Urtica dioica facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stinging nettle |
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| Urtica dioica subsp. dioica | |
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| Urtica dioica |
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Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) are a type of plant which have stinging defensive hairs. Stinging nettles can be found in America, Europe and in Asia.
The hairs inject histamine and other chemicals that produce a stinging sensation when contacted by humans and other animals. The plant has been used as medicine, food, and fibre. Soaking stinging nettles in water or cooking removes the stinging chemicals from the plant, which allows them to be handled and eaten without injury.
Nettle sting mechanism and treatment
A Stinging nettle produce its inflammatory effect on skin (a stinging, burning sensation) both by impaling the skin via the little spines causing irritation – and by chemical irritants.
Anti-itch drugs, usually in the form of creams containing antihistamines or hydrocortisone, may provide relief from nettle dermatitis.
Images for kids
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Urtica dioica from Thomé, Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz 1885
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Urtica dioica grown as a botanical specimen in Cambridge University Botanic Garden
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Leaf detail.
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A stinging nettle growing in a field
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U. dioica close-up of the defensive hairs
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A hand with a large sting, with visible bumps on the skin
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The young leaves are edible and can be used as leaf vegetable, as with the purée shown in the above image.
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Nettle fiber, stem, yarn, textile, jewellery with glass and nettle yarn
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Young shoot
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Flowers (male) can be yellow
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Flowers (male) can be purple
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Flowers (female) can be green and white
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Fruits
See also
In Spanish: Ortiga mayor para niños
