The accidental touch of Nettle leaves creates a burning sensation, which is due to inject of

The accidental touch of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) leaves causes a burning sensation because the plant's stinging hairs inject an acidic liquid into the skin [2]. According to scientific and educational texts, this specific acid is methanoic acid, which is also commonly known as formic acid [3]. While the sting also contains a cocktail of other chemicals such as histamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin that contribute to the pain and inflammation, methanoic acid is the primary organic acid identified in traditional and academic sources as the cause of the initial burning sensation [2]. A common traditional remedy for this sting involves rubbing the affected area with the leaf of a dock plant, which typically grows near nettles and acts as a neutralizing agent [2].

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Acids, Bases and Salts > Self defence by animals and plants through chemical warfare > p. 27
2. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Acids, Bases and Salts > Nature provides neutralisation options > p. 28
3. [3] Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Exploring Substances: Acidic, Basic, and Neutral > 2.3 Neutralisation in Daily Life > p. 18