Anecdotally, several “treatments” are thought to lessen the pain of nettle stings. These include rubbing dock leaves (Rumex obtusifolius), sage (Salvia officinalis), peppermint (Mentha x piperita), mud, or even toothpaste on the site of the sting.
These treatments are based on the belief that nettle stings are caused only by a biochemical reaction in the body, resulting in a painful, inflamed skin rash.
The evidence from animal studies suggests that nettle stings are a combination of a biochemical reaction (from an acid touching the skin) and the mechanical action oftiny hair-like spikescalled “trichomes” piercing human skin; therefore treatment may be more complex than previously thought.
It was believed that dock leaves could neutralise the acid in nettle stings. However, we now know that the sap from dock leaves is also acidic, and so it is unlikely to counteract the acid.
It may be that dock leaves were historically used to treat nettle stings based on:
their availability (they usually grow near nettles)
when dock leaves are rubbed onto a nettle sting, they might cause a placebo-based distraction from the sting’s pain (i.e. the person believes the dock leaf will help, and this belief provides a beneficial effect).
Things to Remember
Faulty logic “Old is better!” – Just because a treatment has been used for a long time or by many people, it does not mean that it helps or is safe.
Trust alone “It worked for me!” – If someone got better after using a treatment, it does not necessarily mean that the treatment made them better. There are many other things to consider, even though they are rarely mentioned in casual conversations.
Just because using a treatment is associated with people getting better or worse, that doesn’t mean that the treatment made them better or worse.
Reviewers
Lead Researcher: Dr Sandra Galvin, HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network, University of Galway.
Reviewed by: Professor Declan Devane, School of Nursing and Midwifery, HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network, Evidence Synthesis Ireland & Cochrane Ireland, University of Galway.
Topic Advisor: Prof. Liam Glynn, Professor of General Practice at the Graduate Entry Medical School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Chair of the North Clare Primary Care Team and Rural GP.
Public and Patient Advisor: Ms Anne Daly, Public and Patient Involvement in research (PPI) advisor, PPI Ignite, University ofGalway.
Journalist Advisor: Dr. Claire O’Connell, Journalist, Contributor, The Irish Times.
Conflict of Interest Statement: The authors have no financial or other conflicts of interest for this health claim summary.
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It was believed that dock leaves could neutralise the acid in nettle
nettle
Urtica is a genus of flowering plants in the family Urticaceae. Many species have stinging hairs and may be called nettles or stinging nettles (the latter name applying particularly to U. dioica). The generic name Urtica derives from the Latin for 'sting'.
It is often claimed that crushed dock leaves relieve the pain because their alkaline sap neutralises the nettle's formic acid. But dock leaf sap is acidic too, so this cannot be true. Nevertheless, many find that the dock leaf remedy seems to work, so there may be other reasons for this.
Remedies for this sting include a plant that often grows next to it called jewelweed. Applying the crushed stem of this plant to the affected area soothes the irritated skin. Another method for alleviating the pain is to apply a mixture of baking soda and water.
Cut regularly – use a strimmer, brushcutter or mower to control large areas of common stinging nettles. Cutting back new growth regularly will weaken and eventually kill plants. This is likely to take more than one growing season but is better for soil health as it limits disturbance.
If the irritation is severe, cooling the skin with a damp cloth or ice pac (a pack of frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel) may be useful. A pharmacist will be able to advise regarding the use of antihistamines and creams to relieve the irritation.
Boiled dock leaves were used as pig food and fallow deer are particularly fond of the leaves. The leaves have also been used to wrap cheese and butter, hence the name butter-dock. A widespread practice that continues to the present day is to encourage children to use dock leaves to soothe the sting from nettles.
Dock has the highest non heme iron out of any plant based source, it concentrates iron from the earth and combines it with the vitamins and minerals needed to absorb this valuable mineral making it ideal for helping as a blood builder and is often used for anemia.
The chemical compounds in stinging nettle have a variety of health benefits for women. Because of its astringent characteristics, it can relieve unpleasant premenstrual symptoms including cramping and bloating, as well as reduce blood flow during menstruation.
Interestingly, the old practice of placing a dock leaf on the affected area to sooth the pain is not as daft as it may seem, as dock leaves contain antihistamine in the sap.
Anecdotally, several “treatments” are thought to lessen the pain of nettle stings. These include rubbing dock leaves (Rumex obtusifolius), sage (Salvia officinalis), peppermint (Mentha x piperita), mud, or even toothpaste on the site of the sting.
Stinging nettles provide important habitat and food for wildlife. Butterflies such as the small tortoiseshell lay their eggs on the undersides of nettle leaves. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the leaves of the nettle plant.
To get rid of stinging nettles, cut them down in early summer before they start to flower and use a garden fork to dig up the roots of the plants. Hoe beds regularly to kill stinging nettle seedlings, or dig up individual seedlings with a hand fork.
People can treat stinging nettle rash by washing the affected area and the surrounding skin as soon as possible after coming into contact with the plant. Doing this helps remove chemicals and nettle hairs from the skin, which should ease the discomfort of the rash within a couple of hours.
It is often claimed that crushed dock leaves relieve the pain because their alkaline sap neutralises the nettle's formic acid, but dock leaf sap is acidic too, so this cannot be true. Nevertheless, many find that the dock leaf remedy seems to work, so there may be other reasons for this.
Use the young leaves of curled dock like cabbage, thinly sliced and cooked. The 17th century herbalist Nicholas Culpeper described dock as 'a wholesome pot herb'.
Dock leaves don't just relieve stings – they're also a food plant for the small copper butterfly. Dock leaves and stinging nettles grow in similar habitats. There are a few theories as to why dock leaves appear to help nettle stings.
For relief during this time, try using the juices from a dock plant or a jewelweed plant. Both of these plants can usually be found in the same areas as stinging nettles. Dock plant leaves are big, oval in shape, and have rounded tips and wavy edges. The lower leaves have red stems.
The qualities of the Essential oil conveniently reduce stinging nettle rash and offer prominent relief. Further lavender Essential oil when combined with castor oil or beeswax creates a protective layer on your skin that deeply moisturizes it preventing the chances of further infections.
Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners) Stinging nettle may affect the blood's ability to clot, and could interfere with blood-thinning drugs, including:
Introduction: My name is Allyn Kozey, I am a outstanding, colorful, adventurous, encouraging, zealous, tender, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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