Here we are. It’s that special season of warmer weather, beautiful flowers blossoming, with a side of sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and fatigue. Luckily, we have an amazing medicinal herbal plant that helps remedy our seasonal sneezes and sniffles: Stinging nettles!
Nettles are so common that if you know how to identify them and you’re out on a hike, you’ll find them popping up everywhere around this time of year. Stinging nettles work well for allergies because of their decongestant and antihistamine properties. This herb is very tonifying with all of its abundant antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, to help boost the immune system.
In Chinese Medicine, stinging nettles strengthen the Lung and act as an anti-inflammatory to aid with respiratory issues such as asthma and bronchitis, in addition to seasonal allergies. The herb also has cooling properties and nourishes Yin and Blood (which works for people that have a lot of heat symptoms and/or anemia).
The easiest ways to introduce nettles into your daily routine during allergy season is either with a tincture or a tea (I personally like to whip them into a fresh pesto, but I know that’s a little extra). The taste of nettles is mild and earthy. For best results, you want to use this herb consistently, 2-3 times a day, while you are having symptoms. I highly recommend Hey Thanks! Herbal Co.’s Allergy Aid tincture that combines stinging nettles and honey with goldenrod and ground ivy which are good for inflammation.
