Nettles for Seasonal Allergies
The beauty of the changing colors that Fall brings is a joy to experience. However, along with that may come seasonal allergies often related to leaf mold, dust from our dry weather (though recent rains have been welcome), smoke from burning fields and ragweed running rampant. Congestion, sore throat, sniffly nose and headache are symptoms often associated with fall allergies.
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a plant categorized as a healing herb which can be extremely useful at this time of year, though consumption of the tea is a great year-round practice. Stinging Nettle is high in vitamin and mineral content including vitamins A, C, K and several of the B’s, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and calcium as well as linoleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic and oleic acids including the complete list of amino acids. Nettles are also high in polyphenols and carotenoids. Many of these nutrients act as antioxidants in the body, helping to defend cells against free radical damage which leads to aging and other diseases including cancers.
Allergies often involve inflammation in the lining of the nose. Research has shown that stinging nettle inhibits inflammation, thereby making this herb a good choice for calming and controlling allergies. This includes blocking histamine receptors and stopping immune cells from releasing chemicals that trigger allergy symptoms.
Recent studies suggest that other health issues which may benefit from nettles are enlarged prostate, commonly called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
In animal studies, stinging nettle has been shown to lower blood pressure levels while raising the heart’s antioxidant defenses .
Steamed fresh nettles may be eaten as a vegetable and taste much like spinach. A tea can be made from dried nettles and tastes like a nourishing, hearty, green tea. The leaves of the stinging nettle have hair-like structures that sting and can produce itching, redness and swelling. However, once the plant is cooked or prepared with hot water for a tea, the stings are no longer active. But beware while harvesting! Long gloves are recommended. Drinking 1-2 cups of nettle tea a day may help support allergy and reduce inflammation. Cheers to your health!