Last Updated on August 5, 2021 by
There are several species of nettle, not all of which have stinging hairs. Most people, however, have suffered a nettle-sting at one time or another; and of those nettles that do sting, the common nettle and the Roman nettle are the best known. The latter has the most painful sting of all nettles.
The stinging action of nettle is very similar to the stinging cells in the tentacles of the sea anemone. It has a delicate, trigger- like coil in a cell, its sharp point being released on the slightest touch. The nettle-sting is developed from a single cell with the walls of the hair silicified, a small knob protects the fine point until touched when it breaks and allows the trigger to penetrate the skin. It is an acrid juice that causes irritation and, sometimes, inflammation of the skin.
If one is careful, however, to grasp the nettle in such a way that the hairs are pressed to the stem, they cannot pierce the skin, and the nettle can be plucked painlessly.
In many countries, boiled nettles have a special food value for pigs and pouluy. The roots boiled in alum produce a yellow dye, and the leaves and stalks give a green dye. The “ramie” (fibres) of different species of nettle are used to make lace, cloth, rope and yarn.
The nettles proper are annual or perennial herbs, sometimes with shrubby bases, and they make up the genus Urtica. Several trees of different genera, in particular the giant nettle of Australia, are given that name.
How Long Does A Nettle Sting Last?
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.
What part of the nettle stings you?
Common nettle or stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)
Do stinging nettles have poison?
Some people might know that stinging nettles have a small amount of a chemical called cardenolide in them that can cause a mild rash in some people when they get stung. The amount of cardenolide is so small in stinging nettles that it is practically impossible to get a rash from them. However, it is said that if you have allergies to certain foods, you should avoid stinging nettles.
Is stinging nettle bad for kidneys?
Everyone knows that stinging nettle is a mainstay of traditional medicine for treating rheumatism, as it acts as a pain-relieving agent. However, evidence indicates that it is toxic and can potentially harm kidneys. This is based on the observation that nettle root contains a number of toxic alkaloids, which can cause damage to the kidneys.
Does nettle increase testosterone?
People are always searching for answers, and with the Internet, they can find answers to just about anything. So, what does Wikipedia say about nettle? We researched it and found that it may increase testosterone but only in men, and only after they have been using testosterone supplements for at least a year. As for women, they don’t appear to be affected by nettle’s testosterone boosting ability, and neither does testosterone.
