Purple dead nettle is easy to identify with its square stem (like all mint family plants), fuzzy leaves, and purple tops with little pink flowers. It will appear in early spring and is usually one of the first plants you will see blooming. It grows in gardens, wild spaces, and backyards.
Not long behind the daffodils and dandelions, purple dead nettle is popping up all over the farm, our flower beds, and in the ditches.
Be cautious of where you harvest from. Highly trafficked areas such as in ditches and along the roads will be contaminated and not of good use.
Purple Dead Nettle does have a look-alike, Henbit. However, these two plants are easily distinguished between.
Henbit has leaves that surround the stem. Purple dead nettle has triangle shaped leaves and a square stem.
utcrops.com
Highly Nutritious
Vitamin C, Vitamin A, iron, fiber
It can be eaten raw and added to soups, salads, blended in smoothies or also cooked and used in stirfry.
Medicinal Properties
Astrigent
stops bleeding, excessive menstrual bleeding
Antimicrobial
promotes good gut health, kills microorganisms or stops growth
Antifungal
yeast infections, ringworm, athletes foot
Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory
External Use
(wounds, cuts, bites, stings, rashes) (rheumatism pain for joints & tissue)
You can steep the herb in oil to extract its beneficial properties to make salves, lotion, and balm.
Use dry plants for this. Fresh could spoil.
Infused Oil
1. Fill a glass canning jar 1/4 to 1/2 of the way with crumbled up dried purple dead nettle
2. Fill the jar almost to the top with your chosen oil.
3. Cover with a lid and place in a cool, dark place (pantry or cabinet) for 6 weeks.
0R
use the double boiler method on the stove for 3-4 hours. (put a smaller pan, bowl, or glass measuring cup in a larger pan with an inch or two of water in it and bring the water to a simmer.)
Poultice
1. place a piece of plastic, such as saran wrap, on the counter.
2. Lay a clean cloth over that.
3. Spread the Dead Nettle out evenly to width of area it will be applied.
4. fold cloth top over bottom and side over side.
5. turn folded cloth over on the plastic square and apply directly to the area needed, You want the plastic to overlap the cloth just a little. The reason for the plastic is to protect clothing from staining,
6. apply directly to the area.
Internal Use
(seasonal allergies)
Tea
(infusion)
Simply add fresh or dried dead nettle leaves to boiling water, let steep for a few minutes, and then strain before serving.
Add honey
Tincture
- Fill a glass jar purple dead nettle.
- pour and cover it with a distilled alcohol, such as vodka (at least 80 proof) or vegetable glycerin to pull the medicinal qualities out.
- store in a dark, cool place for up to 6 week. shake occasionally.
In folklore, Purple Dead Nettle was said to be a cheerful herb that makes the heart merry. It's associated with joy and happiness. Eat it, use it, enjoy it!
Add comment
Comments