If you go looking for trouble you’ll find it… Nettle belongs to the urticaceae family, from the Latin urticaa term derived frompissing, which literally means « to burn ». This herbaceous plant grows everywhere: on balconies, in gardens, in forests… It can sometimes measure up to more than a meter. It is recognized by its green, pointed and serrated leaves. In summer, it bears clusters of flowers in the shape of small green balls. If it has many medicinal benefits, it also has a strong stinging power, which is often discovered at its expense.
Why do nettles sting?
The leaves and stems of nettles are covered with fine, hollow, brittle hairs, which enclose a chemical cocktail rich in histamine, acetylcholine, serotonin and formic acid. At the slightest touch, the hairs dig into the skin and break off, releasing the terrible « venom » that causes itching and a burning sensation.
Good to know : in the rain, nettles become harmless!
Nettle sting: what are the symptoms?
“The intensity of pain varies from person to person, but the symptoms of nettle stings often leave little room for doubt,” says Dr Gilbert Vanco, general practitioner. Symptoms that should alert:
- from tingling,
- from itching localized,
- the formation of red patches,
- a burning sensation,
- and the appearance blisters, and blisters.
These symptoms begin within minutes of contact and can last from half an hour to a few days. « If the burning sensation lasts more than a day, as a precaution, it is better to consult »!
A few automations can quickly alleviate the symptoms of a nettle sting:
- Rinse the sting area with cold waterWhere use saline, available in pharmacies. Objective: to cleanse the skin and limit the spread of symptoms. “Then gently dab the area with a damp cloth or compress, without rubbing or pressing,” recommends the doctor.
- As far as possible, try to remove the hairs from the nettle gently, without breaking them. To do this, get tape for example, which you will use like a strip of depilatory wax.
- Disinfect the wound with a neutral, non-alcoholic antiseptic.
- A soothing ointment Where an antihistamine gel will then neutralize the stinging substances, « at the rate of three applications per day, until the symptoms disappear ».
What grandmother’s remedies to naturally relieve itching?
In the middle of the forest, you can go in search of wild plantain, which often grows near nettles (nature is sometimes well done). Then rub the irritated area with its leaves to limit itching thanks to their healing and soothing properties. Other plants can also relieve unpleasant symptoms:
- the aloe vera (hydrating and restorative),
- ground ivy (antibacterial)
- and fresh mint (antibacterial).
Lavender essential oil (true or aspic) and chamomile essential oil can also be useful, thanks to their antibacterial, healing and antiseptic properties. Mix 2 drops of either in a little almond oil and then apply to said area. Caution, however, the use of essential oils is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as young children. It is better to take advice from your doctor or pharmacist!
Other proven home remedies: white alcohol vinegar and Marseille soap, to replace the antiseptic and disinfect the area.
Reminder: what are the benefits of nettles?
Nettle has many benefits for our health. She is rich in vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin C and contains in particular iron, calcium and magnesium.
In soup, it is consumed mainly for its diuretic and detoxifying properties, but it also acts against the pain of arthritis and rheumatism, thanks to its anti-inflammatory action, and stimulates blood circulation.
Better to wear gloves if you want to pick it to enjoy its benefits. For the more adventurous, it is also possible to grab it with your bare hands. To limit the risk of pricking: pinch the bottom of the stem and slide your fingers in the direction of the hair, always upwards, before cutting it (the stinging hairs are directed towards the top of the leaves).
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