Natural health: Can nettles help to ease hay fever symptoms?

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My ten-year-old son developed hay fever for the first time last summer. He has classic symptoms: itchy red swollen eyes, tiredness, blocked nose, sore sinuses. We've tried antihistamines and nasal sprays, Vaseline in the nose, diffusers in the bedroom, and nothing gives any significant relief. He accidentally got stung with nettles last night, and for the first time in weeks, his face swelling disappeared and his nose was much clearer. It was back to normal this morning, though. Do you think there's anything in the old wives' tale about nettles and hay fever?