Herbs of the Field - Deadnettles
Another sign that you know spring has arrived is the sea of purple crossed plowed farmed lands, which welcomes the Purple Deadnettle.
This weed has multiple medicinal benefits as it is known for its diuretic, diaphoretic, astringent, purgative, and styptic effects. The fresh leaves have been useful for patching external wounds and cuts. The leaves, stems and flowers can be used from this little plant. Deadnettle has been used to aid in reducing fevers and pain. Plus, it has helped with inflammation. When used on the skin, it has been shown to have anti-microbial properties. This plant is known for its flavonoids and antioxidants contents as well as vitamin C, iron, fiber, and the omega fatty acids. The antioxidant levels are highest in the seeds. Flavonoids and phenylenthanoids provide neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, etc.
Deadnettle tea can help our body with foreign invaders which cause inflammation. Things like microbes, chemicals, or just plant pollen cause reactions from the body that make us uncomfortable. In addition, there have been some connections between deadnettle and disease such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression and Alzheimer’s, which are associated with chronic inflammation. Adding deadnettle to the diet has been shown to help Alleviate some of the issues. Deadnettle can also help to improve your immune system which helps to fight infections. The free radicals are naturally produced within the body and the antioxidant properties from Deadnettles helps to reduce their damaging effects. The mineral iron is vital to proper hemoglobin function. Deadnettle will help supply an amount of iron to sufficiently add your body. So add some wild Deadnettle to your daily salad consumption to gain the many benefits!
Identification: This plant is a member of the mint family but does not have an aroma. The plant grows about 8 inches tall and is found in meadows and along roadsides in dense patches. The flower is purple in color and about ½ inch long. They attach to the stem in a whorled pattern. The stem is squarish, as are all mints. The leaf is green at the bottom and gradually becomes purple at the top. The shape is heart-like with a pointy tip, and finely haired. There is a second variety of dead nettle, when the plant grows 6 to 18 inches tall. The leaves are purplish near the bottom and greenish around the top, spreading in all directions. This variety is commonly found in waste ground, meadows, and fields. The flower is at the end of the stem, in a spike. The flower is purple, about ½ to ¾ inch long. They are fused into a tubular flower. The leaves are finely haired, opposite growth on the stem. Deadnettle gets its name for the fine hairs that do not sting.
Harvesting: young shoots, stems and leaves in spring. Can be eaten raw or as a cooked green.
Usage: teas, juices, smoothies, poultices
Warning: Deadnettle can be easily mistaken for European Pennyroyal in its early stages of growth. If not sure, avoid. As the plant matures, it is easily distinguished by the purple tinged leaves on top. Do not eat if not sure!!