Stinging Nettle

The trichomes (hairs) of stinging nettle contain formic acid, acetylcholine, serotonin, and histamine, which can cause swelling along with mild to intense burning/stinging sensation. This reaction can last several hours, but it is not known to cause serious harm. The rash can be treated with cold compresses and topical antihistamine.

The sting from the nettle plant has actually been used medically to treat arthritis, bursitis, and even things such as stimulating hair growth and ED!

An individual plant will produce either male or female flowers.

Stinging nettle is edible: it can be made into a tea, brewed into a beer, or used like spinach or other leafy greens. It must be cooked first, though, to prevent stinging.

In the UK, they have raw nettle eating competitions to see who is the toughest and can tolerate eating the most with the sting.

Stinging nettle is high in many vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and proteins. Making it into a tea or cooking the leaves like greens are ways to get these many benefits. You can also make nettle pesto for a healthy and tasty treat!