Nettle Tea for Allergy Relief

Research suggests that stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) may have a role in reducing allergy-related symptoms, supported by a small randomized controlled trial from 1990 that found freeze-dried nettle rated higher than placebo for allergic rhinitis relief, though day-to-day diary data showed only modest differences and the trial had a notable dropout rate. Laboratory and animal studies add mechanistic plausibility, with cell-free experiments showing nettle extract inhibiting multiple targets involved in the allergic response — including histamine receptors and inflammatory enzymes — and mouse model research demonstrating reductions in markers of allergic inflammation, while computational modeling has identified specific nettle compounds that may interact favorably with allergy-related receptors. The body of evidence is predominantly preliminary in nature, consisting largely of in vitro studies, animal research, and computational work rather than robust human clinical trials, and a broader review of herbal supplements in this space noted that such preparations can carry risks of adverse effects, including allergic reactions. A case report also documented an unexpected hormonal side effect in one individual taking nettle for allergies, underscoring that supplements should be discussed with a healthcare provider and included in any medication history.