Can Nettle Help With Seasonal Allergies? Our Herbalist Explains

Do seasonal allergies seem to return at the same time every year?

The sneezing starts.

Your eyes become itchy.

Your nose feels like a drippy faucet.

And before long, you're looking for ways to manage the symptoms.

As an herbalist, one of the herbs I most often recommend during allergy season is Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica).

After working with medicinal herbs for more than 25 years, I've found that many people wait until their symptoms are at their worst before reaching for support. Herbalists often take a different approach. Rather than waiting for symptoms to appear, we focus on supporting the body before and during allergy season.

Why Do Seasonal Allergies Happen?

Seasonal allergies occur when the immune system over-reacts to substances such as pollen that are normally harmless.

We typically experience this perceived pollen attack as:

• Sneezing
• Itchy eyes
• Runny nose
• Nasal irritation
• Seasonal discomfort

While many conventional approaches focus on managing symptoms after they appear, herbalists often look at ways to support the body's overall response throughout the season.

Why Herbalists Often Choose Nettle

Nettle has constituents that shut down the body’s histamine response. The histamine response and the symptoms that come with it are our bodies’ defense mechanism. Essentially, our immune system is trying to eliminate the antagonistic pollen and we come a drippy, itchy mess.

It is one of the most commonly used herbs for seasonal support and is often included in herbal formulas designed for people who experience pollen-related discomfort.

In addition to helping relieve allergy symptoms, nettle is chock full of nutrients.

As an herbalist, I appreciate that nettle can support the body in a variety of ways.

Why Timing Matters

Herbalists often recommend starting nettle infusions before allergy season begins.

In my practice, I generally suggest a season before your typical symptoms appear.

This gives the herb time to become part of your daily routine and allows the body to receive consistent support throughout the season.

How to Prepare Nettle

For seasonal support, I often recommend a nettle infusion.

Nettle Infusion

• 1 ounce dried nettle leaf
• 1 quart boiling water

Place the nettle in a large glass jar.

Pour boiling water over the herb.

Cover and allow it to steep for 4-8 hours or overnight.

Strain in the morning.

Drink 2-4 cups throughout the day.

This longer steeping method creates a rich, nourishing infusion that many herbalists prefer when working with nettle.

What Can You Expect?

Nettle infusion is not typically used for dramatic, immediate results.

Nettle tincture is very helpful, in the throes of a pollen attack, for relieving the discomforts that come with seasonal allergies.

Nettle infusion is effective with regular use when you can start before symptoms arise.

When that spiky irritating pollen gets into your mucus membranes, and makes you miserable, nettle tincture will be your new best friend.

Practical Takeaway

If seasonal allergies affect you year after year, consider starting your support routine before symptoms begin.

Many herbalists choose nettle because it has a long history of traditional use during allergy season and does double duty as a nourishing daily infusion.

Sometimes the most effective approach isn't waiting for symptoms.

It's preparing for them.

About the Author

This article was prepared by Jo Anne Richards, Certified Clinical Herbalist (CCH).

For more than 25 years, Jo Anne has been helping people explore the traditional use of medicinal herbs and natural wellness practices.