Stung by hairs of nettle leaves causes buming pain. This is due to the injection of

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a herbaceous plant found in the wild that possesses stinging hairs on its leaves and stems [1]. When these hairs come into contact with human skin, they act like injection needles, releasing a cocktail of chemicals that cause immediate burning pain, redness, and irritation [1]. The primary chemical responsible for this sensation is methanoic acid, also known as formic acid [1]. Formic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid and is the same substance found in ant stings [2]. While the fluid also contains other inflammatory mediators like histamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin, the acidic nature of methanoic acid is the characteristic cause of the sharp burning pain. Traditional remedies involve neutralizing the acid with a base, such as rubbing the area with dock plant leaves or applying baking soda [2].

Sources

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