The dead nettle plant is also called blind nettle because, despite resembling the common nettle, it does not cause nettle rash or harm those who touch it—as if people who do not harm were blind.
Dead Nettle Plant Scientific Facts
- Scientific Name – Lamium album L.
- Other Names – Blind nettle, white nettle.
- French – Ortie morte.
- Spanish – Ortiga blanca.
- Environment – It grows on roadsides and near populations throughout Europe and spread throughout America.
- Description—This vigorous plant of the Labiatae family grows from 20 to 60 cm high. Its flowers are white and lip-shaped, and it is different from the common nettle.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally – The leaves and the flower clusters.
Healing Properties
The dead nettle plant contains catechin tannins, flavonoids, and mucilage. Due to its tannin content, it has astringent, refreshing, and hemostatic (it stops hemorrhages) properties. Mucilage gives the plant its vulnerary and anti-inflammatory properties.
Its most important applications are the following:
- Gynecological disorders – Metrorrhage (uterine bleeding), dysmenorrhea (painful urination), and, as a rule, menstruation disorders. It stops excessive bleeding of the uterus and renders good results for leukorrhea (vaginal flowing) applied in the form of vaginal irrigations.
- Diarrhea and infectious colitis are generally caused by polluted water or meals.
- Externally applied, it heals wounds and bruises.
- Relaxing – In the form of footbaths, it alleviates tiredness or exhaustion after long walks.
How to use Dead Nettle
- Infusion with 15 to 20 grams per liter. Drink three or four cups daily.
- Compresses are soaked in the liquid obtained from a decoction made with 50 to 100 grams per liter of water and boiled for 10 minutes.
- Washings, baths, or lotions with the decoction mentioned above.
- Vaginal irrigations with this decoction, after well strained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the dead plant nettle have anti-inflammatory properties?
Yes. Studies show that flavonoids and phenolic acids found in dead-nettles have anti-inflammatory and protective properties. Lab research suggests it may reduce inflammation associated with arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Can the dead nettle plant help with seasonal allergies?
Is it safe to use the dead nettle plant for long periods for its health benefits?
More research is needed. Dead nettle is generally considered safe for short-term use, but there’s a lack of data on the safety of prolonged use. For personalized advice on long-term use, talk to a healthcare expert.
Could the dead nettle plant benefit skin health?
Potentially. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties might help soothe skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Some limited studies support this, but more extensive, more controlled studies are necessary.
Does dead nettle interact with any medications?
It’s possible. There’s limited information on potential interactions. It could interact with blood pressure, diabetes medications, or diuretics. Always consult your doctor before combining herbal remedies with existing medicines.
Can dead nettle improve kidney function?
Traditionally, yes, but scientifically inconclusive. Dead nettle has a long history of being used as a diuretic to support kidney health. However, there’s not enough scientific evidence to fully support this specific claim.
Are there any proven mental health benefits to dead nettle use?
There are no direct benefits, but there are potential implications. There’s no strong evidence that dead nettle directly supports mental health. However, because it reduces inflammation, it may indirectly help with conditions like anxiety and sadness, where inflammation is a factor. We need to do more study in this area.
Does the preparation method (tea, tincture, etc.) affect dead nettle’s potency?
It could. Different preparation methods may extract different amounts of beneficial compounds from the plant. More research is needed to determine the most effective preparation forms for specific benefits.
Where can I find reliable information on harvesting and preparing dead nettle?
Consult sources like:
– Books by reputable herbalists
– Websites of universities with herbal solid medicine programs
– Peer-reviewed research studies focused on dead nettle use
Are there any known side effects of dead nettle?
Generally mild, if any. Dead nettle is usually well-tolerated. Potential side effects may include upset stomach, skin irritation (with topical use), and changes in blood sugar or blood pressure.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 633. Print.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22762298/
- Mount Sinai https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/stinging-nettle
- NIH https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31277247/