Nettle Infusion for Seasonal Allergies
If you have ever suffered with seasonal allergies, you may wish to give this infusion a whirl. This formulation uses several whole and natural ingredients that when combined together may help boost your immune response.
Nettle
Nettles, are commonly known as “stinging nettles’ because they have tiny hairs that sting! These plants have been used for centuries to treat many inflammatory conditions, such as seasonal allergies and arthritis. They are grace many dishes, like soups and curry for their fiber and high protein among other healthful benefits. Not only are nettles anti-inflammatory, but they are rich in minerals like iron, calcium and magnesium and flavonoids (quercetin), carotenoids, Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Vitamin K1, triterpenes and sterols. Nettles are anti-bacterial, anti-viral and diuretic.
If you pick this plant fresh, make sure you are wearing gloves! Also, I find picking the nettles when they are young make for great smoothie additions. When the plant matures (before it flowers), it makes great addition to lasagnas and soups.
Honey
The use of honey in this recipe is a “self-inoculation’ of sorts- to the local pollen and will help bolster your immunity against local allergens. Honey, with over 31 minerals also exhibits strong wound healing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti fungal, antiviral, and anti diabetic effects. If you add the honey when the liquid has cooled, it can help the body increase nitric oxide which has been studied to benefit epithelial cells, important for circulatory health!
Orange Peel
Some of the orange peel’s appeal are the nutrients: Vitamin C, B1, folic acid, antioxidant flavonoids, d-limonene and beta-carotene. Orange peel tea helps you fight against viruses and bacteria. It is also useful when treating coughs, asthma, bronchitis and colds. The d- limonene in the oil of the orange has been studied in cases of acid reflux, heartburn and muscle spasms (cough).
Making an infusion or tea with the dried herb is just one medicinal way of utilizing this herb and fruits.
See references below.
Nettle Infusion
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Steep: 4-6 hours
Ingredients:
4 cups of water
1 ounce of loose nettle leaves, dry
2 strips of orange peel (organic), 2 inch by 1inch
1/8 cup of local honey, unpasteurized
Preparation:
Bring water to a boil.
Place nettle loose into a 1 Quart mason jar with orange peels.
Add boiling water, slowly. Fill to the top. Place lid on.
Let steep for 4-6 hours to allow the medicinal qualities of the tea to release.
Strain the orange peel and the leaves. Squeeze all the liquid out of the leaves.
Add honey will tea is still warm to allow it to melt.
Refrigerate for 2-3 days.
Directions for use:
Drink 1 cup daily on ice or gently warm up.
© anna z nutrition
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5963652/ (stinging nettle) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25234831/ (orange peel extract)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18072821/ (d-limonene and oranges)
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