Tonic Tuesday: a springtime allergy relief that bites

Springtime is a rejuvenating season filled with joyously singing birds, dazzling colours and the rebirth of life. Accompanying spring, comes the on slot of pollen, which can be a nightmare for dogs and people suffering from allergies. I, myself, am suffering from allergies, and so, as I sit here sniffling and hugging my klennex box, I will write about a nutritionally power packed herb, that just so happens to relieve allergenic symptoms. This herb  is commonly known as 'Stinging Nettle'.

A young, fresh nettle leaf

Stinging Nettle is a tonic herb that most of us are familiar with. It falls into the same category as dandelion, in that we see it often and generally find it annoying. Nettle grows rampantly in moist areas across the Northern Hemisphere and it is famous for the burning sensation and rash you will receive from touching it.

Ironically, it is the burning, stinging properties of nettle that contribute to its healing properties. Nettle contains histamine, which in small amounts, can act like an anti-histamine. Here is what Greg Tilford has to say about this phenomenon;

“…the plant’s histamine content, may work in a like-versus-like manner similar to the concepts of homeopathy. What we mean is that by introducing a substance into the body that acts mildly as an allergenic antagonist, the body is triggered into protecting itself from what it believes to be an inevitable, all-out attack of allergens. In short, nettle may prompt the body into preparing itself. For animals with predictable seasonal occurrences of allergies, dietary supplementation with dried nettle leaf may help.”

A recent study in Tilford’s Herbs for Pets showed that out of 69 patients suffering from allergic rhinitis, 58% of them found symptom relief after regularly eating the freeze-dried nettle leaves.

Nutritionally, nettle has a lot to offer. As with most green leafy plants, nettle is a high source of vitamin A, D, C & K, chlorophyll and iron. See below for the nutritional breakdown of 100 grams of dried nettle. The best methods of serving this herb is dried or slightly steamed. Drying and steaming removes the ‘stinging’ properties. Like most tonic herbs, adding nettle to your pet’s food will give s/he a boost in the antioxidants and phytonutrients your companion might be craving. While you’re at it, enjoy some yourself! Steamed or steeped nettle has been enjoyed throughout time and is particularly beneficial for fighting eczema, dermatitis, arthritis, rheumatism, stomach problems, benign prostatic hyperplasia and asthma (Randy Kidd, Herbal Dog Care, 2000).

Nutritional Analysis of 100 grams of dried nettle (as per Herbs for Pets by Gregory Tilford)

30.4 g protein

2,970 mg calcium

680 mg phosphorus

32.3 mg iron

650 mg magnesium

20.2 mg beta carotene (think vitamin A)

3450 mg potassium

Nettle is a hardy, fast growing plant that you will not likely want in your garden. Not only does it string, but it is quite ruthless in taking over surrounding plants. I look for nettle near rivers and lakes where the soil is moist and rich. The ideal time to harvest is before the flowers come in the early summer…which is why it is the ideal spring tonic!