Nettles (Urtica dioica) have a traditional reputation for quelling allergies (ironic when you think of the effects of nettles) and research seems to be confirming this traditional use. For example remedies using freeze dried nettle leaves have been shown in one clinical trial to have some positive effect against hay fever. Although not conclusive this study thought that nettles might have an anti-inflammatory on the mucous membranes (Mittman1990) However, a more recent study found that extract of nettle has been found both to be anti-inflammatory and to have anti-histamine effects (Roscheck et al. 2009).
Elderflowers (Sambuccus nigra)also soothe the mucous membranes and when dried or fresh they make a refreshing tea with an interesting and refreshing musky taste. If you mix these with nettles, it doesn't exactly improve the flavour, but it will improve the efficacy of the tea!!
You can pick and dry your own nettles (be careful!!) but it is just as easy to get some nettle tea, ready prepared, from your health food shop. Dried elderflowers can also be bought, but they are less easy to find. However, these can soon be gathered from the hedgerows where the fluffy aromatic white flowers will soon be in bloom (pick from bushes away from roads and from the nearer the top of the tree than the bottom - dogs can pollute the lower branches). Try to pick the fresh flowers that are full of pollen, as unlikely as this seems. it is the pollen which is thought to help with hay fever. If you gather too many you could always make elderflower cordial or wine!! As always when gathering anything from the wild make sure you have the correct species (Don't mix up elderflower with hawthorn for example) and have any permissions you may need.
There are of course other herbal remedies that can be effective for more severe hay fever, that are available through your herbal medicine practitioner (see my previous blog - Atichoo! for more info).
This information is meant for educational purposes only and not intended as a guide to self-treatment. You should always seek professional advice. Remember that herbs can interact with other drugs and may be contra-indicated if you have certain medical conditions, are pregnant or lactating. Don't take too much of anything for too long and discontinue immediately if you have any ill effects. . Take care when using wild plants or any herbs, that you have the correct species from a reliable source.
Catherine Schofield BSc MNIMH Herbalist Cheshire Herbs and Herbal Medicine
References
Mittman P.(1990) Randomized, double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.Planta Med. Feb;56(1):44-7
Roschek B Jr, Fink RC, McMichael M, Alberte RS. (2009) Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis. Phytotherapy Res.Jul;23(7):920-6.