Karine Knox-Humbert

Close up of a nettle plant and trichomes If you've been following along, you'll know I'm a bit obsessed with nettles at this time of year. They're everywhere, they're free, and once you get past the sting, they're one of the most useful plants in my dispensary... If you want the full picture on what nettles actually do medicinally, I've written a detailed article here . A simple cup of nettle tea This is the most accessible starting point, and honestly a lovely daily habit. A small handful of...

If there is one plant I reach for every hayfever season, it is nettle. Often dismissed as a bothersome weed, nettle ( Urtica dioica ) is, in fact, one of the most versatile medicinal herbs in the hedgerow. Its applications are vast, from supporting prostate health and metabolic conditions to soothing chronic skin issues. In this Hayfever Series, we will focus on its remarkable ability to quiet the allergic response. As a medical herbalist, I find empirical and traditional experience to be...

Hayfever, or allergic rhinitis, is more than just a seasonal nuisance; it is an overreaction of the immune system. By understanding the pathophysiology of hayfever, from mast cell degranulation to histamine release, we can move beyond suppressing symptoms and start supporting the body’s natural balance through holistic herbal medicine. How hayfever happens The weather is starting to shift, and we are slowly entering a new season where nature awakes after many months of stillness. While some...