Deadnettle: Applications and Uses

Only the leaves of deadnettle have been positively evaluated by Commission E (scientific expert commission for herbal medicinal products of the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices). For deadnettle herb is not recommended for therapeutic use, because the effectiveness is currently not proven. The herb is therefore used more folk medicine.

Application of deadnettle leaves

Deadnettle leaves are used locally for mild inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, and for the treatment of inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract (respiratory catarrh).

Another area of application is a non-specific, whitish discharge from the vagina (fluor albus). Applied externally, deadnettle leaves are able to heal mild, superficial inflammation of the skin.

Folk medicine use

In folk medicine, deadnettle preparations are also used to loosen mucus in respiratory problems, and less commonly for gastrointestinal complaints and menopausal symptoms. External application in the form of compresses is said to be beneficial for swellings, bumps, gouty nodules and varicose veins.

Both drugs are further considered diuretics and blood purifiers. It is also conceivable that the plant has a positive effect on dandruff and itchy scalp.

Deadnettle in homeopathy.

In homeopathy, the fresh flowering shoots without stems are used to treat diseases of the female reproductive organs, kidneys and urinary tract. The dried corollas along with the attached stamens are used in anthroposophic therapy.

Ingredients of deadnettle

Iridide glycosides such as alboside A and B, mucilages, triterpene saponins, phenolic carboxylic acids and flavonoids are considered to be the main efficacy-determining constituents in the plant parts. The plant also contains a relatively high amount of tannins.

Deadnettle: indication

Possible indications for deadnettle leaves are:

  • Inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.
  • Catarrh of the respiratory tract
  • Fluor albus
  • Skin inflammations