Purple Deadnettle

[Susan WinterStudent]

Hello, newbie here, both to the course and herbalism in general.  Purple Deadnettle is everywhere on my property in the springtime, and I’m planning on harvesting and drying to make tinctures, salves and teas.  A little casual research shows it is a good antihistamine and antimicrobial.  Does anyone have any real-life experience with deadnettle they want to share to move me in the right direction?

5 users thanked author for this post.

DebBee, Sydnia Ginger Anady, Heidi, Charlotte Chumlea, Virginia H LaMaster

[Shirley BurnsStudent]

Great question!  I have tons of it growing on my property as well.  I also have a large patch of stinging nettle.  I’m wondering if the purple dead nettle is as strong medicinally as the stinging nettle.  It sure is a lot easier to harvest!

5 users thanked author for this post.

Heidi, Sydnia Ginger Anady, Susan Winter, Charlotte Chumlea, Virginia H LaMaster

[Susan WinterStudentTopic Author]

Yes, I love stinging nettle and use it daily in spring and fall for allergies.  It also grows wild locally along our local rivers.  I do know that deadnettle actually isn’t a nettle, it is in the mint family.  That is really as much as I know.  I’ve never tried it medicinally at all (yet).  This spring will be my first go.

2 users thanked author for this post.

Heidi, Sydnia Ginger Anady

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

 

Purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) is in the mint family. I have its cousin henbit growing on my place but haven’t seen the purple deadnettle. Both are edible and medicinal.

Here’s a good article on the genus.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6571824/

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

8 users thanked author for this post.

Sydnia Ginger Anady, Bobbi Stidham, Heidi, Paige, Laura L. Bergeson, Teri Anderson, Shirley Burns, Dawn

[Bobbi StidhamStudent]

I have a ton of Purple Dead Nettle growing. It will be gone in about a month. If you would like some seeds, I will be happy to send you some.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Heidi

[Christine NatvigStudent]

I just learned how medicinal this plant is. The beauty of it is there is an abundance of it growing this time of year.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Heidi

[HeidiStudent]

Would you mind directing me on where to get more information on purple deadnettle?  Thanks!  We have a ton and I’d like to freeze dry it, but not sure what all to do with it after that besides tincture it.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Here’s a good article on the genus.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6571824/

I’ve never used it. It could well be that the reason no one is writing/talking about it is that other critters do a better job at what it does. I’d try it for some things before I got committed to processing a lot of it.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[Sarah MirandaStudent]

Doc everyone online I see harvesting dead nettle puts it in the dehydrator. Would you recommend this? I was hoping this herb would help with my 10 year Olds allergies. I need to find some stinging nettle. How much would you recommend to use?

[DebBeeStudent]

I have a lot too, but husband, who took off for the spirit world a year ago, used a LOT of Roundup and I hesitate to eat anything from our yard. How many years before I can harvest this Dead Nettle. (I asked him not to, but I believe the “woman always being right” is another thread.)

"I Collect Smiles!" DebBee 🐝

[Author]

Posts