Runny nose? Red eyes? Stinging nettle has been used for centuries to relieve allergy symptoms. Combine nettle infusion with gelatin, honey and quercetin for this burst of allergy relief!
The Healing Properties of Nettle
Nettle is a perennial plant that delivers a stinging burn when the hairs on the leaves and stems are touched. According to Mountain Rose Herbs, an excellent source of Nettle,
Its healing properties are as well known among various cultures and are part of folklore and tradition. Those healing powers are even alluded to in at least one fairy tale, The Swan Princess, in which the heroine must weave shirts of nettle leaf to cure her twelve brothers who have been turned into swans by an evil stepmother. The nettle leaf and root both have medicinal properties, but each is more effective against different complaints.
Embrace the immune-boosting properties of nettle with these simple gelatin creations.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups nettle infusion* (see directions below)
- 2 tablespoons grass-fed gelatin (I like Great Lakes)
- Sweetener as desired - options include xylitol, stevia or raw honey (try local honey for optimal allergy-fighting potency)
- Optional: 1-2 capsules quercetin powder for added benefit
Instructions
- Heat nettle infusion in
saucepan on low setting. (Find stinging nettle in health food stores or online. I use dried nettle leaf.) - Add quercetin and/or sweetener.
- Slowly sprinkle gelatin into the tea.
- Whisk.
- Pour into 8X8 glass baking dish. (Any mold will work.)
- Refrigerate until firm.
- Cut and enjoy!
Directions for nettle infusion:
Place a heaping handful of dried or fresh nettle into a 1-quart mason jar. Add boiling water to cover. Cap the jar and let it sit for 4 hours or more. Strain. Other herbs may be added such as dried chamomile or turmeric.
*Note – this recipe is designed to help during allergy season, rather than suppress an immune response. Higher doses may be needed, other than those found in this recipe.
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Wow what a fantstic idea. Are they yummy at all?
http://reneehartsthis.blogspot.com.au/
Renee x
A cruelty free blog.
If you make them simply as described they are a bit bland. But you can add all sorts of things to bring flavor. I happen to do very well with non-GMO xylitol so that makes it sweet enough for me. I might also blend with some type of fruit kombucha to add flavor.
Can you use fresh nettle or does it have to be dried?
From what I understand all the better with fresh. I will change the post. Thank you!
Is there a dosage recommendation?
Good question! I am not an herbalist. It might be worth checking. Less can be more when it comes to herbs. Maybe a cube or two to see how you respond.
Hi Andrea,
How much quercetin should I add? Thanks.
Sarah
I would add a two or more capsules (emptying the capsules into the mixture)….not sure you can overdo it, but you want to keep this flavorful.
Thanks so much. Really appreciate you.
Sarah
So how do I differentiate between immune response and allergies? Would immune response indicate something in our home that is harmful such as mold, dust or pet allergy?
That’s an excellent question, Diana. Often we mistake an immune response for an allergy. Here’s an old post of mine on the subject that may help.
http://moldrecovery.blogspot.com/2013/09/allergy-vs-toxic-exposure.html#.VnQ9HITjVuY
If an “allergy” develops suddenly (in adulthood especially) it’s good to consider an environmental trigger. No matter what is going on with the immune system, it’s wise to pay attention to chemicals, mold and other potential environmental triggers.
Nettle tea has definitely helped my son’s allergies in past seasons. Making it into gelatin is a new idea that I’m sure he’d find a fun alternative. Visiting from Savoring Saturday.
Thanks Abi! Nice to hear from you!
This is such a good idea!!! I can’t wait to make some. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Savoring Saturdays gluten free linky party. Have a great week!