Dorothy FarrarPigeon nettle
At first glance, the dead nettle resembles the well-known stinging nettle, but the leaves of the dead nettle have no hairs. In addition, the stem also has some differences. The flowers are used in the dried form or as a tea for various ailments, for example as a cough medicine.
General overview
The name dead nettle results from the similarity in shape of the leaves to those of the stinging nettle , but they have no stinging hairs. This means that the dead nettle is a non-burning nettle.
The dead nettle and stinging nettle are not directly related to each other. The deadnettle belongs to the mint family. It is a perennial herbaceous perennial plant. It grows up to 50 cm high and has erect shoots, branched rootstocks and a four-edged stalk on which the stalked leaves stand. They are opposite, heart-shaped and the margin is dentate.
The upper side of the leaves is deep green and the underside is lighter. The deadnettle blooms from April to October. The large, white flowers then give off an intense honey scent and are very popular with bees, for example, as an ideal source of nectar. The flowers, which are about two centimeters in size, are arranged in whorls in the leaf axils of the dead nettle. The taste of the deadnettle leaves as well as the herb is bitter.
Occurrence and cultivation
The home of the dead nettle is Europe and Asia. The plant was naturalized in North America. All species thrive particularly well in partially shaded locations, but fully shaded areas in the garden are also tolerated. However, an optimal water supply is important. The dead nettle is particularly suitable for planting at the edge of the wood. The plant presents itself as an impressive decoration and an attractive eye-catcher. But the dead nettle can not only be planted in the garden.
The spotted variant in particular is suitable as a potted plant, for example for the balcony. The plant also prefers a bright and partially shaded area. In addition to the optimal location, the choice of substrate is also very important for a good development of the plant. For all deadnettle varieties, the soil should be loose, humus-rich, fresh to humus-rich and rich in nutrients . A high permeability of the plant substrate is also advantageous, so that waterlogging is prevented. A moderate proportion of clay also has a favorable effect on dead nettle.
Application and effect
The dead nettle is used for various applications. The flowers are used for internal and external use. For the former, they are brewed into a tea by pouring a quarter liter of boiling water over three teaspoons of dried flowers and herb. After five minutes of brewing time, the tea is strained. The tea can be used as a gargle solution. It is mainly used in gynaecology, for example to normalize irregular menstrual bleeding.
The tea also promotes digestion, helps with insomnia and is used to treat airway inflammation. In addition, the flowers of the dead nettle are contained in various ready-made tea blends and are used here to calm or to treat coughs.
They are also used for external use. As a poultice or bath additive, the tea helps with eczema and boils. Two to three cups can be drunk every day. For a poultice, a compress is dipped into the dead nettle tea and, after it has cooled down, is placed on the affected area of the skin. The tea can also be used as a sitz bath. For a full bath, pour one liter of boiling water over five tablespoons of deadnettle flowers, leave to steep for ten minutes, strain and add to the bath water.
What does the dead nettle help against?
- irregular days
importance to health
A variety of positive effects are attributed to dead nettle. Due to the various modes of action, it is suitable for the treatment of coughs, colds, bronchitis and asthma, for example. Thanks to the substances it contains, the mucus in the lungs dissolves , which means that the symptoms can be eliminated more quickly. Deadnettle flowers can also be used effectively for inflamed mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, sore throat and gingivitis.
The digestive organs also benefit from the effects of the flowers. A deadnettle tea can relieve inflammation of the stomach and intestines . Due to the iridoids it contains, certain inflammatory mediators can also be reduced.
Externally, the dead nettle is suitable for alleviating eczema, boils, minor burns and varicose veins. An envelope can be applied for this. This also makes it easier for poorly healing wounds to heal.
Women use the plant for menstrual cramps, white flow and symptoms of menopause . Menstruation should also be regulated in strength in order to achieve reduced blood loss. Men benefit from the ingredients in dead nettle for swelling of the prostate. In addition, the diuretic property makes it possible to alleviate discomfort in the bladder area.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.