Herb
Treatment Support
anti-inflammatory
Application
salve, oil, cream
Nettle Sting
Christopher Hobbs:
“The stinging hairs of the nettle contain 5-hydroxy tryptamine(5HT) and other inflammatory substances. When the skin comes in contact with these hairs, local redness, swelling, burning, and itching is often set up.”
Etiologic and Other Factors for Nettle Sting:
- Cause: Nettle stings occur when the fine hairs (trichomes) on the leaves and stems of stinging nettle plants (Urtica dioica) come into contact with the skin. These hairs inject histamine, formic acid, and other irritating compounds, leading to localized skin irritation.
- Risk Factors: Hiking, gardening, or working in areas where nettles grow increases the likelihood of exposure.
When to Seek Professional Help:
Seek medical attention if:
- Symptoms persist beyond a few hours or worsen significantly (e.g., severe swelling, intense pain, or spreading redness).
- An allergic reaction occurs (e.g., difficulty breathing, widespread rash, or dizziness).
- The affected area shows signs of infection (e.g., warmth, pus, or fever).
- The sting affects sensitive areas like the eyes, mouth, or throat.
Treatment Plan for Nettle Sting
When to Treat at Home with Herbs:
You can manage mild nettle stings at home with the following remedies:
- Wash the Area: Gently clean the affected skin with soap and water to remove nettle hairs.
- Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to reduce itching and swelling.
- Herbal Remedies:
- Plantain (Plantago spp.): Crush fresh leaves and apply directly as a poultice for relief.
- Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus) Leaves: Often found near nettles, they can soothe the sting when rubbed onto the skin.
- Aloe Vera (Aloe vera): Apply fresh gel for cooling and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Calendula (Calendula officinalis)Â Ointment: Helps soothe irritation and promote healing.
Always monitor symptoms. If there’s no improvement within 24 hours, or symptoms worsen, consult a healthcare provider.
Christopher Hobbs:
Herbal anti-inflammatories for external application include calendula (Calendula officinalis), St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), and German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) as well as fresh yellow dock (Rumex crispus) leaves are often effective at reducing the pain and burning.”
Generated by ChatGPT; edited and supplemented by Dr. Christopher Hobbs PhD
This remedy–Echinacea for Nettle sting–is drawn from the following sources:
Moore, M; Herbal Repertory in Clinical Practice; Santa Fe: The Institute of Traditional Medicine; 1982
Harper-Shove, Lt-Col F; Prescriber and Clinical Repertory; Rustington: Health Science Press; 1952
Herbal Remedies for Nettle Sting
Herb
Treatment Support
Application
Herb
Treatment Support
anti-inflammatory
Application
salve, oil, cream
Herb
Treatment Support
anti-inflammatory
Application
oil
Related Nettle Sting conditions
Additional Ailment
Herb
Application
No additional ailments found.
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
