It may seem like winter, but spring truly is right around the corner. (Fingers crossed.) Makes you smile at the thought, right? And then you think about allergy season. Oh crap – all that sneezing and suffering and mounds of tissues. Red eyes and a red nose aren’t real becoming.

I’ve been there, done that. But I don’ t do that anymore. Haven’t for years. Even though I used to have horrendous spring and fall allergies. And, no, you know me – I don’t drug myself up with any sort of over-the-counter or, worse, pharmaceutical stuff.

What treats my allergies – effectively and safely? Nettles. Officially called stinging nettles, but no worries. Stinging nettles dried and put into capsules for your convenience are easy to take. And inexpensive.

I start taking nettle capsules about a month before I think allergy season may kick in, which is why I’m mentioning this to you now. One capsule taken 3 times a day works well. When I get feisty and decide to experiment and skip some – like I did last year – it’s not a good thing! But a capsule several times a day is really so easy – much easier than sneezing and feeling miserable. And much safer, let alone much cheaper, than taking any sort of drug.

Nettles contain biologically active compounds that reduce inflammation. Even Dr. Andrew Weil says he knows of nothing more effective than nettle for allergy relief. Studies done at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, show the same.

Over the counter and prescription allergy meds treat only the symptoms of allergies and tend to lose effectiveness over a period of time. They also can cause drowsiness, dry sinuses, insomnia and high blood pressure. Nettles have none of these harmful side effects.

Nettles even have shown promise in treating Alzheimer’s, arthritis, asthma, bladder infections, bronchitis, bursitis, gingivitis, gout, hives, kidney stones, laryngitis, multiple sclerosis, PMS, prostate enlargement, sciatica and tendinitis. Ease your allergies and possibly also buy yourself a whole list of other health benefits.

I buy a variety of brands, and I can’t say that one works better than any other one, but I do put more trust in quality, known supplement manufacturers vs. cheaper ones. You may save a dollar or two finding the cheapest, but if it isn’t effective, you haven’t saved anything.

Check online or head to your nearest local health food store, and get started on nettles now. When spring comes, you’ll get to enjoy every bit of it with no allergy symptoms. That’s what wellness is about. A little tweak in one area so you can live life like you want.