The whole plant is astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, purgative and styptic. In terms of traditional medicinal uses, dried leaves have been used as a poultice to stem hemorrhaging whilst fresh bruised leaves have been applied to external wounds and cuts.

What are the benefits of dead nettle?

Purple dead nettle also has medicinal benefits. It is known in the herbal world as being astringent, diuretic, diaphoretic and purgative. It's also anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. The leaves can be used on external wounds or cuts, or as a poultice, similar to how you would use yarrow or plantain.

Can you eat dead nettle flowers?

Due to its reputation as an invasive weed, most people tend to overlook the purple dead nettle. But this amazing plant is actually a nutritious wild edible. So, if you find any growing in your planting beds, don't immediately pull them out! Instead, be grateful for this wonderful food source.

What is a good thing that nettles can be used for?

As well as being delicious, nettle tea is reputed to help combat several ailments, including eczema, asthma, hay fever and muscle aches. Just steep a few fresh tips in boiling water, removing them when the water goes slightly green, to avoid bitterness.

Do nettles have a purpose?

Though we may think of the nettle as a pesky plant, it's an important food source for wildlife, including: caterpillars of peacock, small tortoiseshell, red admiral and comma butterflies. aphids and the ladybirds that feed on them. chaffinches, bullfinches and sparrows.

What is the difference between dead nettle and stinging nettle?

Deadnettle (Lamium spp) is similar in height and appearance to stinging nettles. … Deadnettles have smoother leaves and a green stem (white arrow). Stinging nettles leaves (red arrow) have a slightly furry appearance due to the stings.

Do rabbits eat dead nettle?

Purple Dead Nettle Purple dead nettles are actually a member of the mint family, which is also safe for rabbits to eat.

Why is it called dead nettle?

There are about 50 Lamium species in the mint family. Commonly called dead nettles because their leaves resemble stinging nettles with no ability to sting, this near-evergreen plant (in mild climates) is a low creeper; some cultivars become randomly mounded.