What does everyone here use to take the pain out of stinging nettle rash? I've had a big day out in the paddock & I'm numb & burning & tingling & stinging all at the same time!
PP I was thinking the same thing ... there could be a market there for a product ... but I wouldn't be putting it on my hands & wrists I've tried the dock ... no luck. The best I can come up with is to wash the area with hot water & plenty of soap as soon as possible. However I have so many nettles here I've got to the point where I just ignore it & keep going. Turned out I overdid it a bit yesterday ... my hands are still numb & stinging at the same time (!) today. They must have different potency at different times of the year. Sometimes it only hurts for a few hours, sometimes it stays for a few days. They give me the pip. I'm going to take revenge on them today & make a big brew of compost tea
Figuring that your nettle pain is relieved now, just thought i'd mention that in foothills of the Himalaya they make a fibre from Nettles and I saw some lovely crocheted scarves. True they weren't particiularly soft but they were pretty. Perhaps you could make other things from the fibre. If you were so inclined.
Apparently the roots make a very nice yellow dye ... I haven't tried it out yet but I will. I knew it was useful for fibre ... but I'd have to be just about naked before I'd be inspired enough to try it I think
I often hear about stinging nettles in permaculture circles - and even see that Northey Street Community Permaculture Farm (Brisbane) has stinging nettles for sale in pots. So .... why? What is the positive use for this foe/friend?
OK I've googled it. Helenlee you could be the healthiest person on the planet! Would anyone care to share their edible uses for stinging nettles, as well as their gardening uses?
I often hear about stinging nettles in permaculture circles - and even see that Northey Street Community Permaculture Farm (Brisbane) has stinging nettles for sale in pots. Well that gives me hope for an income stream ... I could be a millionaire! OK I've googled it. Helenlee you could be the healthiest person on the planet! Would anyone care to share their edible uses for stinging nettles, as well as their gardening uses? Yes I know I should, & I'm not. And my hands ... which suffer the most stings ... still have arthritis Clearly, you can't believe everything you read on the net I use them for making compost & compost tea.
Nettle is excellent for pies and soups and we use from early spring to late fall (young leafs). Of course for picking gloves are necessary The other thing is the Colorado potato beetles that can be suppress in potatos by the mulch of nettle for couple of weeks or month.
I have tried to grow nettles several times and failed They are interesting plants the chemical in the sting is 5HTP . The sting is said to be good for arthritis and the roots high in lauric acid which is good for the prostate.
It would be a bit scary trying to apply the root to your prostate without getting stung though although they are supposed to be good for haemorrhoids too...LOL Seem to have some great recipes though Pesto, risotto,quiche
Perhaps the best way to plant nettles is mulching with adult plants. My garden is now full of nettles, which certainly was not my intention.