🌸 Purple Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum): The Healing Weed You Shouldn’t Overlook. With its vibrant purple tops, fuzzy leaves, and square stems, this humble little plant is a common springtime sight in gardens, meadows, and along sidewalks. But did you know it’s also edible and full of healing properties?

Let’s explore the amazing benefits of purple dead nettle, how to identify it, and how to prepare a gentle herbal tea with it.

✅ Easy to Identify

Purple dead nettle is part of the mint family and grows low to the ground. It’s often mistaken for henbit—but don’t worry, henbit is edible too. The two grow in similar environments and are often found side by side in early spring.

Key Features:

Square stem (a common trait in the mint family)
Soft, hairy, heart-shaped leaves
Upper leaves are tinged with purple
Small pinkish-purple flowers bloom at the top
Leaves have a mild, grassy or slightly earthy scent

🌱 Fun fact: It’s called “dead” nettle because, unlike stinging nettle, it doesn’t sting!

🌸 Purple Dead Nettle Has No Dangerous Look-Alikes

This is one of the reasons why foragers love it so much—it’s safe and simple to identify. Even if you confuse it with henbit, you’re still safe because both plants are non-toxic and edible.

💚 Health Benefits of Purple Dead Nettle

Purple dead nettle is more than a weed—it’s a powerful medicinal herb packed with nutrients and healing properties:

Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce swelling and inflammation internally and externally.
Antibacterial & antifungal: Supports your body’s defense against infections.
High in nutrients: Rich in vitamins C, A, and iron, which help boost the immune system.
Astringent & diuretic: Useful for gently cleansing the body and supporting kidney function.

• • Allergy support: Drinking the tea during spring can help ease seasonal allergy symptoms.

✅ Key Health Benefits

    Supports the immune system – Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and flavonoids.
    Anti-inflammatory – Helps reduce swelling, pain, and redness.
    Natural antihistamine – Can ease seasonal allergy symptoms.
    Supports kidney and liver health – Helps detox and flush out toxins.
    Soothes skin – Infusions and poultices help with burns, cuts, rashes.
    Aids digestion – Its mild bitterness supports digestion and reduces bloating.
    Menstrual relief – Traditionally used to ease cramps and hormonal imbalances.
    Promotes wound healing – Thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
    Supports energy levels – Nutritious and revitalizing, especially in early spring.

• 10. Good for colds and flu – Calms sore throats and supports the body in healing.

🍵 How to Make Purple Dead Nettle Tea

Making tea from purple dead nettle is an easy and calming way to enjoy its benefits.

Ingredients:

1 handful of fresh purple dead nettle (or 1 tablespoon dried)
1 cup of boiling water
Optional: honey or lemon for taste

Instructions:

    Rinse the leaves and flowers gently if harvested fresh.
    Place the nettle in a teacup or teapot.
    Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the herb.
    Cover and let steep for 10–15 minutes.
    Strain, sweeten if desired, and enjoy!

🌿 You can drink this tea up to 2 times a day, especially during allergy season or for general wellness.

🧄 Purple Dead Nettle Herb Butter (Easy Recipe)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup fresh purple dead nettle leaves (rinsed and chopped)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened) – or ghee/coconut oil
1 small clove of garlic (optional, minced)
A pinch of salt
Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

Instructions:

    In a small bowl, mash the softened butter.
    Stir in the chopped dead nettle, garlic (if using), and salt.
    Mix until smooth and green-flecked.
    Store in the fridge, or use immediately on warm toast, veggies, or rice!

💡 Tip: Add it to baked potatoes, over scrambled eggs, or melt a spoonful into soups!

🌼 Other Ways to Use Purple Dead Nettle

Add to salads or smoothies: The young leaves are tender and mild in flavor.
Make a salve: Infuse the plant in oil and use it for minor skin irritations.
Dry it: For tea or herbal blends later in the year.
Tincture it: Preserve its healing properties in alcohol or glycerin.

🧺 Final Tips for Foraging

Only pick from clean areas—avoid roadsides or treated lawns.
Harvest early in the season when the leaves are most tender.
Use fresh or dry the leaves for later use.

Purple dead nettle is proof that powerful healing can be found right under your feet. Whether you sip it as a tea, toss it into a salad, or infuse it in oil, it’s a simple and beautiful way to reconnect with nature’s medicine.