nwogeo.org

The consensus of everyone I talked to at our June Meet & Eat was that itch weed seemed much more prevalent this spring than in the past.

Although I normally am in shorts from early spring to well into fall, this year I may make an exception!

While I may expand on this topic after more research, for the moment here is some basic information.

In our area the plant we loving call "itch weed" or "seven minute" itch, is
probably the "Stinging Nettle" (Urtica dioica).
The plant has tiny hairs that contain three chemicals that are very effective in delivering its payload.

A a histamine to irritate the skin. An acid which releases Acetylcholine to cause a burning sensation. And, Hydroxytryptamine which enhances the ability of your nervous system to send the pain messages to your brain.

Application of a base such as baking soda is often recommended to neutralize the acid. Spit which is often more base than water, is said to help in a pinch.

A corticosteroid spray or ointment is also recommended to relieve the rash, whereas alcohol based applications are to be avoided.

Depending where you are from, the names for this and other similar plants vary and are often used interchangeably.

American Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica gracilis)
Bull Nettle (Cnidoscolus stimulosus)
Burning Weed
California Nettle
Common Nettle (usually Urtica dioica)
Cowhage (Mucuna pruriens)
Cow-Itch (Mucuna pruriens)
Devil Weed (also slang for marajuana)
European stinging nettle
Hairy Nettle
Hoary Nettle
Fireweed or Fire Weed terms are misused and is actually (Epilobium augustifolium)
Itch Weed (usually Urtica dioica)
Itchy Weed (usually Urtica dioica)
Jaggy Nettle
Nettles
Seven Minuite Itch (usually Urtica dioica)
Slender Nettle
Stinging Nettle (usually Urtica dioica)
Tall Nettle
Tree Nettle (Laportea spp.)
Wood Nettle (Laportea canadensis)

thought i would add this link for more info and pics.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nettles
http://www.naturepark.com/snettle.htm
http://www.wildeye.co.uk/stinging-nettles/

^^^^that is the one i wanted, lol.

turbonation.com/rail.htm

That's a real good description!

Stumpy75 wrote:turbonation.com/rail.htm

That's a real good description!

Interesting link, but I thought I was missing something?!?

lol, sorry guys. i wasnt paying attn to the link i put up. i was researching nettles and making my own fuel rails for my car at the same time. Must of had the link copied and not the one i wanted.

I've found that in a pinch, slapping some mud on the area that you've gotten nettles on will relieve the itching quickly.

remark2000 wrote:I've found that in a pinch, slapping some mud on the area that you've gotten nettles on will relieve the itching quickly.

And ANY relief can be better than none!

I wonder if we have multiple varieties around here, as lately I've had it last anywhere from 10 min to almost an hour.

Does anyone know what is in the air right now that could cause symptoms similar to an asthmatic reaction?

Not in general, but the cottonwood is out, and the mayflies are starting early.

I've suffered, too, from the stinging, burning sensation of the nettles. I was talking to Papa2All at the M and E and he was describing it. Then on Thursday while I was geocaching in the Pearson Park I felt the effects. Wow, was it painful!

Flybye wrote:Does anyone know what is in the air right now that could cause symptoms similar to an asthmatic reaction?

Check out this website for current allergy data. You will note that Northwest Ohio is in a high alert this weekend.

http://www.pollen.com/Pollen.com.asp

I can tell its bad already my head has been thumping all day but.... I AM going caching tommorrow!!!!

Thanks for the very informative link! ! !

Generally speaking, a plant called orange jewelweed grows next to nettles.. simply open the stem and apply to the nettle sting.. instsant relief!!

Well, alrighty then...