the swelling of the affected area of skin as well as the typical rash after contact with the plant. The nettle leaves should therefore be examined carefully before touching them.
How do you harvest nettles without touching the stinging hairs?
If you want to harvest nettles, you should avoid breaking off individual nettle leaves. Instead, cut off theentire stem. However, wearing thick gardening gloves is strongly recommended. The stinging hairs should point downward when picking the leaves. However, proceed with caution. The slightest touch can cause the hair to break off. It is also advisable to pay attention to the location of the plants. Nettle species growing in the shade have significantly fewer stinging hairs than those in the sun.
Can you eat nettles raw despite the stinging hairs?
The nettles can be consumed rawwithout hesitation After all, these are extremely he althy. However, you should handle the nettles a little before eating. To do this, place the leaves on a kitchen board and roll them over the plant at least once with a rolling pin. If you don't have a rolling pin available, you should place the leaves in warm water for a moment. You then need to wrap it in a cloth and wring it out. This causes the stinging hairs to break off completely and the nettles can be eaten.
Tip
Contact with the stinging hairs of the nettle – pain relieving remedies
After coming into contact with nettles, you should quickly resort to painkillers. There are different options that work in just a few minutes. The use of ribwort plantain is particularly effective. The medicinal plant contains a pleasant secretion that quickly counteracts the burning sensation. A mixture of baking soda and water is also particularly helpful. Cold water or detergent can also relieve the pain in just a few moments.
