Stinging nettles have a lining of fine hairs along their stem and on the leaves. When skin contact is made with the plant or these hairs, chemical irritants are released. Strangely these hairs which are normally painful to touch can actually relieve pain if touched to an area that is in pain. According to scientists the seemingly strange reaction can be explained with the possibility that the nettle sting interferes with your body’s transmission of pain signals, and through a reduction in the levels of inflammatory chemicals in the body.
Nettle stings cause the pain that they do because they trigger an inflammatory response, which is the body’s reaction to trauma, pathogen attack and allergies. When there is any inflammation the main ingredient that is secreted is histamine and it causes a swelling of the skin or tissue, and a secretion of mucus, aimed at protection of the tissue from any further damage. Stinging nettles are not the only plant of its kind. There are many plants that develop similar features as a natural evolutionary defense mechanism, producing chemicals that serve as protection against predators. While some of the poisons secreted by these plants can cause fatalities or very severe allergic reactions, the plant has been used traditionally as a powerful medicinal herb and it is in fact even used at times as a natural pain reliever
Nettles actually have a long history of usage in herbal medicine and have been used traditionally as a diuretic to treat joint pain. You can however encounter them quite easily in the outdoors and may be quite unprepared for them brushing against them unknowingly. This causes an intense burning and stinging reaction. Although the reaction is generally not severe and does not require any medical intervention it can be relieved quite easily with some simple natural remedies.
The most effective method to neutralize the stinging sensation of the nettle is by applying a paste of baking soda and water over the area of skin that is affected. This will soothe the pain and relieve the itching quite quickly. If you don’t have anything at hand you can simply use some of your saliva to treat the skin. In case any of the spiny hairs have remained lodged onto your skin just stick on some sticky tape and peel it off to get rid of them. You can also then wash your skin with soap and water. Don’t rub it dry; just dab gently and then apply a soothing calamine lotion to relieve any irritation or pain.
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