How to Cure Nettles' Stinging

The stinging nettle plant bears that name for good reason. When you touch or brush against its sharp, silky hairs your skin begins to burn, itch and swell. If you need a quick remedy from the discomfort caused by a stinging nettle, look to items around your house or other plants found in nature. That said, the plant isn't all bad: the stinging nettle aids in hair restoration and relieves hemorrhoids. When added to your garden soil, the plant even acts as a good source of nitrogen.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Water
• Bowl
• Spoon

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Instructions

• 1

  Cut a small piece of duct tape, approximately 6 inches long. Apply the duct tape to your affected skin and then peel it off. The duct tape removes the tiny hairs still lodged in your skin. Repeat with a fresh piece of duct tape if necessary.

• 2

  Add 1/4 cup baking soda to a small bowl. Drizzle in small amounts of water, mixing it slowly until it forms a paste.

• 3

  Apply the paste directly to where the nettle made contact with your skin. Allow the paste to penetrate into your skin until the burning or itching sensation is cooled off.

• 4

  Rinse off the baking soda paste. Pat your skin dry. Apply a light layer of antihistamine cream to reduce the redness or swelling.