View Full Version : Stinging nettles
Novusordo
31-08-2008, 18:57
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....
Basically any hair on a nettle can sting.
Never seen any other advice :confused:
Crush them, dry them, or heat them and it will destroy the mechanism that allows the cells to sting.
cheers,
Toddy
mick miller
31-08-2008, 19:11
Grasp them firmly and confidently at the base and you'll still get stung!
:lmao: :D
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 :rolleyes:
cheers,
M:rolleyes:
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
31-08-2008, 19:23
lol! i agree toddy.
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
31-08-2008, 19:24
check out this welsh dude making nettle cordage ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfvmcBK-MWk
dommyracer
31-08-2008, 19:58
check out this welsh dude making nettle cordage ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfvmcBK-MWk
Welsh? :lmao:
LOL...I'm sure Martin will appreciate the Welsh comment :p
Looks like he got a tickle off of it at the end as well. :)