I'm excited about this elixir, I felt this was the perfect remedy to head into fall with. For allergies, immune support, and nourishment.
🌿Nettle Seeds
🐝Bee pollen
🐝Propolis
🐝Raw honey
🍎ACV
 
I've been lucky enough to stumble upon Nettles in the woods this year, which was the first time since moving up here. Where I lived before they were pretty plentiful and I felt like I always had access to nettles leaves, and Nettle seeds (my favorite!). Nettles have been used for ages to nourish. They've been shown to be loaded with vitamins-especially C, K and B. They've also shown to have an impressive mineral count as well as amino acids, fatty acids, and polyphenols. Nettle Seeds, like Nettle leaves, are incredibly nutritive. Nettle Seeds though contain a macronutrient called choline which is a major factor in protecting, repairing and restoring the liver. Nettle Seeds also lend anti-inflammatory properties which can be incredibly helpful if you're dealing with colitis. Nettle seeds support the endocrine system and adrenals, which is so incredibly needed when you're dealing with a sluggish liver and lymph. Another unique quality Nettle Seeds have compared to the leaf is that they've been found to contain Urtica dioica agglutinin- basically a superantigen. On top of that Nettle is drying, so its a great ally to aid with the runny nose and itchy eyes that comes along with seasonal allergies. Its been used as an allergy remedy for hundreds of years because of its great antihistamine and anti inflammatory properties.
Then we have a healthy dose of bee pollen which is also incredibly nutrient rich. I believe it's considered one of the most nutrient rich foods. Its also been found to be really helpful for inflammation and immune support as well as supporting elimination systems like the liver and lymph! Bee pollen blocks histamine responses, so it's a great ally for allergies. However, while modulating the immune system in response to allergies, it's also been shown to stimulate the immune system in response to viral infections and show an antibiotic response to bacterial infections. Such an incredible gift from the bees!
Another incredible gift from the bees is propolis. I harvested the propolis in this remedy from our bees. Propolis may be my favorite addition to this elixir. Such great support for everything from allergies, immune support- especially upper respiratory infections and viral infections like herpes, and symptom management (fantastic for sore throats), candida overgrowth, chronic inflammation and gut health. It has powerful antimicrobial properties which makes it a wonderful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. Not only does it help keep bees pathogen free, it works the same way for our bodies! This is very old medicine, the ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Roman's made extensive use of propolis as medicine. Studies have shown that propolis has over 300 beneficial compounds. It is truly a gift that few things compare to.
Herbs and raw honey have a special synergy, and honey amplifies herbal benefits. It's a wonderful medium. There is some chemistry involved to understand the honeys absorptive properties. Honey helps with bioavailibility, on top of being a wonderful medicinal. Rich in enzymes and nutrients, It's anti bacterial, anti inflammatory, immunomodulatory and so much more-honey IS medicine too 🥰
I chose ACV as the menstruum for this elixir for a number of reasons. ACV is well talked about these days because of the studies done and its benefits to not only our gut flora, but our immune system and lymphatic system as well. However, it also lends the perfect solubility for the propolis, bee pollen and honey! As well as being my favorite menstruum to extract vitamins and minerals.
I made a small personal batch of this elixir for my household, and a larger batch for you all that I'll be bottling up today! They will come in 2oz dropper bottles 🥰