Q: Dear Susun,
I am reading your "Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year" and have been taking the Red Clover and Red Raspberry infusions in preparation of conceiving, hopefully some time soon. I suffer from allergies (hay fever, dust mites, cockroaches) and am trying to ween myself off my current antihistamines (Zyrtec D). I've looked through your book and online and it looks like I could use Nettle safely before and throughout pregnancy, but I was unsure if this was the root or the leaf? Also, if you had any other suggestions for safe allergy relief (mainly to relieve sinus pressure and sneezing) during pregnancy, I would really appreciate it. I am having trouble finding information on this subject and most of the websites I've found suggest antihistamines, something you've mentioned as dangerous.
Thank you for all of your help.
A: Yes you are right, Nettle leaf infusions are superb for this. Plus in your case they have added benefits of excellent mineral nutrition and vitamin K which is essential for the birth. It is the dried leaves we use, prepared as in the book you have.
A: Yes you are right, Nettle leaf infusions are superb for this. Plus in your case they have added benefits of excellent mineral nutrition and vitamin K which is essential for the birth. It is the dried leaves we use, prepared as in the book you have.
Blessings,
Karen Joy
One of the best things that I have found to ease my allergies has been to regularly consume local honey. I have made an electuary with ground rosehips and honey (yummy) that I take with a spoon, but I also just add it to things.
Now, at 5 months pregnant, I am finding that this fall my allergies are worse than they've been in years even though I have been drinking my oatstraw and nettles every day! So I am gargling with violet infusion and adding a little slippery elm bark to everything. (I just do a pinch in water over night and then mix a splash with what I am drinking) I'm not back to normal yet, but the symptoms are a little better...
I hope this can help others, but meanwhile, any other suggestions out there for me?
Posted by: Marie-Emma Graves | September 24, 2011 at 03:06 PM
I am 14 weeks pregnant and have severe seasonal allergies. Severe sore throat, nose bleed, sneezing, itchy eyes and swollen eyes. Any suggestions. I tried the netti pot and it's not working.
Posted by: Valerie | May 11, 2011 at 05:23 PM