The stinging nettle is a herbaceous flowering plant found in Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and North America. Ouch! Stings hurt! This will show you how to heal it. The leaves and stems are covered with brittle, hollow, silky hairs that contain three chemicals, a histamine that irritates skin, acetylcholine which causes a burning feeling, and serotonin. When brushing up against the plant with any bare skin, either the legs, or the arms, will result in a rash similiar to poison ivy.


Steps

1. Move away from the nettles to a nearby area, otherwise you could get stung again.
2. Clean any mud and dirt from the affected area of the sting using clean, cold water on a clean cloth, towel or rag. Do not rub too hard or you will aggitate the sting more.
3. Look for a plant called the "dock plant". This plant usually grows low conveniently around nettles. It has large leaves and a thick stem. A Dock Plant
4. Snap off a leaf with a stem.
5. Chew on the end of the stem for about 3 seconds to soften the fiber (or rub with your forefinger and thumbnail), then rub the end of the stem on the sting.

Tips

• Try to avoid grabbing the infected area as you could just transfer the small hairs causing the sting to the rest of your body.
• Other "cures" include:
  • Baking soda or other alkaline products such as cucumber, parsley, celery, lettuce or avacado. Take a small amount on rub gently and slowly onto the sting.
  • Spitting on the area, but do not touch the area with your mouth! This may only temporarily remove pain but is good in an emergency. Rub the spit with a piece of cloth if available.
  • Pour a small amount of water on the ground, only enough to create mud, and apply the mud to the sting. Wait for it to dry and then brush off, hopefully removing the stings with it.

Warnings

• The stinging sensation can last anything from half an hour to 24 hours depending on the sensitivity of your skin.
• Only contact a doctor if you have an allergic reaction, the pain is totally unbearable or lasts for more than 24 hours.