Do nettles sting in your mouth?

Interesting facts about nettles

Nettles are very common - their low demands allow them to grow almost anywhere. You can find nettles in the garden, on meadows, in forests, on roadsides and near water. They are often found even in densely built-up cities.

• The size of the plant varies depending on the subspecies - the range extends from around ten centimeters to around three meters.

• Burning is a protective mechanism of the plant against its predators like cows. The leaves and stems are provided with tiny stinging hairs that are filled with a poison. When touched, the hair scratches the skin and releases the poison. The poison is basically harmless, but it can sting badly and leave wheals on the skin.

Prevent burning in the mouth

The nettle is much more than a weed, because it is a very versatile plant. For example, you can save them as

tea, as a soup, in warm spinach or as a salad enjoy. The plant is very nutritious and contains a lot of protein, vitamin A and vitamin C. It is known as a medicinal plant mainly because of its diuretic effect. The tea is therefore very suitable for bladder infections. Cold tea is also used externally: regular rinses can help against dandruff and oily hair.

• It is best to wear rubber gloves when picking. Then there are several ways to render the stinging hair harmless so as not to injure your mouth: A simple remedy is water. If you want to prepare nettle spinach, it is best to boil the leaves right away.


Nettle tea - a recipe

In spring, young nettle leaves are often prepared as a vegetable or salad. …

• If the plants are to be processed raw, wrap a cloth around the leaves, soak it in warm water and then gently squeeze it out. Alternatively, you can flatten the leaves with a rolling pin or neatly chop them up. Even dried leaves no longer cause a burning sensation in the mouth.