Submitted by AJ Cann on Thu, 19/03/2020 - 10:41

 

Nature is on the move, there are lots more insects around this week, and the Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica) are growing. I've just had my first nettle sting of the year! As I get older, they seem to hurt more, and tingle for hours afterwards. Is there any scientific basis for this - or is it just me? 

 

 

Comments

Submitted by steven lewis on Thu, 19/03/2020 - 16:56

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I always find that the first sting of the year is by far the worst. Don't know if that is because its more potent when the nettle is young or I get more immune to the pain the more times I get stung as the year goes on.

I get stung a lot..... 

I do wonder if tender and nutritious new nettle shoots are better protected than older ones from grazers that could totally consume them. Can't find any evidence on searching the web. The young shoots make a nice soup if you feel vengeance would be appropriate.