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Man Claims World Record By Eating 54ft Of Stinging Nettles

Man Claims World Record By Eating 54ft Of Stinging Nettles

The winner chowed down on 29 two-foot-long stems to take home the trophy

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

When you think of world champions, the kind of feats that spring to mind are generally fastest, strongest or fittest.

However, those not blessed with extraordinary genetics can find solace in the fact that there will always be a myriad of bizarre stunts they can carry out in order to see their name etched in the history books.

A prime example of that is Tony Jeyes, who has just been crowned the World Stinging Nettle Champion after devouring 58ft of the nasty plant in an hour. Really.

Yep, the brave contestant chowed down on 29 two-foot-long stems in order to take home the trophy at this year's event, held annually in the village of Marshwood, Dorset.

Retired teacher Lindy Rogers took home the women's title after she munched on 46ft of nettles.

Tony chomped through 54ft of stinging nettles to claim this year's title.
Getty

Speaking to the Mirror, the 67-year-old revealed the trick that helped her win this year's event.

She said: "I had a nice glass of pear and apple cider which I dunked the rolled up leaves into to make them more moist and easier to go down.

"I am thrilled to have won. My tongue is black today but I feel fine."

Neither of this year's champions, however, hold the record for the all-time record for most nettles consumed. That incredible feat goes to three-times winner Phil Throme, who has eaten 104ft of stinging nettle in the past. He attended this year's event but didn't take part.

Maybe there is some method in the madness, because according to one dad, nettles are the perfect cure for hayfever. And at this time of year, that's something a lot of people could do with.

According to the Mirror, Goran Pavlovic believes opting for stinging nettles should sort you out.

Pavlovic shared his experience on Facebook, writing: "All my life I suffered from hay fever. I pretty much choked to death every summer.

According to some, stinging nettles could help you get rid of hayfever.
PA

"Then, few years ago, an old man (crazy old man according to my wife) told me to try nettles.

"Basically, as soon as the spring starts, he told me, and the first nettles sprout out, pick a bunch and sting myself with them.

"Do that once a week until the end of autumn. Apparently this would make my immune system concentrate on nettles and forget about the pollen...

"To my wife's horror and the amusement of the fellow walkers in parks and forests, I soon started the 'therapy'.

"And lo and behold it worked. I haven't had any problems with pollen for three years now.

"So there you have it. Just wanted to share with you my experience. Just in case someone is interested in use of herbs for medicinal purposes.

"And as the law requires, here is the disclaimer: don't do this at home."

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Food, UK News, Interesting, England