Stinging nettle

Last updated on: 12.05.2023

Dieser Artikel auf Deutsch

Requires free registration (medical professionals only)

Please login to access all articles, images, and functions.

Our content is available exclusively to medical professionals. If you have already registered, please login. If you haven't, you can register for free (medical professionals only).


Requires free registration (medical professionals only)

Please complete your registration to access all articles and images.

To gain access, you must complete your registration. You either haven't confirmed your e-mail address or we still need proof that you are a member of the medical profession.

Finish your registration now

DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Plant found in Europe, Asia and America. The large nettle grows up to 1.5 m high, the small nettle up to 80 cm. Which is characterized by the painful burning sensation on contact with the skin. The stinging hairs on leaves and stems contain formic acid, acetylcholine and histamine. A urticarial rash wraps up after contact. A distinction is made between the large and small nettle species. Both belong to the Urticaceae family (nettle family), have square, erect and unbranched stems with stinging hairs. The stinging effect is lost with over-brewing or drying. Whitish to light green flowers, flowering time is from May to October, the fruit is a nut.

Phytotherapeutically, the dried leaves (nettle leaves - Urticae folium), the dried herb (nettle herb - Urticae herba) and the roots (nettle root - Urticae radix) of the small and large nettle are used.

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

Last updated on: 12.05.2023