Identifying and Harvesting Stinging Nettles

Look for an upright plant covered in hairs. Stinging nettles can be found in areas from Iowa west and from Tennessee south. These plants favor moist, fertile soils, such as in margins of woods, trails, stream banks and along roadsides. The plant will have opposite leaves, which means there are two leaves on each node on opposing sides of the plant. Tiny, cream-colored flowers grow from the junctions of the leaves. The leaves are broadest at the base, are coarsely-toothed and have depressed, or sunken, veins.

Harvest the plants in the spring while they are young. The leaves become tough and gritty later in the season. Wear gloves when handling them, and use scissors to clip the young shoots and leaf tops. The harvested plant can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Stinging nettles contain histamine, the cause of the pain and irritation from touching the hairs. Use an anti-inflammatory medicine, such as hydrocortisone, for treatment. Aloe vera gel also offers relief. Traditional methods of treatment include hot mud, hot water and saliva applied topically right away. Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties: make a paste from a slice of garlic clove and ginger and apply to the affected area.