brennebrenne

brennebrenne is a colloquial term, primarily used in German-speaking regions, to refer to the stinging sensation caused by contact with nettles. The word itself is a playful reduplication of "brennen," the German word for "to burn." While technically not a burn in the thermal sense, the plant's characteristic hairs inject a mixture of formic acid and histamine upon contact, eliciting an itchy, burning, and often red rash that resembles a mild burn.

The plant most commonly associated with this sensation is the stinging nettle, *Urtica dioica*. These plants are widespread in temperate regions across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. They are herbaceous perennial plants, often found in damp soil, meadows, and disturbed ground. The stinging hairs, or trichomes, cover the stems and leaves of the plant and are responsible for the characteristic reaction.

The discomfort from brennebrenne is usually temporary and subsides on its own within a few hours. Home remedies often involve washing the affected area with soap and water, applying cold compresses, or using lotions containing calamine or hydrocortisone to alleviate the itching and irritation. In some cases, more severe allergic reactions can occur, but these are less common. The term brennebrenne highlights the immediate and unpleasant sensory experience rather than a precise scientific classification of the plant's effect.