Red / Purple Deadnettle - Lamium purpureum

Lamium purpureum, known as red deadnettle, purple deadnettle, or purple archangel, is an annual herbaceous flowering plant native to Europe and Asia which has naturalized in North America. The tops and leaves are edible and can be used in salads and sauces. It grows in rich, moist soil in partially sunny locations.

It has many healthful properties. Studies have found it to be antioxidant, anticancer, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antischistosomal. Polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, steroidal derivatives, and ecdysteroids are the compounds thought to have the primary benefits.

Lamium purpureumtea is used traditionally as a mild antihistamine, is anti-inflammatory, and provides vitamins C, A, and K, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, fiber, and bioflavonoids. In a salve it may soothe irritated skin and small wounds.

The stems and roots contain high levels of a saccharide, manninotriose.¹ A saccharide called D-Mannose is now recommended for cystitis so perhaps using those parts of the plant will be proven beneficial in studies. I use the stems, leaves, and flowers in tinctures.

Suggested dosing: Tincture 1–2 ml 3x day. One ml is about 30 drops.

Possible side effects: Allergy, gastrointestinal distress.

Contraindications: Mint allergy, diuretic medications.

¹Article, dos Santos, Raquel, Vergauwen, Rudy, Pacolet, Pieter, Lescrinier, Eveline, Van den Ende, Manninotriose is a major carbohydrate in red deadnettle (Lamium purpureum, Lamiaceae), Annals of Botany, Ann Bot. 2012, 10.1093/aob/mcs288, 111, 3, 385, 393, 0305-7364

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose or treat any illness. I am not a medical professional and cannot diagnose or treat any illness.