Root Causes of Allergies & How Nettle Brings Relief
By Amy Lupton
Nettle has been proven in studies to be just as effective as antihistamine medications.
Seasonal allergies can be very debilitating for many. The symptoms can be wide ranging but many common ones are sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, and coughing. They can be triggered by airborne allergens like pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, but also can be internal from food sensitivities & body products. While many reach for over-the-counter medications to manage their symptoms, there are natural remedies and herbs that can help relieve discomfort and support the body's immune response.
How can I help my allergies naturally?? I am miserable!
This can be a multi-faceted question, because each person has their own constitution and particular reasons for having excess histamine & exhibiting an allergic response.
In dealing with clients who have allergies, we usually start looking for root causes and asking these questions:
Does gut healing needs to be done? Most likely yes. Many who have excessive allergies are eating things they are sensitive to— gluten, dairy, corn being the main culprits. We also have a look at probiotic status and possible assaults on the gut and intricate intestinal system.
Are they are over taxing their system with toxic cleaning, body and environmental products such as makeup, face products, laundry detergent, harsh cleaning products? This can be an easy one to get cleared up quickly.
Hydration needs to be looked at. Are you drinking enough water, getting enough electrolytes, balancing salt in your food (surprise, many aren’t eating enough salt and drinking enough water).
Minerals in Diet - wasting minerals quickly due to environment and stress. Processed foods can degrade many minerals, and stress and excessive EMF exposure can drain your minerals.
How is the lymphatic system? Movement is very important for the lymphatic system, and dry skin brushing can help allergies.
Does the immune system need a boost? Or is it being hit by things we can remove? Parasites, heavy metals etc.
If you would like to dive more into getting to the root cause of allergies… send me an email and we can chat!
How Nettle can Bring Natural Relief from Allergies
Now, lets talk about the amazing Nettle! Nettle is a herbaceous plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its wide range of therapeutic properties. It’s particularly well-known for its ability to ease allergy symptoms.
What Is Nettle and How Does It Help with Allergies?
Nettle, often referred to as stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), is a plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America.
Yes! It does sting when you brush against it in a field, but it does’t sting once its been dried, cooked or steamed.
While its sting can be painful when touched, it has been recognized for its medicinal properties for centuries. Nettle is a powerhouse of nutrients, including vitamins (A, C, K, and several B vitamins), minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium), and antioxidants.
Nettle's effectiveness in treating allergies is primarily due to its ability to act as a natural antihistamine. Histamines are chemicals released by the body during allergic reactions that contribute to symptoms like sneezing, itching, and inflammation. Nettle helps to block the release of histamines, making it a natural alternative to traditional antihistamines.
The Science Behind Nettle’s Allergy Benefits
Several studies have shown that nettle can effectively reduce allergy symptoms. One of the key components in nettle that contributes to its allergy-fighting abilities is chlorophyll, which has anti-inflammatory properties. This helps reduce swelling and irritation in the nasal passages and eyes. Nettle contains compounds that stabilize mast cells—the cells responsible for releasing histamines during an allergic reaction.
Research has suggested that nettle extract can be as effective as some antihistamine drugs in reducing symptoms of allergic response, such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion, without the side effects that many medications cause.
How to Use Nettle for Allergy Relief
Note: We always suggest consulting with doc or herbalist to get best dosage and safety.
There are several ways to incorporate nettle into your routine for allergy relief, including teas, tinctures, capsules, and fresh nettle leaves. Below are some of the most common ways to use nettle:
Nettle Tea
Nettle tea is one of the most popular and accessible ways to experience the benefits of this herb. It’s easy to make, and you can drink it several times a day during allergy season to help reduce symptoms.
How to Make Nettle Tea: To prepare nettle tea, you can either use dried nettle leaves (which are commonly available at health food stores or find on our online store HERE) or fresh nettle leaves if you have access to them. Simply steep 2 teaspoons of dried nettle leaves or a handful of fresh leaves (make sure to wear gloves!) in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Strain, then enjoy! You can drink 1-3 cups of nettle tea daily during allergy season. We also like to do an overnight steep of 1/4 cup of nettle to 1 liter of water. This concentrates it and then one ounce can be added to 8 ounces of water.
Taste and Tips: Nettle tea has a mild, slightly grassy flavor, and some people prefer to combine it with other herbal teas, such as peppermint or chamomile, for added flavor and benefits.
Nettle Capsules or Tablets
If you prefer the convenience of a supplement, nettle capsules or tablets are an excellent option. Many people find that taking 300-500 mg of dried nettle extract once or twice daily is effective for allergy relief.
Nettle Tincture
A tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of an herb, and nettle tincture is another way to benefit from this herb. Tinctures are typically made by soaking nettle leaves in alcohol or glycerin to extract the plant’s beneficial compounds.
Fresh Nettle Leaves
Fresh nettle leaves can also be consumed as a food, but CAUTION it’s important to note that the leaves have tiny stingers that can cause irritation when touched. If you plan to eat fresh nettle, be sure to wear gloves when handling it and cook, steam or dry first to neutralize the stingers.
How to Use: You can add fresh nettle leaves to soups, stews, or smoothies. Once cooked, the stingers are no longer a concern, and the leaves can be enjoyed just like any other leafy green.
Nettle in Capsules with Other Allergy Relieving Herbs
Nettle can be combined with other herbs known to alleviate allergy symptoms. For example, you might find herbal blends that combine nettle with butterbur, quercetin, or eyebright, all of which support immune function and reduce inflammation in the body. Combining herbs like these can provide a synergistic effect, giving you more comprehensive allergy relief. One of our favorite herbal antihistamines is D-Hist which combines Vitamin C, quercetin and nettle.
Try some Nettle! Its an amazing herb that needs to be in your home.
