Red Dead Nettle (Lamium purpureum): A Versatile Wild Herb
Purple Dead Nettle - Note heart shaped leaves to distinguish from hen bit
Red Dead Nettle (Lamium purpureum) is a common yet often overlooked wild plant, widely found in gardens, meadows, and woodland edges. Despite its name, it is not actually a nettle but belongs to the mint family, making it a member of a group of plants known for their aromatic qualities. Red Dead Nettle thrives in temperate climates, where it can be spotted in early spring, often blooming before many other plants.
This herb is notable for its bright purple-pink flowers and square stem. The leaves are heart-shaped and slightly toothed, with a characteristic reddish-purple hue at the base of the plant. While it’s commonly regarded as a weed, Red Dead Nettle has a long history of medicinal use, valued for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing properties.
Red Dead Nettle is often used in herbal remedies, particularly for skin issues, respiratory support, and as an anti-inflammatory. It’s also edible, and the tender young leaves can be added to salads or steeped in teas. But one of the most popular ways to utilize Red Dead Nettle is in homemade salves, which can be applied topically to relieve skin irritations, wounds, and other minor ailments.
Red Dead Nettle Salve Recipe
Creating your own herbal salve with Red Dead Nettle is simple and rewarding. Here’s an easy recipe you can follow to make your own soothing salve at home.
Ingredients:
1 cup Red Dead Nettle leaves (fresh or dried)
1 cup olive oil (or another carrier oil like coconut oil)
1/4 cup beeswax pellets
10-15 drops essential oil (optional, lavender, tea tree, or chamomile are good choices)
Instructions:
Prepare the Infused Oil:
If you are using fresh Red Dead Nettle, make sure it is clean and free from dirt. If dried, it should be crushed slightly to release its properties.
In a double boiler, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the Red Dead Nettle leaves to the oil and let it infuse for 1 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure the oil doesn't overheat or burn.
After infusing, strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the plant material. Discard the leaves, as they are no longer needed. You now have an oil infused with the medicinal properties of Red Dead Nettle.
Make the Salve:
In the double boiler, melt the beeswax over low heat.
Once the beeswax is melted, slowly add the infused Red Dead Nettle oil, stirring gently.
Continue heating for a few minutes to ensure the oil and beeswax are fully combined.
If you'd like to add essential oils for fragrance and additional therapeutic benefits, add them at this stage and stir to combine.
Set the Salve:
Pour the salve mixture into small jars or tins while it’s still warm and liquid. Let it cool and harden at room temperature for a few hours.
Once the salve has solidified, it’s ready to use. Store it in a cool, dry place. The salve should last for several months.
How to Use: Apply a small amount of the salve to the skin, massaging it gently into areas affected by dryness, irritation, minor cuts, or muscle soreness. Red Dead Nettle’s soothing properties may also provide relief for conditions like eczema, rashes, and burns.
Red Dead Nettle is also known to help with seasonal allergies when used in a tea. The plant contains natural compounds that can support the immune system and reduce inflammation, which can be particularly helpful in treating mild allergic reactions.
Red Dead Nettle is a wonderful, versatile herb with a wide range of benefits for both the skin and the body. Whether you're looking to incorporate it into your diet or make your own natural salves, this wild plant provides an excellent resource that’s easy to find and harvest. Not only is it a great ally for treating everyday skin issues, but it's also a reminder of the healing power of nature that can be found right under our feet.