Stinging nettles

[Novusordo]

I went out to the local par/wood and thought I might as well have a go at making cord from stinging nettles, or at least get to know the plant somewhat.

I was very careful to uproot the plant without touching the leaves yet I was still getting stung by the prickly hairs that are present on the actual stem.

Everywhere I read it says the only part that stings is the outer-rim of the leaves.


I don't understand....

 

[Toddy]

Basically any hair on a nettle can sting.
Never seen any other advice

Crush them, dry them, or heat them and it will destroy the mechanism that allows the cells to sting.

cheers,
Toddy

 

[mick miller]

Grasp them firmly and confidently at the base and you'll still get stung!

 

[Toddy]

Yeah, I wear gloves and I don't care how often people confidently tell me just grasp firmly and they won't sting..........if I'm gathering a load, I wear the gloves

cheers,
M

 

[NatG]

i wore leather gloves and long sleeves- and still got stung! bash them a bit with a mallet opr the butt of your knife and it will kill the stingers and make it easier to separate the fibres.

 

[Novusordo]

lol! i agree toddy.

 

[spamel]

There's no bravery award for getting nettles out with your bare hands. Good pair of strong leather gloves, run your hand up the stalk to remove the leaves. Carry on as all the other tutorials will testify. Same for bramble cordage too. Incidentally, those bracelets I made my girl are still going strong!

 

[Novusordo]

check out this welsh dude making nettle cordage ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfvmcBK-MWk

 

[dommyracer]

check out this welsh dude making nettle cordage ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfvmcBK-MWk

Welsh?

 

[andyn]

LOL...I'm sure Martin will appreciate the Welsh comment

Looks like he got a tickle off of it at the end as well.