MEDICINAL PLANTS

Dead nettle is a herbaceous plant, much like the stinging nettle flowers although they differ morphologically. It has an angular stem upward, with ovate leaves opposite way and large teeth on the edges. The flowers are gathered together in the axils of upper leaves and whole plant is covered with some fine hairs. It is a very common herb in Europe, where it usually appears as a weed in gardens, in the undergrowth and uncultivated places. In Spain abounds in the valleys of the north, especially in the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian mountain range.

FLOWERING

Dead nettle flower in spring, lasting through the summer, the best time to differentiate it from common nettle is precisely when the plant is flowering. To gather the flowering tops are collected when the first flowers are opening, it then rapidly lose their faculties. Popularly, the collection is done in dry and sunny mid-morning when the dew has already vanished. The drying process, in turn, be carried out quickly, extending the flowering tops in thin layers, in the shade, or dryer at 40 grados CelsiusC. Once dry, syrupy smell and the taste is bitter. It is important to keep them safe from moisture.

APPLICATIONS

The plant contains tannic substances, mucilage, sugars, a glycoside, and traces of an essential oil. According to some authors, also contains a saponin concentration diminishes as one ascends to the leaves and flowers. Its most characteristic pharmacological properties relate to their actions-tonic and astringent due to tannins and slightly antiseptic, and hemostatic by flavonoids and phenols, also the presence of mucilage gives demulcent action. Therefore its use is indicated for diarrhea, bronchitis, menstrual cramps and other gynecological conditions. Popularly, have blamed the plant cleansing properties, hypoglycemic and anti-rheumatic. Furthermore, it has been used externally in vaginal inflammation, hemorrhoids, sore throat, stomatitis and burns. Another feature of this plant, and it also has to do with his popularity is its perfectly safe, even in some European countries in times of great famine, its leaves were used, boiled and seasoned with some spices, such as food firsthand .

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. 30 gr. Of flowering tops in 1 liter of water. De esta infusión se pueden tomar hasta 3 tazas al día, preferentemente después de las comidas.
Extracts. If we start from the fluid extract may be taken 20-30 drops, 3 times a day if it is the dry, just a dose between 0.5 and 2 deg. Per day, divided into meals.
Syrup. Se puede preparar un jarabe a partir de la tintura de la planta.
For external use. Hirviendo la planta un par de horas y dejándola luego en maceración se obtiene el mucílago de la planta, muy útil para atenuar el dolor de pies hinchados. Applied directly.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Labiatae
HABITAT: In valleys of northern Spain
FLOWERING: Spring
PART USED: Sumidad florida
CASTILIAN: Lamio blanco, ortiga blanca
CATALAN: Ortiga morta

USES

Astringency, Antiseptic Moderate, Mild haemostatic.