Herb Spotlight

"Stinging" Nettles
Urtica dioica

In the Pacific Northwest, spring has fully emerged. With the colorful blossoms comes the anticipation of dreaded allergies. The first allergens to saturate the air in the spring are tree pollens, followed by grass and weed pollens at the height of summer. Then the fall brings out ragweed and airborne fungus before winter's relief. If you are one of the 50 million people in the US who suffers from allergies this year, you will find Nettles to be a simple yet powerful herb to support your health through this season.

Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is a type of disorder of the immune system in which simple foreign substances, such as pollen, can cause havoc. Unfortunately, the more that you are exposed to the allergens the worse your response gets. To protect the body, the bloodstream is flooded with powerful signaling molecules such as histamines and leukotrienes. These biogenic substances produce inflammation, which is the body's way of protecting it against these offending substances. As a result, those of us who suffer from allergies, develop watery eyes, running noses, and sneezing as the most common symptoms to difficulty of breathing, depleted energy and foggy head.

Nettles (Urtica dioica) are an excellent spring tonic in anticipation of the allergy season. Nettles have traditionally been used as a "pot herb", one that you stewed in a pot, to fortify you body after a long winter. Nettles belong to the genus Urtica, which is derived from the Latin "uro" meaning to burn. The burn from Nettles originates from its most notable feature, the stinging hairs that are located on its leaves and stems. If brushed, these hairs release a burst of formic acid, the same substance that comes from a sting or bite of an ant. Hot and throbbing pain from contact with Nettles can last up to 12-24 hours. Historically this throbbing sting has been used in the process of Urtication, or flogging with Nettles. Flogging increases the circulation to an area and thus alleviates symptoms of poor circulation associated with rheumatism.

Despite the burn of the Nettles' stinger its leaves have nutritive value. Nettles are best taken for 2-3 months before the peak of the allergy season, but it's never too late to start. What follows are some highlights as to why Nettles are important to introduce into your daily life, especially during this allergy season.

Nettles:

1. Nettles are a potent packed nutritive tonic. Nettles are rich in vitamins and minerals, including calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, silicon, manganese, zinc, phosphate chromium, and Vitamin A, B, C, D, E, F and K
   
   
2. A preliminary human study of helping allergy sufferers with Nettles was conducted at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon. In this study there was evidence that Nettles significantly reduced symptoms of allergies, most notably sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose.
   


3. Nettles are thought to act by reducing the amount of histamine the body produces in response to the allergen, though more studies are needed to confirm this theory.
   


4. From a holistic viewpoint, allergies are associated with weak adrenals, immune and elimination function.
   
   
   
   1. Nettles are an excellent kidney tonic, and good kidney function is essential for vitality and energy. Through their homeostatic, balancing properties Nettles calibrate a more efficient urination while also alkalizing the urine.
   
   
   2. Nettles are supportive to overexerted adrenals, which are seated right on top of the kidneys. When you feed the adrenals, you feed the kidneys, and feed your health.
   
   
   3. Nettles activate the metabolism as it strengthens and tones the entire system thus increasing immunity response to fend off allergens.
      
      

Contraindications:

Nettles are generally safe, but if any reaction occurs, please discontinue use of this herb. Some people have experienced mild digestive upset. Also use caution when handling fresh plants because of its stinger. For leaves, use only young shoots before flowering of the plant. Consult your health care provider before making any changes to your health care. Nettles may interact with certain medication, esp. anti-coagulants, anti-platelet, diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, blood pressure and/or diabetic medication.

To purchase Fresh Wildcrafted Nettles from Oregon

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Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Happy Spring! (or Imbolc)

Imbolc is now several weeks passed, the cross quarter of the season which represents in the Celtic calendar the first day of spring! For us here in the Northern Hemisphere spring does not start until March 21st, with the Spring Equinox as our marker for the event. This designation is based off of the Gregorian calendar, which has never really worked for me when witnessing your local plants. The Celtic calendar, which is much more agrarian based portrays a clearer vision of how the flora cycles work here in the Pacific Northwest. In this type of calendar we look at the heights of the season, the quintessential moment when we know we are fully in the season to be the peak. These would be the Equinoxes or Solstices. To mark the beginning and end of the season we cut the four points in half calling them the cross quarters. That being said we have just passes the cross quarter of February 1st, Imbolc, the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox thus the beginning of the spring season. At the spring equinox we will be fully burst into spring with an abundance of blossoms. And now that spring has just started here, we have begun to see the first whispers….
Tulip and daffodil leaves are popping up, Iris leaves are becoming green, Winter Daphne is starting to bud and bloom and for my most favorite marker of the first day of spring— the sweet smell of the blooming Violets!


Plant of the Month: Viola odorata

Violets grow in my front yard as a ground cover under some of my native bushes. I love February for this is the time when the leaves begin to uncurl and their little scrumptious purple flowers bloom. The flowers are simply one of the sweetest most delicious smells effervescently wafting through the spring breeze! Violets are one of those old forgotten sweet herbs that are incredibly healing, nutritive and helpful for releasing our winter sludge. With nutritious leaves, rich in Vitamin A and C; Violets make an excellent infusion to strengthen the eyes, the nerves and the blood. Wonderfully mucilaginous you can also crush the leaves and flowers steep them in room temp over night and have an excellent soothing drink for an inflamed intestinal tract, bronchitis, asthma or coughs. Externally, violet flower infused in oil adds an extra special touch into my Elder Flower Eye Cream.













Summer Violet Drink Recipe:

Red Raspberry Leaf
Lemongrass
(Or Nettles, Alfalfa, Lemon Balm & etc.)
Colorful frozen fruit
(i.e. Raspberries or Strawberries)
Violet flower ice cubes