What Helps Hay Fever

Stinging Nettle or Urtica dioica is a weedy perennial plant known for its stinging leaves. A medicinal herb used since the ancient Egyptians, Stinging Nettle has antioxidant, antimicrobial and pro-health capabilities. Native to Eurasia, its nutrient-rich flowers, leaves, stems and roots have been used in the treatment of muscle and joint pain, anemia, skin conditions, and as a diuretic.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that naturally live in the human body. They typically include strains from the common bacteria groups, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, as well as the yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii. Found naturally in fermented foods (kombucha, tempeh, kimchi, miso and sauerkraut) and dairy (yogurt, buttermilk, cottage cheese), probiotics are part of the microbiome or the healthy community of organisms that keep the body healthy.

Butterbur or Petasites hybridus is a perennial, flowering, wetland plant in the Aster or Asteraceae family. Native to Europe, it was named for its large leaves once used to wrap butter in warm summer months. In the Middle Ages, Butterbur was prescribed to plague victims, while in the 17th century, it was administered to ease cough and asthma. Leaves, roots and rhizomes have anti-inflammatory properties and are used in the treatment of migraines, allergic rhinitis, stomach issues and urinary tract infections.

Quercetin is a flavonoid and powerful antioxidant helping to combat free radical damage. Part of the diverse group of phytonutrients responsible for pigmentation, the compound is found in vegetables (watercress, cilantro, radicchio, asparagus, okra)  and fruits (elderberry, cranberry, blueberry, blackberry, fig).