Natural Allies for Allergies
When allergy season hits, many of us reach for over-the-counter medications—only to be left with lingering drowsiness or foggy heads. If you’re looking for a gentler, natural approach to easing seasonal sniffles and sneezes, two plant-based remedies stand out for their powerful anti-allergy benefits: quercetin and stinging nettles.
Quercetin: Nature’s Antihistamine
Quercetin is a plant-based compound found in a variety of fruits and vegetables—especially apples, onions, capers, berries, citrus fruits, and leafy greens like kale. It’s especially well-known in the natural health world for its ability to stabilize histamine release—meaning it may reduce the cascade of symptoms we experience when our bodies overreact to allergens.
Histamines are chemicals released by the immune system in response to triggers like pollen, dust, or certain foods. They’re responsible for all the familiar allergy symptoms: runny nose, watery eyes, itching, sneezing, and even digestive discomfort.
Quercetin acts as a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory—essentially helping to calm the storm before it gets out of hand. In animal studies, it’s even been shown to rival some herbal formulas used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its ability to block serious allergic reactions.
While more human studies are needed, many integrative and naturopathic practitioners consider quercetin a go-to supplement for managing allergy symptoms without the side effects of pharmaceutical antihistamines.
Tip: Quercetin works best when taken regularly—especially before allergy season kicks into high gear. Pair it with vitamin C for enhanced absorption and effectiveness, and try adding more quercetin-rich foods to your diet to support your body naturally.
Nettles: The Surprising Soother
At first glance, stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) might not seem like a natural remedy—they’re infamous for the itchy, burning sensation they cause when touched. But when properly harvested and prepared, nettles are a powerhouse of herbal support, especially for allergy relief.
This humble weed has a long history in herbal medicine, dating back to ancient Greece. Rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, nettles have been shown to inhibit several of the key enzymes and receptors involved in allergic reactions, making them a valuable ally against hay fever and other seasonal sensitivities.
Interestingly, nettle leaves contain small amounts of histamine themselves. This might sound counterintuitive, but it’s similar in theory to how allergy shots work—introducing a small dose of an allergen to help your body build tolerance and reduce overreactions.
In one double-blind study, people who took freeze-dried nettle capsules reported significantly greater symptom relief than those given a placebo. And because the plant’s compounds don’t cross the blood-brain barrier, it’s unlikely to cause drowsiness—a big advantage over conventional antihistamines.
Tip: Try drinking nettles as a tea, especially when combined with a spoonful of raw local honey. This combo brings together two natural antihistamines—nettles and the pollen microdoses found in local honey—which may help your body adapt to local allergens over time. Start sipping early in the season for best results.
The Bottom Line
Both quercetin and stinging nettles offer promising support for managing seasonal allergies naturally—without the foggy head or midday crash. Whether you’re battling springtime pollen or year-round sensitivities, these two botanicals can help calm your system and restore balance.
You’ll find both quercetin and nettles available in our Hawthorn Medicinary. Swing by, chat with our team, and find the natural support that works best for your body. Relief might just be a few capsules—or a cup of tea with honey—away.