White Dead Nettle (Lamium album)

---

Botanical Information

• Family: Lamiaceae
• Common Names: White Dead Nettle, Archangel, White Nettle
• Parts Used: Aerial parts (leaves, flowers)

---

Description

Lamium album is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia, often mistaken for true nettles but lacking their stinging properties. It has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, astringent, and expectorant properties, particularly for respiratory, digestive, and reproductive health.

---

Historical and Traditional Uses

• Used in European herbal medicine for wound healing and blood purification.
• Traditionally employed as a uterine tonic to regulate menstruation.
• Used for soothing inflammation in respiratory and digestive conditions.
• Applied externally for burns, ulcers, and skin conditions.

---

Constituents

• Flavonoids
• Tannins
• Mucilage
• Saponins
• Volatile oils

---

Actions

• Astringent
• Anti-inflammatory
• Expectorant
• Hemostatic
• Diuretic
• Uterine tonic

---

Medicinal Uses

1. Respiratory Health:
Traditionally used to ease coughs, bronchitis, and mucus congestion due to its expectorant properties.

2. Digestive Support:
Soothes inflammation in the gut, helping with diarrhea and indigestion.

3. Reproductive and Menstrual Health:
Used as a uterine tonic to support menstrual balance and relieve excessive bleeding.

4. Wound Healing and Skin Care:
Applied externally for wounds, ulcers, and inflammatory skin conditions.

5. Kidney and Urinary Health:
Acts as a mild diuretic, supporting urinary tract health and fluid balance.

---

Preparation and Dosage

Infusion (Tea):

• 1-2 tsp of dried leaves and flowers per cup of hot water. Steep for 10-15 minutes and drink up to twice daily.

Tincture:

• 2-4 ml taken up to 3 times daily.

Poultice (Topical Use):

• Crushed fresh leaves applied to wounds, burns, or inflamed skin.

---

Precautions and Contraindications

• Pregnancy and Lactation: Use with caution due to uterine-stimulating effects.
• Allergic Reactions: Those allergic to plants in the mint family should use with caution.
• Diuretic Effects: May increase urination; monitor fluid balance.

---

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

• Traditional Western Herbalism: Cooling and drying; used for inflammation, excess mucus, and wound healing.
• Traditional European Medicine: Valued as a tonic for women’s reproductive health and blood purification.
• Ayurveda: Primarily balances Pitta and Kapha, but excessive use may aggravate Vata.

---

Combinations

• For Respiratory Support: Combine with thyme and mullein.
• For Menstrual Balance: Combine with raspberry leaf and shepherd’s purse.
• For Skin Healing: Combine with calendula and comfrey.

---

Harvesting and Storage

• Harvesting: Aerial parts are best collected in summer when in bloom.
• Drying: Air dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
• Storage: Store dried parts in airtight containers away from light and moisture.

---

Modern Research

Studies confirm Lamium album’s anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and wound-healing properties, reinforcing its traditional applications.

---

White Dead Nettle remains a valuable herb in both traditional and modern herbal medicine, particularly for respiratory health, digestive support, and skin healing.