Black Nettle Syrup is a delightful and effective way to battle allergy season. This traditional southern syrup is mineral rich to help your body gear up to defend against symptoms of hay fever. Nettle is noted for its nutritional density while blackstrap molasses holds the record for sweeteners with the highest iron count. Combine this with the anti-histamine effect of plantain leaf and you have a bottle of allergy medicine that can be used both as defense and offense when pollen drifts through the air.
This formula was devised in cooperation with Wendy Hounsel CH (AHG), RN. We work together at Occupy Medical integrated healthcare clinic to provide free herbal medicine for those in need. Half of the population we work with is unhoused. There is no access to conditioned air during allergy season for this population. They needed a portable medicine that fortify them and relieve symptoms. This formula evolved over time to this condensed version of the traditional formula we originally based it on.
Ingredients
- 2 cups nettle leaves (dried)
- 1/8 cup plantain leaves (dried)
- 2 cups water
- 3 cups honey
- 1/2 cup blackstrap molasses
- 6-10 drops peppermint essential oil (optional)
Equipment
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 set of measuring spoons
- 2 small cook pots (1 with lid)
- 1 strainer
- 1 clean, resealable bottle
- 1 label
Procedure
- Pour the nettle and the plantain leaves into the cook pot with the water and heat to boiling.
- Take cook pot immediately off the heat source.
- Cover pot with lid and allow herbs to steep a minimum of 20 minutes or until water darkens.
- Pour herbs through the strainer and keep 2 cups of infused water for syrup.
- Using The Practical Herbalist’s simple Syrup Making Instructions, heat honey, molasses, and infused water to make syrup.
- More honey may be added for a sweeter syrup.
- Stir peppermint essential oil to the cooled product if more flavor is desired.
- Pour the finished product into bottle and label clearly.
Storage and Use
Store Black Nettle Syrup in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. (Note: In my experience, some honey types store longer than others.)
Children under 12: Take 1 teaspoon of syrup no more than 4 times daily.
Adults: Take 1 tablespoon of syrup no more than 4 times daily.
Not intended for children under age 2.