Nettle-Tulsi Tea for Allergies
Have the high pollen counts got you feeling sluggish, stuffed up or causing postnasal drip? Several people have told me that they do not usually have allergies but are experiencing allergy symptoms this year. When the pollen counts are high, I drink a cup of Nettle – Tulsi tea. I grow these wonderful herbs in my yard.
Stinging Nettle
Urtica dioica, is found all over the world. It has been used since ancient times as a medicinal herb and food. It is a great spring tonic and helps with spring allergies. It grows wild in many places, including the Hudson Valley. I have recently been harvesting from my nettles patch in my yard.
You may have accidently brushed past this plant and felt as if you were stung by many tiny insects. Its name derives from the word needle in both Anglo-Saxon and Dutch. [1] This action increases circulation and was traditionally used for Rheumatism. Many folks harvest nettles with gloves to avoid its sting. Once it is cooked or dried it no longer has that effect.
In Ayurveda, Nettles are considered a Rasayana. A Rasayana is something that rejuvenates and nourishes our bodies. It is noted as particularly rejuvenative for the kidneys and adrenals. It increases our Ojas (our vitality and immunity). It is also considered a blood cleanser so is used to support liver health. It detoxifies the body and clears Ama (toxins from the GI) by moving them down and out.
Dosha Effect: Lowers Pitta & Kapha, increases Vata (in high amounts)[2]
This herb is nutrient dense. It is high in anti-oxidants and minerals. (Vitamins: A, C, K and B. Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium.) It contains all essential Amino Acids.
Nettle is known both in Western and Eastern medicine as an herb that reduces inflammation. This is why was used traditionally for arthritis and back pain in Ancient Egypt. Studies shows that Nettles:
Reduces seasonal allergies. (It is also used in Ayurveda for Bronchitis and cough.)
Reduces inflammation like enlarged prostate.
Helps protect your liver. [3]
Contraindications
Studies indicate that Nettle may lower BP and Blood Sugar. If you have blood pressure or blood sugar issues or are on medications treating these, you should consult your doctor before adding nettles to your diet. If you have high or excess Vata this herb can increase Vata.
How to Use Nettles
You can steam and sauté nettles and serves in soups, stews and stir-fries. My favorite way to have nettles is to make a decoction tea along with Tulsi. I put a half handful of each herb and cover it in twice the amount of water and simmer until half the water is boiled off. Strain, sip and enjoy!
Tulsi
Ocimum sanctum, Sacred/Holy Basil
This Ayurvedic herb is considered a sacred plant in India. Ancient tradition describes the Divine Mother manifesting on earth as the Holy Basil plant to benefit all creatures. There are special prayers and sects devoted to the worship of Tulsi. It is my favorite tea and grows like a weed in my garden. There are four types of Tulsi: Kapur, Vana, Krsna and Rama. Tulsi calms the nervous system and increases circulation. It has an affinity to the heart and lungs. Tulsi clears congestion and increases the flow of prana. It is used in treating upper respiratory, allergies, certain types of headaches and asthma. Tulsi kindles agni (digestive fire) and helps clear the digestive system, moving energy (apana vayu) down and out. The juice of Tulsi can be used on insect bites. I use the juice with some other herbs to treat trick bites. Tulsi is special as it works for all types of fevers. This immune booster has also been clinically proven to normalize blood sugar.
Dosic Effect: Lowers Vata & Kapha, increases Pitta.
Contraindications
Do not use Tulsi if you are nursing, pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Studies in animals show that large doses of Tulsi may reduce the chances of getting pregnant. (These studies have not been done on humans.) Avoid regular use of Tulsi if you have Hypothyroidism as it may lower thyroxine levels. [4] Tulsi lowers blood sugar levels so should be avoided if you have low blood sugar. Tulsi is heating and needs to be used with cooling herbs for those with Pitta issues.
How to Use Tulsi
Tulsi teas are sold at your local health food stores. You can use fresh Tulsi as a juice or cooked into food as you would with regular basil. I use a concentrated Tulsi tea or fresh juice on insect and tick bites as Tusi is an anti-poison.
[1] Grieve, M. (1971). A Modern Herbal. New York: Dover Books. (Originally published in 1931.)
[2] https://www.purushaayurveda.com/articles/2016/3/24/nettles-the-ayurvedic-perspective
[3] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/stinging-nettle#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2
[4] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1101/holy-basil