Welcome friends! This week, let’s talk about one of the common weeds that you might be seeing in your yard, on your hikes, or even on the side of the road, Purple dead nettle! This wild edible is an abundant herb with a range of fantastic health benefits and is easily foraged this time of year. In this post, we’ll explore what it is, its health benefits, and common uses to bring this nutritional herb into your home!
What is Purple Dead Nettle?
Purple dead nettle (Lamium purpureum) is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is a common weed native to Europe and Asia. Despite its name, purple dead nettle is not a true nettle and does not possess the stinging hair characteristic of true nettles, like stinging nettle (hence the word “dead” as in, it doesn’t sting). It has striking heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges and clusters of pink to purple flowers. Other common names for purple dead nettle are red dead nettle and purple archangel. Like other members of the mint family, it can be quite invasive. But the bees love it!
Is Purple Dead Nettle Edible?
Yes, indeed! Purple dead nettle is not only edible but also surprisingly nutritious. Both the leaves and flowers are edible, with a mild, earthy flavor reminiscent of spinach. You can enjoy them raw in salads for a pop of color and flavor or cooked as a nutritious addition to soups, stir-fries, and omelets. Use it like you’d use any other leafy green.
Health and Nutritional Benefits of Purple Dead Nettle
As a medicinal herb, purple dead nettle has many benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Research has shown that purple dead nettle possesses anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Antioxidant Properties: Purple dead nettle has powerful antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Immune Support: Studies suggest that purple dead nettle may help boost the immune system due to its high vitamin C content and immune-enhancing properties.
- Respiratory Relief: Traditionally, purple dead nettle has been used to alleviate respiratory ailments like coughs and colds by loosening mucus and easing congestion. A purple dead nettle tincture can be useful for those with seasonal allergies.
- Pain Relief: Purple dead nettle has been known to alleviate joint pain and soothe wounds. This can be done either with a salve or by rubbing the leaf straight on your skin.
- Digestive Stimulation: Some say that purple dead nettle has laxative effects as well.
Where to Find Purple Dead Nettle?
Purple dead nettle can be found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, fields, meadows, and disturbed areas. It tends to thrive in moist, nutrient-rich soil and can often be spotted in early spring. Avoid harvesting along an area where chemicals are used or by a roadside where car exhaust is present. This way you’ll avoid any toxic exposure. Although purple dead nettle is native to Europe and Asia it has naturalized in many parts of North America, particularly common in temperate regions with moderate climates.
When to Find Purple Dead Nettle?
Purple dead nettle seeds in the fall and typically blooms in early spring making it readily available for harvesting during this period. Keep an eye out for its vibrant purple leaves and pink to purple flowers in gardens, parks, wild spaces, and backyards. Once the summer heat kicks in, the plant will die off. Purple nettle may be one of the first plants that you see in the springtime.
How to Identify Purple Dead Nettle?
While many medicinal plants grow in the wild, purple dead nettle is relatively easy to identify once you know what to look for, it’s essential to distinguish it from similar-looking plants to avoid confusion. Here are some key features to help you identify purple dead nettle:
- Leaves: True to its name, purple dead nettle has distinctive purple fuzzy leaves with serrated edges. The spade-shaped leaves grow opposite each other along the stem.
- Square Stem: Like other members of the mint family, purple dead nettle has a square stem, which is a helpful identifying characteristic.
- Clusters of Pink to Purple Flowers: In addition to its purple leaves, purple dead nettle produces clusters of small, tubular flowers ranging in color from pink to purple. These flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
How to Use Purple Dead Nettle?
Now that you’ve successfully identified these wild edibles and harvested your fresh dead nettle, it’s time to put it to good use! Here are some creative ways to reap the health benefits of this wild herb:
- Salad Greens and Smoothies: Add fresh purple dead nettle leaves to your favorite salads for a touch of color and flavor. Combine them with other leafy greens, vegetables, nuts, and dressings for a nutritious meal. Anywhere you might add leafy greens is a good use for purple dead nettle.
- Herbal Infusions: Brew dried purple dead nettle leaves into a soothing herbal tea. Simply steep the dried leaves in hot water for several minutes, strain, and sip away.
- Culinary Uses: Incorporating purple dead nettle into a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, sauces, and stir-fries. Its mild, earthy flavor pairs well with a wide range of ingredients, making it a versatile addition to any recipe. It also makes a terrific garnish. Here’s a fun deviled egg recipe using dead nettle.
- Medicinal Uses: Harness the medicinal properties of purple dead nettle by preparing herbal remedies like tinctures, infusions, and poultices. Whether you’re looking to alleviate inflammation, boost immunity, or soothe respiratory ailments, purple dead nettle is your herb! Here’s a great salve recipe to make (starts by making an infused oil).
Additionally, check out this awesome resource for all things herbs!
Happy Foraging!
Disclaimer: I am not a physician or healthcare practitioner. Any information covered in this blog post should be subject to individual research. This article should not be mistaken for medical advice.
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