Embedded Files
In this column, Raven writes about toxic plants.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging Nettle
By Raven Tucker
By Raven Tucker
While plants are a large part of why we exist today, some of them are also harmful. This includes common plants, such as the stinging nettle, also called Urtica dioica. This plant is infamous for causing pain and irritation when touched.
Stinging nettles are widespread, found in North Africa, North America, Asia, and Europe. They can grow 2-4 feet tall and prefer moist, shady, disturbed soils. This makes areas that have been interrupted by humans a good place for them to grow, such as gardens, stream banks, meadows, and farm fields. Underneath the leaves and on the stem, there are needle-like hairs that, upon touch, will cause a stinging, burning sensation that can last from hours to days. The hairs break open when something makes contact, releasing toxins such as formic acid onto the skin, which causes the painful feeling.
Defense Centers for Public Health share a few fun facts about the nettle. The first half of the scientific name, ‘Urtica’, is derived from the Latin word Uro, meaning “I burn”. When they flower, nettles release an airborne pollen that contributes to seasonal allergies. Adding to that, each plant can produce around 20,000 seeds that regrow every year for around 10 years. Nettles can harm some animals, such as ones with little to no fur, yet some caterpillars, butterflies, ladybirds, and seed-eating birds use them as a food plant. They are also good for making dyes, and children in World War 2 would collect them for camouflage.
Despite its painful nature, the stinging nettle has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. The National Library of Medicine writes about its uses. It is written in the article that “Leaves and stalks are used for salad and as vegetables, and tea prepared from the leaves, stalks, and roots is also consumed.” In more recent years, it has been used for soups, herbal tea, liquid extracts, infusions, and more.
Like many plants, stinging nettles should be avoided for those lacking proper knowledge about them. While having them around can be beneficial, touching them makes for a rather painful experience.
Page updated
Report abuse