Red / Purple Deadnettle - Lamium purpureum

Lamium purpureum, known as red deadnettle, purple deadnettle, or purple archangel, is an annual herbaceous flowering plant native to Europe and Asia which has naturalized in North America. The tops and leaves are edible and can be used in salads and sauces. It grows in rich, moist soil in partially sunny locations.

It has many healthful properties. It is antioxidant, anticancer, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antischistosomal.  Polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, steroidal derivatives, and ecdysteroids are the compounds thought to have the primary benefits.

Lamium purpureum tea is a mild antihistamine, is anti-inflammatory, and provides C, A, and K, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, fiber, and bioflavonoids. In a salve it soothes irritated skin and small wounds. 

The stems and roots contain high levels of a saccharide, manninotriose.¹  A saccharide marketed commercially as D-Mannose or Mannitol is now used for cystitis so perhaps using those parts of the plant will be proven to be beneficial. 

Tincture dosing is 1–2 milliliters (ml) three times a day. Allergies and sensitivities are always possible so start slow.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose or treat any illness.

¹ Manninotriose is a major carbohydrate in red deadnettle (Lamium purpureum, Lamiaceae), Annals of Botany, Ann Bot. 2012, 10.1093/aob/mcs288, 111, 3, 385, 393, 0305-7364