Natural Allergy Remedies

As the flowers start to bloom and the air gets warmer, spring brings with it an abundance of fresh greens. One of the most underrated and powerful plants you can forage during this time of year is Nettle. While it might have a reputation for being prickly, nettle is packed with nutrients and has a surprising number of health benefits. Not only is it a great addition to your diet, but it can also provide some relief during allergy season. Let’s dive into the world of nettle and explore how to make a delicious nettle pesto, while also discussing the incredible healing benefits of nettle for allergy sufferers.

Allergy-Free Spring: Nettle’s Healing Powers

Let’s first explore the health benefits of nettle, particularly for those of us suffering from seasonal allergies. Nettle (Urtica dioica) has been used for centuries in herbal medicine due to its many healing properties. During allergy season, when pollen triggers sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes, nettle can provide some natural relief. Here’s how:

1. Natural Antihistamine:

One of nettle’s most notable benefits is its ability to act as a natural antihistamine. Histamines are chemicals released by the immune system in response to allergens like pollen, causing the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (the sneezing, itching, and congestion that many people experience during allergy season). Nettle has been shown to inhibit the production of histamines, helping reduce allergy symptoms.

2. Anti-inflammatory Properties:

Nettle is rich in compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects. By reducing inflammation in the body, nettle helps to soothe the irritated tissues in your sinuses and respiratory system that often flare up during allergy season. This can help with congestion, sneezing, and even the discomfort in the throat.

3. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals:

Nettle is a powerhouse of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, K, and several B vitamins. It also contains essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, and calcium. These nutrients help to strengthen the immune system, giving your body the support it needs to fight off allergens and stay healthy during allergy season.

4. Detoxification:

Nettle is a natural diuretic, meaning it can help flush toxins out of the body through increased urine production. This detoxifying action can help cleanse the system, which is particularly useful during allergy season when your body may be more susceptible to environmental triggers.

5. Support for Respiratory Health:

Nettle has long been used in traditional medicine to help treat respiratory conditions. It can be beneficial for individuals with seasonal asthma or those who experience shortness of breath and chest tightness due to allergies.

Nettle Pesto Recipe – A Delicious and Nutritious Spring Recipe

This pesto recipe is a wonderful way to incorporate nettles into your diet, whether you’re a seasoned forager or a first-timer. Nettle pesto is versatile, vibrant, and full of flavor. You can use it as a pasta sauce, a spread on sandwiches, or even as a topping for grilled vegetables or meats.

Print

Nettle Pesto Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups Fresh nettle leaves (young and tender are best)
  • 1/2 Cup Nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds work great)
  • 1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan cheese (or a dairy-free alternative)
  • 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/2 Cup Olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp Lemon juice (optional, but adds a nice zing)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Nettles: First, you need to blanch the nettle leaves to remove the sting. Bring a pot of water to a boil, and carefully drop the nettles in for about 1-2 minutes. You’ll notice that the leaves will lose their sting and turn a darker green. After blanching, immediately transfer the nettles into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

  2. Dry the Nettles: Once cooled, gently squeeze out any excess water from the nettles. You can pat them dry with a towel if necessary.

  3. Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the nettles, garlic, nuts, and Parmesan. Pulse a few times until the mixture begins to break down into a rough paste.

  4. Add Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the processor is running to create a smooth, creamy consistency. If you'd like your pesto a little thinner, feel free to add more olive oil, a tablespoon at a time.

  5. Season: Add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Blend again until fully combined.

  6. Serve: Transfer the pesto to a jar or container and refrigerate. This pesto can be stored for about 1 week in the fridge. You can serve it on pasta, spread it on toasted bread, or even drizzle it over roasted vegetables.

Additional Ways to Incorporate Nettle into Your Diet

While nettle pesto is a delicious way to get more nettles into your diet, there are other ways you can enjoy this nutrient-dense plant:

  • Nettle Tea: Steep dried nettle leaves in hot water for a few minutes to make a soothing and health-boosting tea.
  • Nettle Soup: Add blanched nettles to a vegetable soup for an extra nutritional punch.
  • Nettle Smoothie: Blend fresh nettle leaves into your morning smoothie for added vitamins and minerals.

Helpful Allergy Supplements

Natural D-Hist: is a targeted blend of flavonoids, antioxidants, proteolytic enzymes and botanicals designed to provide comprehensive support for seasonal challenges caused by common environmental allergens. The formula includes quercetin, bromelain, stinging nettles leaf, and N-acetyl cysteine. The powerful combination actively promotes healthy nasal and sinus passages for individuals with elevated histamine and respiratory irritation.

D-Hist Jr: this is the kids version of Natural D-Hist! This yummy chewable version is great for the little sneezy kiddos in your life.

Inspired Health - Integrative + Functional Medicine Center Natural Fertility Bend Oregon

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References:

  1. Bakhshaee M, Mohammad Pour AH, Esmaeili M, Jabbari Azad F, Alipour Talesh G, Salehi M, Noorollahian Mohajer M. Efficacy of Supportive Therapy of Allergic Rhinitis by Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) root extract: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- Controlled, Clinical Trial. Iran J Pharm Res. 2017 Winter;16(Suppl):112-118. PMID: 29844782; PMCID: PMC5963652.
  2. Roschek B Jr, Fink RC, McMichael M, Alberte RS. Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis. Phytother Res. 2009 Jul;23(7):920-6. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2763. PMID: 19140159.