Dead nettle is a close relative of the well-known nettle. At the same time, deadnettle not only has less aggressiveness, but at the same time it can be used for various medicinal purposes. Side effects are usually not expected.
Occurrence and cultivation of deadnettle
The different species of deadnettle also reveal differentiated flower colors. For example, white, red or yellow flowers exist. Originally, the deadnettle comes from Europe and Asia. Because of its healing properties, it can nowadays also be found in North America in the form of cultivations. Thereby the deadnettle often prefers meadows, garden fences and hedges. Already in the Middle Ages the plant was used for medicinal purposes. The plant is a member of the labiates family. It reaches a height of about 40 centimeters. From the stem leaves are divided. These have a pointed shape, reminiscent of the leaves of nettle. The outer edge sometimes has strong indentations. The leaves of deadnettle are hairy, but do not have stinging hairs. As with the stinging nettle, the surface is wrinkled. In the months between May and September, the flowers of deadnettle bloom. During this time, the buds emit a honey-like scent, while the rest of the plant is perceived as odorless. The different species of deadnettle also reveal differentiated flower colors. For example, white, red or yellow flowers exist. With regard to their effect, no strong different characteristics can be determined. Once the flowering period is over, small fruits develop from the flowers. To distinguish deadnettle and nettle from each other, a closer look at the flowers is recommended above all.
Effect and application
Not all elements of deadnettle are suitable for medicinal use. Here, especially the flowers including the petals are used. Accordingly, the harvest time is between May and September, when the plant blooms. Physicians and pharmacists often know deadnettle under the name Lamii albi flos. The quality standard of the product is regulated by the German Medicinal Codex. Often the plant parts are dried before medicinal use. In this process, the healing properties can be attributed to the ingredients of deadnettle. In addition to iridoid and secoiridoid glucosides, triterpene saponins, phenolic carboxylic acids/ caffeic acid derivatives and tannins, flavonoids and mucilage can also be found in the plant. It is used internally or externally depending on the ailment. Folk medicine particularly often recommends the consumption of deadnettle tea. This can usually be purchased at the pharmacy or drugstore. There are both tea mixtures and the pure form of the plant. If the leaves of the plant itself are collected, the dosage is about one gram per half liter of water. In order for the active ingredients to develop in the body, the tea should steep for at least five minutes and be drunk several times a day. Used externally, those affected can turn to the plant in the form of compresses, baths or washes. The spectrum of action of deadnettle is broad. It has antibacterial, calming, antispasmodic, expectorant, diuretic, and also hemostatic and blood-purifying properties. Already in the Middle Ages deadnettle was considered a medicinal plant for women. To this day, it is used mainly for existing menstrual cramps or white flow. But its efficiency is not limited to the alleviation of pain during the period. Thus, it can be used by both women and men for various symptoms and diseases, without the need for chemical ingredients.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Due to its various modes of action, deadnettle is suitable for asthma, coughs, colds or bronchitis, for example. The substances ensure that the mucus in the lungs dissolves and the symptoms disappear quickly in this way. The flowers can also be used effectively for inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, as well as for inflammation of the gums and sore throat. In rare cases, deadnettle also helps with inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The anti-inflammatory property can probably be attributed to the iridoids contained.These succeed in reducing certain inflammatory mediators. At the same time, the tannins react with proteins of the mucous membrane. This creates a layer that protects the skin from further pathogens. Externally, the plant is suitable for mitigating boils, eczema, minor burns and varicose veins. Applying a poultice or appropriating another method can help poorly healing wounds in the healing process. In women, the plant is also used specifically for menstrual cramps, menopausal symptoms or white flow. It is said to be able to regulate the strength of menstruation. Thus, taking the plant can lead to reduced blood loss during heavy bleeding, while stimulating a weak period. Men, on the other hand, benefit from the ingredients in case of possible swelling of the prostate. The diuretic property allows the alleviation of discomfort that affects the bladder. Deadnettle is therefore suitable in various ways for the treatment of symptoms that arise due to disease. It does not prevent inflammations, it can only mitigate existing problems afterwards. Nevertheless, it can play a role in everyday health. Although it has no chemical substances, its efficiency should not be underestimated. Unlike remedies from traditional medicine, the use of the plant does not result in side effects.