Well it is that time of year again. In my world the only true allergies come from something you digest.
I believe that seasonal or pollen allergies may be associated to the kidneys. Put simply when the kidneys are not filtering as they should it allows the internal body waters to thicken and mucous rises in the body. Affects of this may present as low back stress, acid reflux, grinding or clinching of teeth, pressure in the ears and as the mucous coats the ciliary hairs in the respiratory track allergy like symptoms to things we breathe such as pollen.
Of course spring time not only adds several pollens to react to but consider the change in weather. During hotter weather are you adding more water to help flush the toxins in your body?
One of my favorite remedies for spring time is Nettle tea, actually this is a favorite all year long but even more so in the springtime. Here is a list of all the benefits you can get from drinking Nettle tea. Since nettle is an herb it mixes well with other favorite tea blends like Apricot, Peach or some of the other favorite spring/summer blends it simply means that your ice tea will now begin to heal your body as well.
Nettle Tea or Capsules
Urtica dioica (Nettle Family)
Stinging Nettle is often used to reduce inflammation in allergic responses, arthritis and lupus. A favorite today of many herbalists in the treatment of high blood pressure.
Being very high in iron, chlorophyll and vitamin C, it is also a good tonic for treating anemia, especially if used as an infusion over many weeks.
Nettle is very nourishing to the whole system, specifically the adrenals and kidneys. It’s also a helpful uterine tonic. The high chlorophyll and mineral content are good for the hormonal system.
The roots are used for treating hay fever. In low doses, the root extract stimulates the production of T cells, which help control the immune cells causing the allergic reaction, and will actually rid you of allergies.
Nettles – Botanical name: Urtica dioica
Medical uses and benefits of Nettles
- A highly nutritive herb with a broad range of actions.
- Nettles have an alkalizing effect upon the body, cancer can’t grow in an alkaline environment. Being alkaline it neutralizes acids (like uric and sulfuric acids) so a good choice for acid indigestion.
- Used to increase circulation.
- A specific for arthritis and rheumatism.
- Great for the joints.
- Used in pain and inflammation issues.
- One of the few herbs that is food and nutrition for the thyroid gland.
- A strong detoxifier of the skin.
- Somewhat of a haemostatic (stops bleeding), great for women with heavy menses.
- Feeds the body nutrition, especially potassium and iron (although it is also full of several other minerals as well).
- Useful in circulation issues, somewhat of a vasodilator.
- Promotes the flow of urine and is useful for kidney stones.
- Shrinks swollen tissues.
- Excellent for pregnancy, nutrition, and for anti-abortive issues.
- Used in cases of bronchitis especially asthma, emphysema and C.O.P.D.
- Nettles are an expectorant (removes mucus) and have adaptogenic properties in aiding the body to build up immunity to allergies.
- Used for anemia.
- A great blood purifier and body regulator.