Things To Know About Purple Deadnettle

 What all do you need to know about purple deadnettle?

Latin Name: Lamium purpureum                      Family: Lamiaceae

Growing zone: 4-8 mostly found on roadsides and disturbed ground. It can stand full sun to part shade.

Identification:

Annual that is pollinated by bees and it is a hermaphrodite. It likes light sandy - clay soil. Prefers well draining moist soil. Single stem that grows ½” to 2 ½” tall. In my yard where it is growing has reached every bit of 8 inches tall. Mostly shade and heavily fertilized.

The stem: is square and can be a green to a reddish purple with tiny hair like fuzz on it. Lower 3rd of the stem has no leaves on it.

Leaves: Young leaves are scalloped and wrinkly Underside is very hairy which makes them unappealing to most that are trying to consume. The leaves are reddish purple and as they age they become more green. They are densely crowded and each pair of leaves rotate 90 degrees from the pair of leaves above and below. They can reach up to 2” long and wide.

Flowers: Whorls of flowers occur above the laves at the stem. They are pinkish purple and trumpet shaped with two lips on the bottom. They will bloom for about 6 weeks. 

Seeds: After the flowers bloom they will have a gray/ brown egg shaped pod. They are speckled and these are the seeds to gather if you are looking to collect seeds.

Medicinal use:

The purple deadnettle is a diuretic, diaphoretic, astringent, purgative, styptic, and immuno-stimulating so it may not be a good choice for those who have autoimmune diseases taken internally. It is also an anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial. It is high in iron, magnesium, manganese, and fiber. High in vitamins E, A, C, and K. This is a warming and drying herb. When taken internally it will heal the gut microbiome. The seeds are great anti-oxidants that help get rid of candida overgrowth. Prebiotic that is good for aiding in weight loss.

Magikal use:

Element: Earth/ Fire                                Planet: Earth

Energies: Purple deadnettle is a strong herb for happiness and determination. Use during rituals for emotional and physical healing. Creating happiness and becoming more cheerful.
Security and stability. Willpower, courage, calm , and confidence.

Use during rituals when you are in need of a spiritual lift. To ward off negative feelings.

Deadnettle essence: 

This flower in its essence is known to tune into your sacral chakra and help guide you through your path of sexuality and opening up who you are meant to be. This flower essence will help with chaotic life, bad habits, and over work. Use for the times in which you aren't able to grow because we are lost. It will help you find your true you.  Apply topically to the wrists to ease writers block. It will also give you joy in your work or whatever physical activity you do with mindfulness. 

If you are ready for healing work then purple deadnettle is a great herb for you.

It is very versatile with using as a fresh herb to eat in food and nourish your body, you can dry it and use it for incense during rituals. You can steep it in an oil and use it as an oil in rituals or make essences with it to help your healing work. Don’t forget making your herb bottles. Aka: Spell jars. Protection and will is at use here with the deadnettle as well so be sure to be in good sound mind when foraging. Ask the flowers before you pick them and listen to their response.