Did you know that more than a quarter of all Americans (adults and children combined) suffer from seasonal allergies or hay fever!? This is so common during the spring and summer months. Many of us could be tempted to just camp out indoors this time of year. But did you know you can combat your seasonal allergies naturally? Herbs have been used for centuries to fight against common complaints and allergies is no exception. The herb we’ll be using in today’s recipe has been used in Ayurvedic medicine (one of the world’s oldest medical systems). It was also used by Native Americans for various illnesses. This Stinging Nettle Allergy Remedy is easy to make and highly effective!
What is Stinging Nettle
The scientific name for the stinging nettle plant is Urtica Dioica. Stinging Nettle is an herbaceous flowering perennial plant that belongs to the family Urticaceae.
Stinging Nettle is sometimes simply referred to as nettle. The plant grows freely in various parts of the world, but it flourishes in North America. Nettle commonly grows along streams, ditches, or mountain slopes. It can also even be found along roadsides and open forests. Believe it or not, since nettle appreciates nitrogen rich soil, you may have this wild herb growing along your garden edge right now!
The leaves, flowers, and roots of stinging nettle can be used and consumed for medicinal purposes. Stinging Nettle is appropriately named as the leaves of the plant can actually sting you! Although the plant has many benefits, direct contact with the plant can cause a stinging sensation accompanied by itching and swelling. Needles to say, topical application of the plant – although practiced in Ancient Rome – is not advised!
Stinging Nettle is considered to be a natural antihistamine. In addition, the plant also has anti-inflammatory properties as well as detoxification benefits acting as a stimulant on the circulatory and digestive systems. Also, this plant can interfere with many of the inflammatory responses resulting from allergic rhinitis. Overall, this is a powerful herb to have in your natural medicine cabinet stock!
What is a Tincture
In this stinging nettle allergy remedy recipe, we will be making a tincture. But first, let’s talk about what a tincture is ? A tincture is basically a concentrated herbal extract made by steeping your herb of choice in a high proof alcohol for 3-5 weeks. After that, he herb is strained out of the alcohol leaving you with a potent herbal tincture. Tinctures can last up to seven years in a dark place at room temperature.
The alcohol used when creating a tincture should be at least 80 proof. A higher proof can be used, or a mixture of a lower proof and higher proof alcohol can be used to attain the desired concentration. A common alcohol used when creating a tincture is vodka. Vodka is 80 proof which is equivalent to 40% ABV. It is also common to go for a higher proof by using a mixture of vodka and grain alcohol (190 proof).
Although tinctures are generally alcohol based, the amount of alcohol that you consume when taking a tincture in the proper dosage is extremely minimal. Generally, the maximum amount of a tincture that you would consume is 1 tsp diluted in at least 2 oz of water at a time. (The more common dosage is 1/2 tsp.)
However if alcohol consumption is still a concern when taking tinctures, there are two options. You could dilute the tincture in hot water which will quickly evaporate most of the alcohol from the water. Or, you could opt for a glycerin based tincture. Glycerin based tinctures are made the same way that alcohol tinctures are made except the herb is steeped in glycerin.
How to Make a Stinging Nettle Tincture
Now that you know about the herb we’ll be using and how to choose the appropriate alcohol, let’s get started making this stinging nettle allergy remedy.
First, you’ll want to begin by sourcing organic dried stinging nettle. You can find the link to the one I purchase at the end of the post. Next, you’ll want to pick up a bottle of 80 proof vodka and a bottle of grain alcohol. Then, also grab a clean pint jar.
After gathering your items, add 1/2 cup of the dried stinging nettle leaves to the jar. Next add 1/3 cup grain alcohol to the jar. Finally, fill the remaining amount in the jar (about 1 1/4 cup) with vodka.
Now, all that is left to do is to cover the jar with a lid and put it in a dark place (such as the pantry) for at least three weeks.
After the three weeks have past, line a strainer with a piece of loose weave thin muslin and place it on top of a bowl. Next, pour the tincture through the muslin lined strainer and store the liquid in the bowl in a glass jar or bottle. Note: An amber glass jar is a great option as it blocks out light and extends the shelf life of your tincture.
How to Use Your Stinging Nettle Allergy Remedy
Adults
Although stinging nettle is widely considered safe for consumption, you should always introduce new tinctures into your body slowly. Begin with a small dosage of 5 drops diluted in 2 oz. of water of juice three times a day. After the initial dosage begin working up 5 drops at a time each day. The amount of tincture needed for an adult can vary depending on sex/size. A good general rule is that the maximum dosage would be 1 tsp of tincture three times a day diluted in water or juice. (1 tsp is equal to about 100 drops). However, the desired result can often be achieved with half this dosage (1/2 tsp diluted in water 3 times each day).
Children
Children 12 and under need a considerable smaller amount to achieve the desired result. You should start with half the maximum dosage below and work up just as you would for an adult. A child 3 months and younger should receive a maximum of 2 diluted drops. After 3 months, this could be increased by one drop every 3 months following until 18 months and one additional drop at 24 months.
- 3 months and younger – 2 drops
- 6 months – 3 drops
- 9 months – 4 drops
- 12 months – 5 drops
- 15 months – 6 drops
- 18 months – 7 drops
- 24 months – 8 drops
Children 3-6 should work their way up to a maximum of 15 drops, and children 6-12 to a maximum of 30 drops always using the minimum required to achieve the desired results.
Disclaimer
The content in this post is meant for information purposes only. The information is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. If you have concerns about your health, you should speak with a licensed medical professional.
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Below you can find some of the products I love to use in this recipe!
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