How Do You Stop Nettles From Stinging?
The stinging nettle is a perennial plant that typically grows between three to six feet in height. It is common throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. The name “stinging” comes from the small, bristly hairs that cover the underside of the leaves and the stems and contain chemicals which irritate the skin. When touched, these hairs cause a burning sensation and a red, itchy rash. When the leaves are boiled, the bristles soften and become edible, making nettles popular in tea, salads, and herbal remedies. If you find yourself in contact with nettles, here are some suggestions for handling their sting. Avoid them in the first place. Unless you are gathering nettles for culinary or medicinal uses, learn how to recognize stinging nettles so you can stay away from them. (See the Resources section for an identification guide.) Wear thick gardening gloves when working around stinging nettles. Make sure your legs and arms are also covered. Use a hoe or shovel to dig out a patch of n
