Have you got a patch of purple dead nettle in the yard? Instead of mowing it down, consider gathering it up. This marvelous member of the mint family may seem like a weed, but it’s a powerful medicinal plant and a delicious addition to many spring recipes.
Purple dead nettle is delicious! The leaves taste a bit like spinach but have a slightly bitter, spicier flavor reminiscent of arugula. You can make frittatas, soups, or even a fun wildflower pesto.
You can lay out fresh purple dead nettle on napkins and leave it to air-dry for about a week or use a dehydrator to dry it faster. Then, grind it up and use it as a sprinkling herb.
Purple dead nettle and many other members of the mint family have powerful antioxidant properties that can reduce stress, combat the effects of aging, and improve cognitive function.
Try steeping your purple dead nettle in oil to make a fragrant infusion. This is an easy and simple way to use the plant, giving you a versatile “base method” to enjoy the benefits.
Purple dead nettle is an astringent and antimicrobial agent with impressive antibacterial, antibiotic, and antifungal effects. This makes it a powerful bush medicine that can help stop bleeding and prevent infection in open wounds.
Once you’re out of the field, you aren’t out of danger. Wound care is an ongoing process, and purple dead nettle’s antibiotic properties can help.