Are you finding alot of dog ticks?

I’ve been getting alot of questions about dog tick bites and what to do about them. Parents are calling me saying they are finding 2-4 dog tick bites on their children a week. I am finding the same thing is true with my 2 year old daughter. Yikes!  It feels like an infestation. 

What do you do when you find so many embedded ticks and do dog ticks carry any disease? Do you need to worry about dog tick bites?

Read on to find out more. 

First of all, I want to bust a myth. Dog ticks CAN carry disease, it’s just less common than deer ticks. I have seen dog ticks positive for Boriella. According to the Tick Research Lab of Pennsylvania, dog ticks(Dermacentor variabilis) can carry Ehrlichia, Francisella, Anaplasma, Boriella and Rickesia. I called the Tick Report lab in Amherst. They receive samples from all over the country and they said that they have seen some positive test results for the above pathogens from dog ticks, but nothing from Massachusetts yet this year. 

So what do you do when you find so many dog tick bites on you or your children? You can’t send every tick in to get tested, right?

I suggest 1. save the ticks in the freezer in a ziplock bag, making sure to label the bag with the date, location of the bite and any other info you know at the time, such as how long the tick might have been on for, if it was engorged and easy or difficult to remove, and anything about the bite site. 

2. Follow the guidelines on what to do if you get a tick bite(see tick bite protocal below) to keep your immune system up with the tick pathogen nosode and Lyme herbs(both available in the tick kit)

3. Hold on to the ticks and if there any symptoms that develop(fever, fatigue, pains, rash, sudden change of mood for example) send in the tick in to be tested for the full pathogen panel. 

4. Set up an acute consult here to get help right away and prevent chronic Lyme disease: http://cedarroseheals.com/appointments.

Protect yourself and your loved ones with a tick kit. Stock up on Lyme herbs and remedies to have on hand for when you get a tick bite. As many of you know, the sooner you get started with treatment, the better.  And you can use natural treatment alongside any antibiotics you might need to take. 

Order a tick kit today with all the products I recommend in my tick bite protocol. See my full tick bite protocol and prevention info below. If you need more help, have active symptoms, have a child under age 2 or this is your first tick bite and are unfamiliar with my products, please schedule an acute consult here: http://cedarroseheals.com/appointments.

To purchase a tick kit, email [email protected] or 413 676 9009 today. They will be ready for pick the following week.

Here’s what one patient has to say about getting help with a tick bite: 

“I feel assured to know that Dr. Eisenheim is available in our community to give expert advice and treatment for Lyme disease. Her Tick Kit is invaluable. I can’t access this expertise and treatment elsewhere, either from my primary care doctor, the ER, or other qualified specialists for whom there is a long wait time. Treatment for Lyme disease can’t wait.”
 
G K, Wendell, MA

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Dr. Eisenheim’s Tick Bite Protocol:                                 

  1. Remove tick as soon as possible with tweezers or a tick spoon. Pull the tick slightly up and then in a direction along the skin. Pull gently and swiftly. Do not irritate the tick by applying Vaseline, lighting the tick on fire prior to removal or putting pressure on it. You may apply some antibacterial ointment or salve to the area after removal, or honey. Honey can help expel the bacteria from the skin, is antibacterial in nature and anti-inflammatory. 
  1. Send the tick in for testing through UMass. The tick does not have to be alive. Testing a tick is far more accurate than testing human blood for Lyme disease and co-infections.

https://www.tickreport.com/

  1. While waiting for the results, it is suggested to start on the herbal and homeopathic protocol.

The homeopathic protocol is to be followed this way: 

    1. Day 1: take 3 pellets (ONE TIME ONLY) of the Ledum 200ck under the tongue
    2. Day 2: take 3 pellets (ONE TIME ONLY) of the Hypericum 200ck under the tongue
    3. Day 3: take the tick pathogen nosode for one month. Take the nosode in the following way: 10-15 drops three times/day for adults and 5-7 drops for children three times/day. It is important to take the homeopathic remedies under the tongue 20-30 minutes away from any food, drink or supplements/medications. Keep the homeopathics (Ledum, Hypericum and Tick pathogen nosode) away from electronics and cell phones.

It is suggested to start the herbal protocol immediately after any tick bite has been found. For adults take the Lyme Away Tincture at 4 dropper-fulls 3 times/day for 3-6 months. For children ages 2-5, 1 dropper-full per day, ages 5- 8, 2 dropper-fulls/day, ages 8-12, 3- dropper-fulls/day and ages 12 and up take the adult dose.

  1. If you do start having symptoms, such as a fever, rash (does not have to be a bull’s eye to count), joint pain, headaches, dizziness, confusion or brain fog, then go to your primary care doctor or urgent care for a Doxycycline prescription. The International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) suggest 6 weeks of antibiotics. There is evidence to suggest that the one-day “preventative” dose is not effective and actually causes more harm than good. If the tick comes back positive for Lyme or a co-infection, continue with the antibiotics and herbal protocol (4 droppers-full 3 times/day(for adults), likely for 6 months). Note: It is best to make an appointment for an acute consult with Dr. Eisenheim if the tick is positive for a co-infection. Treatment is different when co-infections are present. 
  1. If you are taking antibiotics they will be most effective and tolerated by you if you completely avoid sugar and all sweeteners, eat a minimal amount of whole grains and dairy, and large amounts of cooked and fermented vegetables. Taking a probiotic (at least 50 billion with 14 strains) twice/day 2-3 hours AWAY from the antibiotic or a spore based one that you can take at the same time as the antibiotic will prevent any bacterial or fungal overgrowth and unpleasant symptoms such as gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation. They are available for sale by Dr. Eisenheim. 
  1. It is recommended to get tested with a Western blot test 4-6 weeks after a tick bite. If you have been on antibiotics previously the test could be falsely negative: meaning that you could still very well have Lyme disease even if the test says that you do not. Never rely on testing alone to determine if you have Lyme disease.

Prevention: 

  • Wear long pants and socks as much as possible when outside in the woods, fields or the garden
  • If not chemically sensitive, u se permethrin spray on clothes, shoes and outdoor gear only (we like Ben’s Clothing and Gear Insect Repellant 0.5% Permethrin spray, available at Sam’s Outdoor store), along with a cedar or other essential oil spray, such as geranium, lemongrass, or neem  on your skin. Permethrin is an insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Apply the Ben’s spray on your gardening/hiking clothes and allow to sit for 2 hours before use. The applied clothes can go through the wash many times before reapplication is necessary. If you live in the woods spray all of your clothes.
  • If you have pets get them treated or use a tick prevention collar
  • D o a tick check daily. Some people who live in rural areas and children need to do a check twice per day – in the evening and the morning. Be sure to check head, armpits, behind the ears and neck and in genital areas.
  • Take either the tick pathogen nosode or Lyme tincture preventatively on a regular basis throughout the tick season. Take the nosode at 10-15 drops once weekly for adults and 5-7 drops for children ages 2-12. It is important to take this on a clean tongue, 20-30 minutes away from any food, drink, medication, or supplements. Keep the nosode away from electronics and cell phones. Take the Lyme Away tincture/ glycerite at 1 dropper-full/day for adults and ½ dropper-full for children ages 2-12.
  • See Tick Bite Protocol if you find a tick bite.  
     

*DISCLAIMER: This does not replace medical advice or treatment. If you are having active symptoms, please schedule an acute consult here: http://cedarroseheals.com/appointments. There is no guarantee that you will not get a tick bite or contract Lyme disease/tick born diseases. There is no guarantee that every individual will achieve the same results. Results are dependent on other factors such as pre-existing conditions, co-morbidities, diet, lifestyle, and commitment and time to allow change to occur.

To purchase a tick kit, email [email protected] or 413 676 9009.  

Finally licensed in Massachusetts; Cedar Rose Signature tea is back

At long last, after 20+ years, Naturopathic doctors can apply for licensure in the state of Massachusetts. I now hold in my hand Naturopathic license number 26.

What does this mean for you? I can now order imaging like X-rays and lab work so we don’t have to go through your primary care provider. Some labs like the GI map stool test might get covered by insurance if you have out of network benefits. There is no insurance coverage for visits. I cannot prescribe any medications.

Do you have an FSA or HSA account? Check your balance and your coverage. Now is the time to schedule end of the year visits to help plan for preventing any chronic illness flare ups, come up with a plan to deal with holiday food issues and digestive issues or how to (mostly) stay on healing diets and family dynamics. Also, get help for your children dealing with all the colds and viruses going around. Most accounts will cover supplements and labs not covered by insurance and some will pay for consultations, especially now that I am licensed.

You can schedule consults and craniosacral appointments here:  http://cedarroseheals.com/appointments

Lastly, Cedar Rose Signature tea is back for sale and 
for enjoying in the office when you come in. I used to make Cedar Rose tea pre-pandemic for patients coming into the office. It is very relaxing and refreshing and adds to the whole experience. You can pick some tea up for taking home when you come into the office or can order it by emailing [email protected] or sending a portal message on Charm. 

All the best, 

Dr. Nitya Eisenheim, Naturopathic doctor

Tick season is here. Stock up on herbs and remedies to have on hand in case you or a loved one gets a tick bite. Doesn’t it always happen on the weekend or when you’re on vacation and can’t get to the office to pick things up? As many of you know, the sooner you get started with treatment, the better.  And you can use natural treatment alongside any antibiotics you might need to take. 

There is Lyme away tincture or glycerin, tick pathogen nosode and other homeopathic remedies I can place on Wellevate for you. If you need more help, have active symptoms, have a child under age 2 or this is your first tick bite and are unfamiliar with my products, please schedule an acute consult here: http://cedarroseheals.com/appointments.

To purchase remedies and herbs , email [email protected] or 413 676 9009 today.

     Here’s what one patient has to say about getting help with a tick bite: 

“I feel assured to know that Dr. Eisenheim is available in our community to give expert advice and treatment for Lyme disease. Her Tick Kit is invaluable. I can’t access this expertise and treatment elsewhere, either from my primary care doctor, the ER, or other qualified specialists for whom there is a long wait time. Treatment for Lyme disease can’t wait.”
 
G K, Wendell, MA

Are you experiencing digestive discomfort?

Gas and bloating after every meal? Feeling cold or depressed or getting sick alot? Here is a fun recipe and some of Dr. Eisenheim’s favorite go to products for gut health. Of course if you are experiencing ongoing issues and need more support, you can schedule a consult or visceral manipulation session with Dr. Eisenheim here: http://cedarroseheals.com/appointments 

Keep reading for more good stuff>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I love having miso soup on cold winter evenings and mornings. It warms me up and kick starts my digestion. This recipe features miso, a fermented bean paste loaded with enzymes, probiotics and protein. South River Miso is my favorite and local, live miso. They have a non-soy one. If you can’t eat beans, then you can substitute sauerkraut or kimchee brine and use it at the end of the recipe as suggested for the miso.

If you are not up for cooking and are looking for my favorite enzyme to take with meals, try Enzalase by Master Supplements, available on Wellevate. You can also purchase this directly from me in the office. I had some really bad digestive issues after I had a C section last year. These were super helpful, especially when I was too tired to make soup and my meal train stopped.

Many patients ask me what my favorite general probiotic is. Hands down it is the soil based one, Megaspore biotic by Microbiome labs. It requires NO refrigeration. I have seen food sensitivities and autoimmune issues improve with it. When I have given it during antibiotic therapy for Lyme or tick born diseases, it not only helped prevent digestive issues, but cognitive and mental health issues in children. You can purchase this directly from me in the office or order it online here: https://microbiomelabs.com/register/?ref=CedarRose

You can find the mushrooms and herbs below either at local coops or Sage Green Apothecary(formerly Blue Dragon) in Great Falls( new/old name for Turners Falls)https://www.sagegreenbotanicals.me/

  • Disclaimer: These products have not been evaluated by the FDA and they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Looking for a Massage?

Welcome Emily Luhrs, Licensed Massage Therapist to the space!

Emily’s goal is to work with clients who would like to participate in their process of healing, wellbeing, and reducing symptoms associated with pain or stress be it physical or mental. Each session aims to meet clients’ specific needs, whether it be relaxation or pain management. She aims to provide a relaxing experience while addressing areas of discomfort and bringing client’s awareness to their bodies.

Her massage blends myofascial techniques, assisted stretching, Swedish, shiatsu, and trigger point work when appropriate. She practices Cranial Sacral therapy as well, which can be booked separately or coupled with massage after an initial cranial sacral session. Emily believes in touch, now more than ever, as a way of reentering and grounding into our skin and being. She looks forward to building a continual therapeutic relationship with her clients. To inquire about booking: visit Emily’s website here.

New Lyme podcast and Youtube video with Dr. Eisenheim

New podcast and YouTube video added to the Lyme disease page! View and listen here: https://cedarroseheals.com/lyme-disease/

Listen to Dr. Nitya Eisenheim as she discusses Lyme disease from head to toe including her 9 step approach for treating Lyme Disease naturally(image below). Are you ready to learn how to support your body’s innate ability to live optimally with Lyme Disease? This podcast if for you!  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lyme-disease-and-genetic-rehab-with-dr-nitya-eisenheim/id1516555572?i=1000487291475 If you prefer watching the YouTube video, click here: https://youtu.be/2oSa1TsIfFI

Clinic re-opening June 29th!

The clinic will be reopening for in-person visits on Monday June 29th, 2020 on a restricted schedule for consultations only. Virtual or phone consults are still encouraged. Craniosacral therapy will continue to remain by phone only. Herbs and supplements can be dropped off to your porch or mailed to you as needed, and we can continue using Wellevate. There may be limited curbside pick up available for herbs and supplements, depending on the availability of the schedule. For now, there will be no far infrared sauna or frequency machine service.

Please read through the new clinic policies and procedures below so you know how to prepare for an in-person appointment. You will receive a call one to two days before your appointment for a health screening and to make sure you understand the new procedures.

You might be wondering, why do we need to continue with all these safety protocols when viral rates are decreasing in Western Massachusetts? The simple answer is prevention. COVID-19 still remains in our communities and even with all of the new protocols it is impossible to guarantee a 100% safe space. If we don’t stick to basic safety protocols, then it’s very likely the virus will replicate and the numbers will increase again, as we’re seeing in states like Arizona, Florida and Texas, which opened their economies early and quickly. A slow transition with basic safety protocols is important so that we don’t have to shut down everything again in the near future.

You can book you appointment here: https://cedarroseheals.com/appointments or call 413 676 9009.
If you are having any financial difficulties, please speak with me directly and we can work something out.  

New clinic policies and procedures: 

1. You will receive a health screening questionnaire via Charm or email. Please fill this out BEFORE you arrive. You will also receive a phone call 1-2 days before your appointment.
2. Do not come into the office if you are actively sick, especially with a cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea or sore throat. We can still have a consult, but it will need to by video or phone.
3. When you arrive to the downstairs OUTSIDE entrance/vestibule, call or text 413 676 9009. I will come meet you downstairs OUTSIDE, do another short screening and a temperature check, then you will come upstairs and wash your hands before entering the office. If I am running late, you will have to wait outside or in your car.
4.  Masks are required. There will be 6 feet of physical distancing during the consult.
5. No visitors are allowed.
6. There will be no sheets used on the massage/exam table. Instead, table paper will be used, so it can be disposed of after each use. After the appointment, and any additional payment and scheduling has been taken care of, the room will be cleaned.
7. To minimize time spent in close contact, you will be asked to pay for your consult beforehand. You will be emailed a quickbooks invoice, which you can pay online before your consult.
8. There will be a restricted schedule to avoid more than one patient in the clinic at at time and to allow time for cleaning in between patients.

Thank you for your cooperation and flexibility!
Please let me know if you have any concerns or questions.

In health and solidarity,

Nitya Jess Eisenheim, Naturopathic doctor and herbalist
Cedar Rose Naturopathic
Greenfield, MA

Remote Craniosacral therapy now being offered

I know it can be stressful and frustrating to be in pain, want a massage and not be sure if it’s safe to come into an office for in person treatment because you either have an underlying condition or are over age 65.

I wanted to start to talk to you about the magic and transformation of remote craniosacral therapy. I know, it sounds strange and like a stretch of the imagination to even think that you could feel better without any physical contact/touch of an in person session. But I am seeing some amazing results with patients who’ve I’ve been practicing on in the last few months as I’ve been learning how to do this therapy remotely with my amazing teacher, Liza Borodkin. Chronic pain has started to become resolved within one session, we’re finding the deeper causes of burning foot pain and headaches and resolving long term allergies within 3-4 sessions. I’ve been very impressed with the highly potent nature of the remote sessions.

As soon as Monday, June 8th, I will be offering this service to all existing patients first, and eventually to new patients as well. There will be a super offer with 50% savings until June 30th (more details below) to get everyone on board with this new, exciting and revolutionary service!

You might be wondering who this can this help. Here’s a few situations:

Someone in pain, could be headaches, back pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, burning pains with swelling, abdominal pain.
Someone who is having trouble focusing and concentrating.
Someone who is feeling depressed, low energy, emotionally stuck and wanting support to move forward with a life decision.
This is also especially helpful in times of chaos and uncertainty in the world, such as now, as our society is transitioning to something different, and hopefully more just, sane and harmonious with the earth!

Here’s an inspiring story of what can happen and what the experience is like of a remote session: 

“I was grateful to be able to access a remote/distance Craniosacral session with Dr. Eisenheim, during the time of CV19. At the moment I was struggling with lethargy, stagnation, depression; in addition to tending to a diagnosis of Cervical Dysplasia. These challenges were impacting me, mostly as symptoms in my body: stuck feelings in my muscles, low motivation, and shame. I was experiencing fear in regard to the possibility of my Cervical Dysplasia becoming cancerous, aware of a foreign element in my body. I wanted to activate myself so I would be able to go forward with courage to work with natural medicines in combination with a minor surgery, and not let fear freeze me from self-nurturing. During the session, which was performed remotely, I was able to sense Dr. Eisenheim working with the frequencies of my energetic field. This is an amazing experience, to feel connected to another individual 100’s of miles away. I felt immediate relief and encouraged to invite ease within my body. Dr. Eisenheim intuitively tuned into the womb area, and also received images of flower helpers, like calendula. With this a sense of hope, and unity with my body’s natural capacity to heal emerged. The currency of energies in my body began to circulate, my musculature and breathing (diaphragm) released, freeing up from stress that was creating blockages. Dr. Eisenheim consistently checked in with a dialogue, creating a dance between what my body was experiencing as well as my personal perceptions and emotions. I felt calm and so incredibly cared for. Several days later, my lethargy discharged, and I have been able to wake-up early and face my days with purpose. I am grateful to see that the session generated a shift!”

Miel Dragun, Minneapolis, MN

Read more here https://cedarroseheals.com/remote-craniosacral-therapy/ to learn about the benefits of remote craniosacral, how this actually works and what issues this can help with.

If you’re feeling inspired now, you can make an appointment here: https://cedarroseheals.com/appointments/

The special offer starting June 8th and ending June 30th is for a 50% savings. Typically, one individual craniosacral session would be $110 and a 4 pack would be $360, but you get to access this for 1/2 off. Wow! I don’t think I’ve ever offered that type of savings before. I really want you to try this and see for yourself how amazing it can be and I want to be generous right now, as we all experience a great shift on our planet. Once you sign up for a session, email me if you will purchasing an individual session or a 4 pack. I will email you an invoice via Quickbooks, which you can pay online before our session together.

 

 

Clinic re-opening mid-June

As some businesses in Massachusetts start to open, you might be wondering where Cedar Rose Naturopathic fits in to the re-opening plan. The clinic could be reopening for in-person visits as soon as mid-June 2020! We will be following the guidance according to Phase 2 of the state’s 4-phase approach to re-opening the economy.

There will of course be some changes to how we do things once we fully re-open( temperature checks, hand washing, masks and physical distancing), so stay tuned for those updates.

We can continue to do virtual or phone consults. Herbs and supplements can be dropped off to your porch or mailed to you as needed, and we can continue using Wellevate. An exciting new offer will be remote cranio-sacral therapy! You can have a session right from your home and not have to worry if it’s safe or not.
Keep checking your emails for information about that. I have been practicing on some patients and getting amazing results.

I will still hold the special offer for a COVID-19 consult. Typically, this would cost $150, but for the COVID-19 consults it will be a sliding scale of $60-$100. I will not turn anyone
away for a consult, so please be generous if you can. 

Schedule a return office visit here. If you’re a new patient, select the I’m sick and can’t get out of bed consult: https://cedarroseheals.com/appointments/  

Get offline and hug a tree, especially an evergreen tree to breath in their healing aromas.

Feel free to forward to your friends and family. 

In health and solidarity,

Nitya Jess Eisenheim, Naturopathic doctor and herbalist
Cedar Rose Naturopathic
Greenfield, MA

Looking for Some Allergy Relief?

Even though is been cold this past week and we got snow!, spring is here.

You might be looking excitedly towards the warmer days and flowers, or you may already be suffering from a runny nose, itchy and/or watery eyes, or have asthma and it gets worse this time of year, it can becomes hard to breath, or maybe you get so stuffed up that it’s hard to think and concentrate on work. Either way, I wanted to let you know that I’ve got your back. I have two of my favorite allergy supplements in stock,
Natural D-hist by Orthomolecular products and the Cedar Rose Naturopathic Sinus and Allergy Tea, formulated by me.

The Sinus and spring allergy tea features nettle, along with lemongrass, dandelion and burdock roots, goji berry, gotu kola, and eyebright and is great for indoor and outdoor allergies. The tea is supportive to the liver, while also being a detoxifying tea containing an abundance of minerals. Clients have reported that using this tea has helped immediately resolve itchy eyes and congestion.

Natural D-Hist is a targeted blend of flavonoids, antioxidants, proteolytic enzymes and botanicals designed to provide comprehensive support for seasonal challenges caused by common environmental allergens. The formula includes quercetin, bromelain, stinging nettles leaf, and N-acetyl cysteine. The powerful combination actively promotes healthy nasal and sinus passages for individuals with elevated histamine and respiratory irritation.

To purchase products, email [email protected] or call 413 676 9009. Products can be shipped to you for a small additional fee or dropped off at your home for locals(Greenfield, Turners Falls, Millers Falls and Wendell).

*DISCLAIMER: There is no guarantee that every individual will achieve the same results. Results are dependent on other factors such as pre-existing conditions, co-morbidities, diet, lifestyle, and commitment and time to allow change to occur.

If you want to read more about the products, how to harvest nettles and about tips for allergy season, read on below.

Feel free to also share this with friends and family. 

In health,

Nitya Jess Eisenheim, Naturopathic doctor and herbalist
Cedar Rose Naturopathic
Greenfield, MA
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So, what are seasonal allergies? Seasonal allergies, sometimes called “hay fever” or seasonal allergic rhinitis, are allergy symptoms that happen during certain times of the year, usually when outdoor molds release their spores, and trees, grasses, and weeds release tiny pollen particles into the air to fertilize other plants. They develop when the body’s immune system overreacts to something in the environment.

What can you do? You can follow these tips to avoid your triggers:

  • Monitor pollen and mold counts. Weather reports in newspapers and on radio and television often include this information during allergy seasons.
  • Keep windows and doors shut at home and in your car during allergy season.
  • In spring and summer, during tree and grass pollen season, levels are highest in the evening. In late summer and early fall, during ragweed pollen season, levels are highest in the morning.
  • Take a shower, wash your hair and change your clothes after you’ve been working or playing outdoors.
  • Wear a mask when mowing the lawn or doing other chores outdoors, and take appropriate medication beforehand.

Luckily, we live somewhere where a plant grows abundantly that can help us with these seasonal allergies. This plant is nettles, or in Latin, Urtica dioica. This plant is loved by some and hated by others, as it is with most wild plants we call “weeds.” This is the first medicinal herb that I met and fell in love with, and I am so happy to share nettle with you. Nettle loves wet areas, and you will find it growing near streams, rivers and brooks. Nettles have tiny spiky, sharp hairs growing all over its stems and leaves. These tiny hairs are what give nettle a bad rep, however these hairs contain medicinal compounds, which help to stabilize mast cells, creating less of an immune reaction and can help to prevent seasonal allergy symptoms when taken on a regular basis. They also contain a plethora of minerals and vitamins, most notably iron and potassium. Nettle can be ingested as a tea, can be carefully cooked (see very nettle wild soup recipe below) or you can pick use freeze-dried nettles in a capsule form.

Cooking tip: nettles must be cooked for at least 10 minutes to soften the hairs, but don’t worry, much of the medicinal qualities remain intact.

Harvesting tips: If you’ve never harvested in the wild, please go with someone who knows what they’re doing so that you harvest the correct plant and treat the plant community in a respectful way. One teaching I like to pass on to my clients and herbal students is to give something before you harvest the plant. In most indigenous nations throughout the Americas, people give tobacco as an offering to the plant before harvesting. But you can give anything that fits into your paradigm or religious/spiritual tradition, as long as the intention of giving and acknowledging that you are taking something is there. Some give prayer, a few strands of hair, some a song, chocolate, a piece of bread or a bead. Only harvest as much as you need, have a plan in mind of what you want to use the plant for, and be kind, don’t take all the plants. Always leave some of the plants for other people and animals who want to harvest, and for the plant community to be able to reseed and come back next year.

With nettle, you can get stung if you approach the wrong way. For beginners, I suggest wearing good, thick gardening gloves and bringing a pair of scissors along with a harvesting basket or bag. You can hold the top of the plant, snip off the top 2-4 inches for the easiest preparation and let it fall in the basket or bag. Once there are flowers or the nettles are more than 2 feet tall, you do not want to harvest anymore. There are compounds that can be harmful to the kidney if you harvest nettle leaves too late.

Nettle is the feature in my Spring allergy and sinus tea that I formulated along with lemongrass(which is helpful for mold exposure), dandelion root and burdock root(for liver support and minerals), goji berries( a red berry from the Himalayas that helps to support the liver, and is sour, which in the Ayurvedic system of medicine from SE Asia is balancing to the body this time of year), gotu kola( also an Ayurvedic herb, which is specific for preventing allergies) and eyebright( a Native US plant that helps with the itchy and watery eyes).

By the way, I have grown all these herbs or harvested them in this climate. This tea is delicious and nutritious, which is so important as we transition to spring time, after a long winter of eating more animal products and starches. If you have springtime allergies, you’ll want to start drink 3 cups/day of the tea on a regular basis so that when the flowers start blooming, the medicine has already been in the body and the body reacts less, creates less inflammation and there are less symptoms.