Lemonade for Allergies?

Have allergies? Consider making this herbal drink: Nettle Lemonade or Nettle-ade. To combat seasonal allergy symptoms, nettle leaf, lemon and honey all combine together in this delicious, amber lemonade. Nettle leaf acts as an anti-inflammatory and contains quercetin. Quercetin is an antihistamine, making it a great resource for those who suffer from seasonal allergies.

How does nettle leaf help allergies?

Nettle or stinging nettle is another one of those “weeds” that has much to offer. Due to its high contents of iron, silicon, Vitamin K and potassium, nettle leaf tea (or infusion) is very nourishing. Nettle leaf also contains quercetin which helps alleviate allergy symptoms. Quercetin is an antioxidant that helps slow the body’s release of histamines. Histamines cause allergy symptoms in our body and our body usually releases them when in contact with an allergen (like that lovely pollen floating in the air). The quercetin in nettle leaf slows the release of histamines while fighting inflammation, making it an ideal natural contender in the anti-allergy market.

I drink nettle tea to combat responses I have from food that is inflammatory like dairy, gluten and sometimes tomatoes. However mostly I drink nettle tea to enjoy it's many health benefits and nutrition. It’s a staple in my medicine cabinet – whether for cold or inflammation - and in my tea cabinet and daily vitamin tea. As always, do your research and you can talk to your doctor before taking something new. I’m not a doctor nor will prescribe you anything.

Where do you buy nettle leaf?

I prefer to buy my whole-leaf dried nettle leaf from Mountain Rose Herbs. Nettle leaf is also available in teabag form to enjoy hot and on-the-go. I suggest Traditional Medicinals Nettle Leaf if you want the teabag form.

Why raw local honey?

Not all honey is created equal. Raw local honey is known to prevent allergies (to your area) because of immunotherapy. Small amounts of pollen in the honey can help build your immunity up. Raw local honey also contains all the enzymes (upwards of 5,000!), vitamins, and nutrients that is gone from the processed honey you buy at the store. Buying raw local honey also helps your local ecosystem, beekeepers and your economy.

Buy raw and local whenever you can!

And why nettle lemonade?

Lemons contain the Vitamin C we all need! You are welcome to drink that nettle tea plain (I do it all the time but I’m an herb weirdo) but adding lemon juice adds extra Vitamin C. Vitamin C is also a natural antihistamine, it helps decrease your body’s histamine production and increase your body’s ability to withstand stressors.

Plus, nettle lemonade tastes good.

Nettle-ade (Nettle Lemonade)

Author: Apothecary Mary

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup dried nettle*

• 4 cups boiling water

• 1/4 cup raw local honey

• 4 lemons juiced

Instructions

• Pour boiling water over dried nettle. Let steep 20-30 minutes.

• Combine all ingredients together. (To mix honey in thoroughly, you can add it to a little hot water before adding it to the rest of the liquids). 

• Shake and enjoy!

Notes

www.apothecarymary.com          

*I buy my whole-leaf dried nettle leaf from Mountain Rose Herbs (affiliate link).

@apothecarymary

Enjoy, sweet reader!

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