Dead nettle (most often the white-flowering species, Lamium album) is a mild, non-stinging herb in the mint family. Herbalists have used its flowers and aerial parts for soothing irritated tissues, settling minor digestive complaints, and traditional women’s health applications. Today, it also attracts interest for its antioxidant profile and emerging antifungal activity in laboratory and field studies. If you have seen it along hedgerows or in gardens, you know it looks like stinging nettle—but without the hairs that sting. This guide explains what dead nettle can and cannot do, how to choose and use it, typical traditional dosage ranges, and where safety cautions apply. You will also find a concise review of the scientific evidence so you can set realistic expectations before trying it as a tea, tincture, food, or topical preparation.
Quick Dead Nettle Highlights
- Mild astringent and demulcent herb used for irritated mucous membranes and minor bleeding.
- Lab studies show antioxidant and antifungal activity; robust human trials are lacking.
- Typical tea: 1–2 g dried flowers per 250 mL, up to 2–3 times daily (≈3 g/day).
- Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding, in children, or with plant allergies unless cleared by a clinician.
Table of Contents
- What is dead nettle?
- Does dead nettle work?
- Benefits and common uses
- How to take and prepare it
- Dosage and timing
- Side effects, interactions, and who should avoid it
What is dead nettle?
Dead nettle is the common name for several Lamium species native to Europe and Western Asia and now naturalized in many regions. The best-known medicinal species is Lamium album (white dead nettle), though Lamium purpureum (red/purple dead nettle) is widely foraged as an edible spring weed. Unlike true nettles (Urtica spp.), Lamium plants lack stinging hairs, which is why they are called “dead” nettles. The plants carry square stems, opposite leaves, and whorls of lipped flowers—a classic mint-family look.
Parts used. Traditional remedies primarily use the flowers (often labeled Lamii albi flos) and sometimes the aerial parts (leaves and stems). Flowers are preferred for gentle astringency and demulcent effects; the herb is used more broadly in folk medicine, especially in women’s health formulas and topical preparations.
Constituents. L. album contains a mix of polyphenols and iridoids that likely explain much of its traditional activity:
- Phenolic acids (e.g., chlorogenic, caffeic, rosmarinic) and flavonoids (e.g., rutoside/rutin, quercetin derivatives, tiliroside) with antioxidant capacity.
- Iridoid glycosides (notably lamalbid) that serve as quality markers in modern standardization work.
- Phenylpropanoid glycosides (e.g., verbascoside/acteoside).
- Tannins, saponins, and trace essential oil components.
Histochemical and phytochemical studies map these compounds to the floral tissues and the plant’s glandular trichomes—the tiny secretory hairs on the corolla—supporting the traditional emphasis on using the flowers for medicinal preparations. Laboratory work also shows isolated compounds from L. album can modulate cytokine release in human neutrophils (a plausible anti-inflammatory mechanism), though this is preclinical data rather than patient-level evidence.
Names and look-alikes. You may see white dead nettle called white archangel. It can resemble stinging nettle in leaf shape, but the square stem and the absence of stinging hairs are key differences, and the white lipped flowers are unmistakable in bloom.
Bottom line. Dead nettle is a gentle, multipurpose herb with a well-documented plant chemistry profile, long traditional use, and growing—yet still preliminary—laboratory evidence for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal actions. Human clinical evidence remains limited.
Does dead nettle work?
When people ask if dead nettle “works,” they usually want to know whether it reliably helps with a specific goal: soothing a sore or irritated throat, easing minor gastrointestinal discomfort, supporting women’s reproductive health, calming skin irritation, or assisting with fluid balance. The answer varies by outcome and by the strength of the evidence.
What the science says right now.
- Cell and tissue studies (in vitro). Extracts and purified compounds from L. album can dampen pro-inflammatory signaling (for example, lowering neutrophil cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-8) and show antioxidant effects in standard lab assays. These findings support traditional uses for irritated tissues and mild inflammation, but they do not prove clinical benefit on their own.
- Plant-pathology work (preclinical/field). Modern studies of L. album flower extracts—often produced by supercritical CO₂ extraction—demonstrate antifungal activity against cereal pathogens, reducing fungal growth, ergosterol content, and mycotoxin production in vitro and, in some cases, in field trials. This is promising for agriculture and food safety; it does not translate directly to treating human infections.
- Human trials. Robust randomized clinical trials for L. album as a single-ingredient medicinal product are scarce. That means we lack high-confidence data on outcomes, dosing, and comparative effectiveness versus standard care for specific conditions.
How to interpret this. Dead nettle is best viewed as a traditional, low-intensity supportive herb with plausible mechanisms and encouraging preclinical data—not a proven therapy for defined medical conditions. Many people use it as a gentle tea for irritated mucosa (mouth, throat, gut) or as a mild astringent/demulcent in women’s health formulas. Its safety profile appears benign at customary doses, but absence of evidence is not evidence of absence; caution is still appropriate for vulnerable groups.
Practical expectation-setting.
- For everyday comfort (e.g., a soothing tea when scratchy or after a spicy meal), expectations are reasonable.
- For chronic or serious conditions (heavy bleeding, infections, autoimmune issues), dead nettle should not replace medical care.
- Benefits, if any, are likely modest and symptom-focused, most noticeable when the herb is prepared well and used consistently for short periods.
Benefits and common uses
Below are the most common, people-first ways dead nettle is used, with realistic framing on what each use can—and cannot—deliver.
1) Soothing irritated tissues (demulcent action).
The flowers contain mucilage and polyphenols that can coat and calm sensitive surfaces. As a warm infusion, dead nettle tea is used for scratchy throats, dry coughs, or mild heartburn. The effect is local and short-lived; think of it as a gentle rinse from the inside. Pairing with honey or marshmallow root (another demulcent) is common in traditional blends.
2) Mild astringent support for minor bleeding.
Tannins in L. album tighten superficial tissues and may help with minor, self-limiting bleeding (e.g., mild gum bleeding after flossing) or with watery discharges. Historically, the herb and flower were used in women’s health for heavy or irregular menses and leukorrhea. Modern medicine would first rule out underlying causes; if all is benign, a short course of astringent herbs can be part of symptomatic care under professional guidance.
3) Skin comfort and external applications.
Traditional poultices and washes use cooled infusions for puffy, inflamed skin, hemorrhoids, or superficial varicosities. The goal is temporary comfort. Good hygiene and patch-testing are important to avoid irritation. For broken skin or suspected infection, medical evaluation matters more than any herbal wash.
4) Gentle digestive support.
As a mild bitter-astringent, dead nettle may help a queasy, unsettled stomach or loose stools that are not severe. People often combine it with peppermint (for gas) or yarrow (for spasm and tone). Stop if symptoms persist beyond a couple of days or worsen.
5) Culinary use (especially L. purpureum).
Young shoots and leaves of red/purple dead nettle are edible and add a mild, slightly grassy taste to salads or soups. They are not stinging, but make sure you correctly identify the plant, rinse it well, and avoid polluted sites.
6) Antioxidant and antifungal interest (emerging).
Research groups have standardized L. album flower extracts to marker compounds (lamalbid, chlorogenic acid, verbascoside) and reported antioxidant capacity in vitro. Separate work shows antifungal action against Fusarium species affecting cereals and associated mycotoxin reduction. These findings are encouraging for product quality control and agricultural applications. For human health benefits, we still need controlled clinical trials.
What not to expect.
Dead nettle is not an antimicrobial cure, a hormone therapy, or a replacement for evidence-based treatment. Any improvement you notice will likely be mild, gradual, and limited to comfort measures.
Smart combinations (examples).
- For a scratchy throat: dead nettle flowers + marshmallow root + thyme (steam inhalation or tea).
- For a settling blend after heavy meals: dead nettle + peppermint + chamomile.
- For external use: cooled dead nettle infusion as a compress, followed by rest and elevation for puffy areas.
How to take and prepare it
Forms you will see.
- Dried flowers (Lamii albi flos) for tea: the most traditional form, prized for gentle demulcent and astringent effects.
- Cut aerial parts (herb) for tea or blends: less commonly recommended than flowers for astringency, but still used in folk practice.
- Tinctures or liquid extracts: convenient when tea is impractical; potency varies by manufacturer.
- Topical rinses/soaks/compresses: made from cooled infusions.
- Culinary greens: especially L. purpureum leaves, cooked or added fresh when young.
Quality checklist before you buy or forage.
- Species and part named correctly. Look for “Lamium album” and, for flower products, “Lamii albi flos.”
- Clean supply chain. Choose suppliers that provide lot numbers, harvest regions, and contaminant testing.
- Color and aroma. Flowers should be well-dried, pale to creamy white, with a neutral to slightly herbaceous scent (not musty).
- Standardized products (optional). For consistent extracts, look for analytical markers used in research and quality control—lamalbid (iridoid), verbascoside, and chlorogenic acid—not as “active ingredients” per se, but as indicators the product contains the expected plant chemistry.
Home preparation basics.
- Infusion (tea). Use freshly boiled water (~90–95°C). Steep covered for 10–15 minutes to protect aromatics, then strain. For mouth or throat comfort, let it cool slightly and sip slowly; for a gargle, allow it to cool further.
- Cooled compress or sitz soak. Brew a stronger infusion, then cool to lukewarm. Soak a clean cloth and apply to the area for 10–15 minutes, or use as a brief sitz bath if recommended by a clinician.
- Tincture. Follow the label’s serving size. If using an unsweetened tincture, you can dilute the dose in a small amount of water to soften the taste.
Storage and shelf life.
- Keep dried flowers in an airtight container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Use within 12 months for best flavor and fragrance.
- Tinctures typically remain stable for several years if the cap is tight and they are stored in a cool, dark place.
- Discard any product that smells musty, shows visible mold, or has been contaminated with moisture.
Sustainability and safety when foraging.
- Only harvest where you have permission, far from roads and chemical sprays.
- Positively identify the plant; when not in flower, Lamium and Urtica can look alike. Learn the differences (square stem, non-stinging hairs, opposite leaves, and the characteristic lipped flowers in season).
- Harvest modestly; leave plenty for pollinators.
Dosage and timing
There is no universally accepted, evidence-based dose for dead nettle because robust human trials are limited. The following ranges reflect traditional practice and herbal reference guidance for adults with normal kidney and liver function. Start low, monitor how you feel, and stop if any adverse effect occurs.
Traditional internal use (adults).
- Tea from flowers (Lamii albi flos):
- 1–2 g dried flowers in ~250 mL hot water per cup, taken up to 2–3 times daily.
- A widely cited traditional daily amount is roughly 3 g of dried flowers in divided servings.
- Tincture or liquid extract:
- Common label directions fall around 2–4 mL, up to three times daily. Because products differ in strength and extraction ratio, follow your specific product’s instructions.
Topical use.
- Sitz bath or wash: Traditional guidance often uses ~5 g of flowers per sitz bath. Prepare a strong infusion, cool until comfortable, and limit sessions to short durations.
- Compress: Brew a strong tea, cool to lukewarm, soak a clean cloth, and apply for 10–15 minutes. Avoid on broken skin unless directed by a clinician.
Timing tips.
- For irritated throat or mouth, sip warm tea slowly, allowing contact with tissues.
- For unsettled digestion, try a cup after meals as needed.
- For sleep comfort (if combined with other calming herbs), use in the evening.
- Cycle use: many herbalists suggest using dead nettle for several days to two weeks, then pausing to reassess. Persistent symptoms warrant medical evaluation.
Who should use lower amounts or avoid.
- Older adults, those on multiple medications, or anyone with kidney, liver, or bleeding disorders should consult a clinician first and consider the lowest end of traditional ranges.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and children should avoid dead nettle due to insufficient safety data.
What not to do.
- Do not use intravaginal preparations (douches or rinses) without healthcare guidance; these can disrupt the microbiome and increase infection risk.
- Do not combine with dehydrating regimens (sauna, aggressive diuretics) without professional oversight; folk traditions sometimes associate L. album with “draining,” but this should not be pushed.
Side effects, interactions, and who should avoid it
Overall safety profile. At customary amounts, dead nettle is generally well tolerated. The most common issues are mild and self-limited—such as digestive upset or, rarely, skin irritation from topical use.
Potential side effects.
- Gastrointestinal: mild nausea, upset stomach, or changes in stool consistency if taken strong or frequently.
- Allergy/irritation: itching, rash, or mouth/throat tingling in those sensitive to mint-family plants. Discontinue immediately if these occur.
- Topical use: irritation if compresses are too hot, too concentrated, or left on too long.
Drug and supplement interactions (theoretical).
- Anticoagulants/antiplatelets: As a tannin-containing, astringent herb, dead nettle is unlikely to have meaningful anticoagulant effects, but out of caution, those on blood thinners should consult a clinician and monitor for unusual bruising or bleeding.
- Diuretics: Traditional texts sometimes list “draining” or urinary support among uses. If you take prescription diuretics, discuss any regular dead nettle use with your clinician to avoid dehydration.
- Iron and mineral absorption: Strong tannin-rich teas can transiently reduce non-heme iron absorption. Separate from iron supplements by a couple of hours.
Who should avoid dead nettle or seek medical advice first.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals: safety data are insufficient; avoid unless professionally advised.
- Children: lack of modern pediatric safety data—avoid routine use.
- Allergy to Lamiaceae (mint family) or prior reactions to Lamium species.
- Unexplained heavy bleeding, abnormal discharge, pelvic pain, fever, or suspected infection: seek evaluation rather than self-treat.
- Chronic conditions (e.g., kidney disease, bleeding disorders): consult a healthcare professional before use.
Stop use and seek care if …
- You develop rash, swelling, breathing difficulty, or persistent GI symptoms.
- You see no improvement after several days of symptomatic use or symptoms worsen.
Quality and contamination. As with any herb, quality matters. Choose reputable brands and avoid products with unknown origin or poor storage, which can lead to microbial or mycotoxin contamination.
References
- Lamium album Flower Extracts: A Novel Approach for Controlling Fusarium Growth and Mycotoxin Biosynthesis 2023 (Laboratory/field antifungal evidence).
- Lamalbid, Chlorogenic Acid, and Verbascoside as Tools for Standardization of Lamium album Flowers—Development and Validation of HPLC–DAD Method 2020 (Standardization markers and composition).
- Bioactive Constituents of Lamium album L. as Inhibitors of Cytokine Secretion in Human Neutrophils 2018 (Mechanistic, anti-inflammatory data in human neutrophils).
- Phenolic Constituents of Lamium album L. subsp. album Flowers: Anatomical, Histochemical, and Phytochemical Study 2020 (Phenolic mapping of floral tissues).
- Lamium album 2008 (Traditional uses, dosage guidance for flowers and herb).
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Herbal products can interact with medications or underlying conditions. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or combining any supplement—especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, planning surgery, have a medical condition, or take prescription drugs.
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