April 13, 2001, Newsletter Issue #33: Stifling Hayfever With Stinging Nettles

Tip of the Week

Many people have found relief by taking the herb Stinging Nettle or Nettle Leaf, but it can be tracked back to Hippocrates` era, when its juice was utilized to treat bites and stings. European herbalists recognized its power in treating lung disorders and Native Americans found it helpful during pregnancy, childbirth and nursing.

Holistic health guru, Dr. Andrew Weil, director of the program of Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson, names Stinging Nettles as his first choice in doing battle with the spring ragweed season in Southern Arizona.

Nettles contain calcium, chlorine, chlorophyll, iodine, magnesium, potassium, vitamins A and C and other vital minerals. It acts as a diuretic, expectorant and pain reliever, and in addition to helping ease allergies, Nettles has helpful in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), anemia, arthritis, kidney problems, malabsorption syndrome, goiter problems, inflammatory conditions and conditions involving mucous in the lungs.

Usual dosage for hayfever and allergy problems is 300 mg of freeze-dried nettles, two times a day. It works wonders for some folks but it can, in rare cases, increase allergy symptoms for some individuals - so if that happens, discontinue immediately. There are also theoretical concerns (per The Natural Health Bible)about possible interaction problems if you are currently taking diabetes, blood pressure, anti-inflammatory or sedative medications - but to date, no significant problems have been reported.

So, if hayfever and allergies turn your springtime into red-eyed, sniffle time, this natural supplement may be the answer to your problems. Think of the money you`ll save in tissues alone!


To learn a little bit more about Nettles, click on the tip link below:

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