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White deadnettle supports the female reproductive system

White deadnettle

Lamium album

Lamiaceae

White deadnettle is a uterine tonic which reduces heavy menstrual flow and excessive vaginal discharge, soothes respiratory issues, treats diarrhoea, and promotes wound healing.

Last reviewed March 26, 2025

Sustainability status

Not currently on risk lists but complete data may be missing on the status of the species. Read more about our sustainability guide.

Sustainability Status
Key benefits
  • Uterine tonic
  • Leucorrhoea
  • Menorrhagia
  • Antihaemorrhagic (uterine)
  • Antidiarrhoeal
  • Astringent
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Respiratory catarrh
  • Wound healing

  • How does it feel?

    The fresh plant has a strong, pungent, foetid smell, which is not particularly inviting. However, the intensity of this is lost when dried, suggesting this is due to the volatile oils or terpene constituents, which are often lost in the drying process. 

    An infusion of the dried leaf and flower develops a deep golden brown colour, which looks thick and inviting to drink. The smell retains a hint of the foetid aroma, but is dominantly sour, sharp, rich, savoury, salty and reminiscent of cooked spinach. The taste is considerably more bland than expected by the smell. Again, it tastes of spinach, slightly sour and bitter, savoury, salty and rich. The mouth is left feeling immediately watery and cooled, followed by a slight acrid sensation in the throat a minute or so later. Considering that this is a herb used mainly for the toning and astringent actions, the drying sensation in the mouth is only mild. Christopher Hedley commented that white dead nettle is a useful astringent due to tannin content but this is balanced by the relaxing action of the flavonoids (1). 

    It is easy to drink, pleasant and morish, like a weak soup or vegetable water. It feels filling, nourishing and satisfying, settling for the stomach and gently stimulating digestion. The sensations after drinking a cup are soft and subtle, and a relaxed calmness moves down through the body.

    White dead nettle (Lamium album)
    White dead nettle (Lamium album)
    White dead nettle (Lamium album)

  • What can I use it for?

    White dead nettle (Lamium album)
    White dead nettle (Lamium album)

    White deadnettle is an abundantly available wild herb, which has a long history of traditional use. It has lost favour in modern herbal practice, and is absent from many Western herbal textbooks and materia medicas. There are many species of deadnettle, however, it is the white deadnettle which is used medicinally, and discussed here. Despite the name, dead nettles are unrelated to the stinging nettle, the shared name is due to the visual resemblance, not the plant family. Dead nettles have no sting, and the flowers, which appear in spring and throughout the summer make them easy to differentiate from the stinging nettle. 

    White deadnettle is an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent, uterine tonic, diuretic and vulnerary herb. It is more typically used by women, for treating vaginal discharge, excessive menstruation, and urinary ailments (2). It can be taken as a tincture or tea for these issues, and also works well in a sitz bath and vaginal (yoni) steam. 

    The astringent action works well on the mucous membranes, indicating it for cases of a running nose and for catarrh of the upper respiratory tracts (sinuses and ear canals). As a gargle, mouth rinse or spray, it can be used for inflammation in the mouth and throat, such as mouth ulcers, bleeding gums and a sore throat. 

    White deadnettle can relieve gastrointestinal discomforts such as irritation and inflammation by toning and strengthening the gastric mucosa (3). 

    As a home remedy, it could be taken as an infusion whenever an astringent, drying action is required to reduce the loss of fluids from the body, such as excessive menstrual flow, diarrhoea, abnormal vaginal discharge, diarrhoea, and nasal discharges (4). This common hedgerow plant can be used as first aid for cuts, bites, splinters and burns, applying as a poultice, compress, or wash (4,5). 

    A cooled infusion can be used as a cleanser for oily skin, and used as a hair rinse to prevent the build up of grease (6).

    White deadnettle is edible and can be consumed raw or cooked, added to salads or the leaves blanched like spinach. It was used as famine food, as alternative nourishment mostly during the specific decades of starvation in different countries in Europe, China and Japan (7). 

    The leaves and flowering tops are harvested in summer and can be used fresh or dried for storage (2).

  • Into the heart of white deadnettle

    White dead nettle (Lamium album)
    White dead nettle (Lamium album)

    White dead nettle has been shown in vitro to have broad spectrum antioxidant activity, which may contribute to the therapeutic value of the herb (8). Water extracts (infusion) have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity, and extracts of the triterpenoid saponins stimulate fibroblast proliferation, supporting its use as a vulnerary (8). 

    The monoterpene iridoids are the largest group of compounds in white deadnettle, which accounts for the bitter taste and the biological activities of anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, immunomodulatory, and wound healing actions (7).

    The anti-inflammatory activity of white deadnettle flower extract has been demonstrated in vitro, via an inhibition of reactive oxygen species production, scavenging of free radicals (superoxide and hydroxyl radicals), and inhibiting the secretion of interleukins (9).

    The energetics of white deadnettle are hot and dry (10,11). This suits it to cold, damp tissue states with free flowing secretions which need toning and drying (12). It also contains a moistening quality which helps to bring nourishment and soothing to irritated, atrophic and depleted tissues.  

    Emotionally, white deadnettle is considered to be a mood and vitality enhancer (7). Traditionally it had a reputation of being able to make the heart merry, to drive away melancholy and to revive vital spirits (7,10).

  • Traditional uses

    White dead nettle (Lamium album)
    White dead nettle (Lamium album)

    Use of deadnettle is recorded by Pliny the Elder (AD 23–79) for the treatment of bruises, burns, old sores, ulcers and tumours (5).

    Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179) refers to blind nettle, stating that “a person will smile with pleasure on eating it since it touches his spleen so his heart is made happy” (13). This was later echoed by Parkinson and Culpeper, both stating that deadnettle makes the “head and heart merry, drives away melancholy and quickens the spirits” (5,10). 

    In 1640, John Parkinson referred to deadnettle as hotter and dryer than stinging nettle, ideally suited to treating obstructions of the spleen (5). Culpeper (1653) thought the name ‘Dead nettle’ to be vulgar, referring to this herb as Archangel (10). He echoed the primary indications given by Parkinson, suggesting it be used to treat “hardness of the spleen”, taken internally as a decoction in wine, and applied as a hot plaster onto the region of the spleen (10). 

    Archangel was primarily considered a herb for women, used for female reproductive issues to “stay the whites” (stop vaginal discharges and leukorrhea) and “stay the reds (reduce menstrual flow), of which both uses remain in modern herbal medicine practice (10).  

    The astringent and haemostatic actions made deadnettle a valuable internal treatment for any kind of haemorrhage, including flooding (menorrhagia), haemoptysis(coughing up blood), and nose bleeds (14). 

    For the treatment of tumours and swellings, it was crushed with salt, vinegar and lard before being applied to any hard swelling to “helpe to dissolve and discusse [disperse] them” (5). It was similarly applied to gout, sciatica, and joint aches to “allay the paines and give ease” (5).

    Other external uses were for wounds, ulcers, inflammation, bruises and to staunch bleeding (5,14). It was considered very effective for driving out infection and reducing inflamed wounds, closing fresh wounds, and drying seeping ulcers to support a more rapid healing (5).

  • Traditional actions

    Herbal actions describe therapeutic changes that occur in the body in response to taking a herb. These actions are used to express how a herb physiologically influences cells, tissues, organs or systems. Clinical observations are traditionally what have defined these actions: an increase in urine output, diuretic; improved wound healing, vulnerary; or a reduction in fever, antipyretic. These descriptors too have become a means to group herbs by their effects on the body — herbs with a nervine action have become the nervines, herbs with a bitter action are the bitters. Recognising herbs as members of these groups provides a preliminary familiarity with their mechanisms from which to then develop an understanding of their affinities and nuance and discern their clinical significance.

    Western actions

  • Traditional energetic actions

    Herbal energetics are the descriptions Herbalists have given to plants, mushrooms, lichens, foods, and some minerals based on the direct experience of how they taste, feel, and work in the body. All traditional health systems use these principles to explain how the environment we live in and absorb, impacts our health. Find out more about traditional energetic actions in our article “An introduction to herbal energetics“.

  • What practitioners say

    White dead nettle (Lamium album)
    White dead nettle (Lamium album)

    Female reproductive system

    White deadnettle is considered to be a traditional medicine for women’s afflictions as an anti-inflammatory, astringent and antiseptic herb used for in menorrhagia, uterine haemorrhage, vaginal and cervical inflammation, and leucorrhoea treatment (7,15).

    White deadnettle is used by herbalists to treat excessive vaginal secretions (leucorrhoea). Internal remedies such as an infusion or tincture are best to support this condition, combining well with calendula (Calendula officinalis) and shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris). An external treatment consisting of a strong decoction of white dead nettle works well alongside internal remedies. Preparations can include douches, sitz baths and vaginal (yoni) streams, combining well with calendula, rose (Rosa spp.) and lady’s mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) (see recipe below). 

    As a uterine tonic and astringent, white dead nettle can help with heavy menstrual flow and period pains. It combines well with other uterine tonics and astringent herbs such as yarrow (Achillea millefolium), ladies mantle and raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus). 

    Respiratory system 

    The astringent action works well on the mucous membranes, helping to dry up excessive secretions causing phlegm and catarrh. It can be used to reduce inflammation and clear catarrh from the upper respiratory tracts, including the sinuses and ear canals (3,12). It is also effective against chronic bronchitis and pharyngitis because of its antispasmodic and mucolytic activities (15). An infusion or tincture made into a mouth rinse or gargle can soothe inflammation in the mouth and throat (12). 

    As a gargle, mouth rinse or spray,  it can be used for inflammation in the mouth and throat, such as mouth ulcers, bleeding gums and a sore throat (3). 

    Digestive system

    White deadnettle can be used as a supporting treatment for gastrointestinal discomforts, such as irritation of the gastric mucosa, bloating, flatulence, and for strengthening the intestines (16). The astringent action of the terpenes in the intestines provides relief from diarrhoea and irritable bowel symptoms, and supports the treatment of bleeding haemorrhoids. White deadnettle contains bitter iridoid constituents, which are responsible for its stimulating effect on the digestion and supporting liver function. White deadnettle is a pleasant tasting herb to add to digestive remedies, especially tea blends, to balance the harsh bitterness of other herbs like centaury (Centaurium erythraea), dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) or burdock root (Arctium lappa). 

    Urinary system 

    Toning and diuretic herbs can be efficacious in treating urinary tract infections (UTI) such as cystitis (17). White dead nettle is a pleasant tasting and supportive herb to add to a tea blend for UTIs, combining well with other herbs to support the immune system and soothe inflammation, including corn silk (Zea mays), marshmallow leaf (Althaea officinalis) and bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi). The astringent action of white deadnettle is toning for the bladder wall, and can support a weak bladder and urinary incontinence (1).

    Male reproductive system

    White deadnettle is a herb that can be used as part of a treatment regime for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) (4). The astringent and soothing actions are useful to calm an inflamed prostate and speed recovery from prostate surgery (4,17).

    Immune system 

    There is in vitro and in vivo evidence to show that white deadnettle exhibits antiviral and antibiotic activity, with a suggested clinical application for the treatment of Herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) (7,18,19).

    Topical / Skin 

    White deadnettle can be used for mild, superficial inflammation of the skin (3). Externally, it can be applied as an infusion or tincture to cuts, bruises, splinters, boils, varicose veins and mild skin inflammations (4,11).

  • Research

    White dead nettle (Lamium album)
    White dead nettle (Lamium album)

    There is a lack of clinical evidence to support the use of white deadnettle, and the indications for use are based on traditional use, and in vitro research to determine the plant constituents and their known actions.

    One clinical trial included white deadnettle as one of the herbs in a combination treatment for atopic dermatitis, with Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), and yarrow (ethanol extract). The double blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial included 49 patients, for two weeks of treatment, and found no advantage of the herbal treatment over placebo the treatment (20). 

    The antiviral activity of white deadnettle extract has been demonstrated in vitro to significantly inhibit Herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) replication, in bovine kidney cells (18). HSV-1 and HSV-2 are widespread human pathogens with licensed antiherpetic drugs, but their continuous use results in development of resistant strains (18). Compounds with a natural origin with a more complex chemical structure are found to delay the occurrence of strain resistance and to have lower cytotoxicity (7). The extracts were applied at maximal tolerated concentrations (1.2 mg/ml), the virus replication was suppressed over 90%, suggesting that white deadnettle could be a promising source of natural antiviral substances with potential use in medicine (18).

  • Did you know?

    The name “dead” refers to the plant’s inability to sting, despite a strong resemblance to the stinging nettle (21). This clever adaptation of nature probably serves to protect the deadnettles from predatory insects which fear the stinging needles (21). 

    The old name ‘Archangel’ derives from the fact that it first flowers around the feast of St Michael the Archangel, on 8th May (22). Others suggest that the reference to Archangel Michael alludes to the protective nature of the plant, supporting the female reproductive system and preventing the body losing fluid through discharges (4).

Additional information

  • Botanical description

    White deadnettle is a green rhizomatous/stoloniferous perennial plant, which seeds prolifically (24,25). It  grows to 50–100 cm tall, and spreads to one metre (7,26). It produces leaves from February to December, increasing in growth from March to October, and produces flowers from May to December (25). 

    The pungent smelling plant has a square stem and has pairs of leaves which are coarsely-toothed, stalked, ovate (3–7 cm), and slightly heart shaped (8,26). The whole stem and leaves are covered in white downy hairs (27). The leaves resemble the common stinging nettle, but with no stinging hairs, and the two plants are unrelated (27).

    Flowers are white, borne in whorls of 6–12 blossoms at the leaf axils, from March to late autumn (21,26). They are small labiate flowers, with four joined lower petals, and an upper petal or hood (27).  The upper hood is hairy and the lower lip slightly toothed (26). The whorls of creamy white flowers are full of nectar at the base of its corolla, attracting the bees to fertilise it, making the flowers taste sweet (4). The seeds form in small clusters of nutlets, ripening from July to December (27).

  • Common names

    • Archangel
    • White archangel
    • Bee nettle
    • Blind nettle
    • Day nettle
    • Deaf nettle
    • Dumb nettle
    • Dog nettle
    • Snake flower
    • Stingless nettle

  • Safety

    There are no safety concerns documented for white deadnettle (11,13). However, this is due to there being insufficient reliable information available about the safety of white deadnettle, and caution should be applied in vulnerable populations and disease pathologies (23).

    There is insufficient reliable safety information and research to recommend use during pregnancy, and only consume when breastfeeding under the guidance of a medical practitioner (23).

  • Interactions

    None known (23)

  • Contraindications

    None (11,23)

  • Preparations

    • Infusion (tea)
    • Tincture
    • Rinse
    • Bath
    • Vaginal douche
    • Sitz bath
    • Poultice
    • Compress

  • Dosage

    • Infusion: 2–4 g dried herb, three times per day  (3,8)
    • Tincture (1:5 | 25%): 2–10 ml, three times per day, (8,13). Up to 20–40 ml/week (11)
    • FE (1:1 | 25%): 2–4 ml, three times per day (8)
    • External: Sitz bath: 5 g per bath (3)

  • Plant parts used

    Leaves and flowering tops

  • Constituents

    • Tannins (5–7%): Catechins, condensed and hydrolysable (6,8,13)
    • Flavonoids: Rutin, quercetin, isoquercitin, kaempferol, flavanol glycosides (8,11)
    • Terpenes: Iridoid glycosides, triterpenes, sesquiterpene (germacrene), secoiridoid glycosides  (8,11,13)
    • Saponins: Triterpenoids, ursolic acid, amyrin (6,8,13)
    • Amines: Histamine; tyramine; methylamine (11)
    • Polysaccharides: Mucilage, oligosaccharides (11)
    • Volatile oils (0.01-0.31%) (6,13)
    • Phytoecdysteroids (13)
    • Phenylpropanoids (13)
White dead nettle (Lamium album)

  • Habitat

    The native distribution of white dead nettle is across Europe and Asia, and it is introduced and naturalised throughout the UK, New Zealand and North America (28). It is commonly distributed in forests, woodland, grassland, hedge banks, riverbanks, waysides, paths, tracks, roads and disturbed ground (24,25). It often grows on fertile soil close to human habitation, and is tolerant of shade and full sun (25).

  • Sustainability

    Sustainability status greenWhite dead nettle is widely distributed across the world with no current restrictions on trade or threats of extinction (28,30). 

    White deadnettle is reported as “Secure” by Nature Serve since it is common and well distributed across North America, and it does not appear on the U.S. or Canadian Endangered Species acts (31). 

    The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) European assessment of Lamium album listed it in 2013 as “Least Concern”. They state that white deadnettle is a widespread and common species with stable populations and no significant threats (29). There are no conservation measures in place, and the species is not threatened on any national red lists. The Vascular Plant, Red Data List, For Great Britain white deadnettle is categorised as least Concern (LC), since it is widespread and abundant (29).

    Habitat loss and over-harvesting from the wild are two of the biggest threats faced by medicinal plant species. There are an increasing number of well-known herbal medicines at risk of extinction. We must, therefore, ensure that we source our medicines with sustainability in mind.

    The herb supplement industry is growing at a rapid rate and until recent years a vast majority of medicinal plant produce in global trade was of unknown origin. There are some very real and urgent issues surrounding sustainability in the herb industry. These include environmental factors that affect the medicinal viability of herbs, the safety of the habitats that they are taken from, as well as the welfare of workers in the trade.

    The botanical supply chain efforts for improved visibility (transparency and traceability) into verifiably sustainable production sites around the world is now certificated through the emergence of credible international voluntary sustainability standards (VSS). 

    Read our article on Herbal quality and safety: What to know before you buy and Sustainable sourcing of herbs to learn more about what to look for and questions to ask suppliers about sustainability.

  • Quality control

    Herbal medicines are often very safe to take; however, their safety and efficacy can be jeopardised by quality issues. So, it is important to buy herbal medicines from a reputable supplier, from sources known to test their herbs to ensure there is no contamination, adulteration or substitution with incorrect plant matter, as well as ensuring that recognised marker compounds are at appropriate levels in the herbs.

    Some important quality assurances to look for are certified organic labelling, the correct scientific/botanical name, and the availability of information from the supplier about ingredient origins. A supplier should be able to tell you where the herbs have come from, what contaminants are not in the herb, and what the primary compounds are.

  • How to grow

    White deadnettle grows in a wide range of habitats including disturbed ground, woodland edges, grassland and verges, making cultivation unnecessary (26). It spreads by rhizomatous stolons and can be propagated by division or seeds planted in spring (26). It grows well with other wildflowers and requires no pruning as it will die back in the winter (26).

  • Recipe

    White dead nettle (Lamium album)
    White dead nettle (Lamium album)

    Vaginal (yoni) steaming

    Ingredients

    • White dead nettle leaf and flowers 
    • Calendula flowers
    • Marshmallow leaf and flower
    • Lady’s mantle
    • Rose petals

    Use around 10 g of herbs (about five teaspoons), or a handful, per steam bath.

    Instructions

    • Use a basin or bowl that you can comfortably kneel over, with the basin between your knees. Placing a cushion on either side of the bowl may make this more comfortable. If you will find it difficult to kneel for any duration of time you can place the basin into a sturdy box for support. 
    • Fill the basin/bowl with hot water, it needs to be hot enough to produce steam, but not boiling as this will risk scalding the delicate skin. 
    • Remove your clothing from the waist down, and when you are ready to sit over the steam, add the herbs and stir into the water. You want to add the herbs just before you start, to avoid losing the volatile oils before you sit over the bowl. 
    • Relax over the steam and wrap your lower body in blankets to prevent the steam from escaping, and to maintain the warmth for 20–40 minutes. Stay wrapped in warm blankets as you sit. 
    • Once the time has passed you can remain wrapped in the blankets as you gently move to a sofa or bed to continue relaxing. There is no need to shower, the herbs will continue working on your skin for the rest of the day and as you sleep.

  • References

    1. Waddell, G. Plant Medicine: A collection of the teachings of herbalists Christopher Hedley and Non Shaw. Aeon; 2023.
    2. Stobart, A. The Medicinal Forest Garden Handbook: growing, harvesting and using healing trees and shrubs in a temperate climate. Permanent Publishers; 2020.
    3. Blumenthal M, Busse WR. White Dead Nettle Flower. In: The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council; 1999. Accessed February 5, 2025. https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/commission-e-monographs/monograph-approved-herbs/white-dead-nettle-flower 
    4. Burton-Seal J. and Seal M. Hedgerow Medicine: harvest and make your own herbal remedies. Merlin Unwin Books; 2014
    5. Burton-Seal J. and Seal, M. The Herbalist Bible: John Parkinson’s Lost Classic Rediscovered. Merlin Unwin Books; 2014. 
    6. Fischer-Rizzi S. Complete Earth Medicine Handbook. Sterling Publishing; 1996.
    7. Yordanova ZP, Zhiponova MK, Iakimova ET, Dimitrova MA, Kapchina-Toteva VM. Revealing the reviving secret of the white dead nettle (Lamium album L.). Phytochemistry Reviews. 2014 Jun;13:375-89. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-014-9356-2 
    8. Fisher C. Materia Medica of Western Herbs. Aeon Books; 2018. 
    9. Czerwińska ME, Świerczewska A, Woźniak M, Kiss AK. Bioassay-Guided Isolation of Iridoids and Phenylpropanoids from Aerial Parts of Lamium album and Their Anti-inflammatory Activity in Human Neutrophils. Planta Medica. 2017;83(12-13):1011-1019. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-107031 
    10. Culpeper N. Culpepers’ Complete Herbal: a book of natural remedies for ancient ills [1653]. Wordworth Reference; 1995. 
    11. Thomsen M. The Phytotherapy Desk Reference: 6th Edition. 6th ed. Aeon Books; 2022. 
    12. Wood M. The Earthwise Herbal Volume 1: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants. North Atlantic Books; 2008. 
    13. Tobyn, G., Denham, A., Whitelegg, M., Kingsbury, S. & Rowling, M. The Western Herbal Tradition: 2000 Years of Medicinal Plant Knowledge. Jessica Kingsley Publishers; 2016.
    14. Hill J. The Family Herbal; 1812. Reprinted on Henritttas Herbpages. Accessed February 5, 2025. https://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/hill/archangel.html 
    15. Kelayeh TP, Abedinzade M, Ghorbani A. A review on biological effects of Lamium album (white dead nettle) and its components. Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology. 2019;8(3):185-93. https://doi.org/10.15171/jhp.2019.28
    16. Blumenthal M, Busse WR. White Dead Nettle Herb. In: The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council; 1999. Accessed February 5, 2025. https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/commission-e-monographs/monograph-unapproved-herbs/white-dead-nettle-herb/ 
    17. Ody P. The Herb Society’s Complete Medicinal Herbal. Dorling Kindersley Ltd, 1994.
    18. Todorov D, Dimitrova M, Shishkova K, Yordanova Z, Kapchina-Toteva V, Shishkov S. Comparative anti-herpes effects of the chloroform in vitro and in vivo extracts, derived from Lamium album L. Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science. 2013;19(2):190-3.
    19. Khan MT, Ather A, Thompson KD, Gambari R. Extracts and molecules from medicinal plants against herpes simplex viruses. Antiviral research. 2005;67(2):107-19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.antiviral.2005.05.002
    20. Shapira MY, Raphaelovich Y, Gilad L, Or R, Dumb AJ, Ingber A. Treatment of atopic dermatitis with herbal combination of Eleutherococcus, Achillea millefolium, and Lamium album has no advantage over placebo: a double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2005;52(4):691-693. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2003.05.008 
    21. Grieve M, Leyel CF, Marshall M. A Modern Herbal. the Medicinal, Culinary, Cosmetic and Economic Properties, Cultivation and Folk-Lore of Herbs, Grasses, Fungi, Shrubs & Trees with All Their Modern Scientific Uses. Dover Publications; 1982. 
    22. Coitir NM. Irelands Wild Plants: myths, legends and folklore. The Collins Press; 2016. 
    23. Natural Medicines Professional Database (NatMed). Therapeutic Research Centre. White Dead Nettle Flower Professional Monograph. Published 29 April, 2021. Accessed February 6, 2025. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/ 
    24. Khela, S. IUCN red list of threatened species: Lamium album (European assessment). IUCN. April 24, 2013. Accessed February, 2025. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/203243/2762544 
    25. Walker K. Lamium album L. BSBI Online Plant Atlas. Published 2020. Accessed February 3, 2025.  https://plantatlas2020.org/atlas/2cd4p9h.8rg 
    26. Royal Horticultural Society. Lamium album: white deadnettle. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/9810/lamium-album/details 
    27. Blamey M, Fitter R, Fitter AH. Wild Flowers of Britain and Ireland: 2Nd Edition. A & C Black; 2013.
    28. Royal Botanical Gardens Kew (RBGK). Lamium album. Plants of the Word Online (POWO). Accessed February 03, 2025. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:448792-1 
    29. Cheffings C, Farrell L, (eds), Dines, T.D., Jones, R.A., Leach, S.J., McKean, D.R., Pearman, D.A., Preston, C.D., Rumsey, F.J., Taylor, I. The Vascular Plant Red Data List for Great Britain. Species Status No. 7. Joint National Conservation Committee. 2005. Accessed February 3 2025. https://hub.jncc.gov.uk/assets/cc1e96f8-b105-4dd0-bd87-4a4f60449907
    30. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Accessed February 3, 2025. https://checklist.cites.org/#/en 
    31. NatureServe explorer 2.0. Natureserve.org. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.151011/Lamium_album 
    32. UpS list of herbs & analogs. United Plant Savers. Published May 14, 2021. Accessed February 3,  2025. https://unitedplantsavers.org/ups-list-of-herbs-analogs/ 

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Aromatic
An ‘aromatic’ remedy, high in volatile essential oils, was most often associated with calming and sometimes ‘warming’ the digestion. Most kitchen spices and herbs have this quality: they were used both as flavouring and to ease the digestion of sometimes challenging pre-industrial foods. Many aromatics are classed as ‘carminatives’ and are used to reduce colic, bloating and agitated digestion. They also often feature in respiratory remedies for colds, chest and other airway infections. They are also classic calming inhalants and massage oils, and are the basis of aromatherapy for their mental benefits.
Astringent
The astringent taste you get with many plants (the most familiar is black tea after being stewed too long, or some red wines) is produced by complex polyphenols such as tannins. Tannins are used in concentrated form (eg from oak bark) to make leather from animal skins. The process of ‘tanning’ involves the coagulation of relatively fluid proteins in living tissues into tight clotted fibres (similar to the process of boiling an egg). Tannins in effect turn exposed surfaces on the body into leather. In the case of the lining of mouth and upper digestive tract this is only temporary as new mucosa are replenished, but in the meantime can calm inflamed or irritated surfaces. In the case of open wounds tannins can be a life-saver – when strong (as in the bark of broadleaved trees) they can seal a damaged surface. One group of tannins, the reddish-brown ‘condensed tannins’ are procyanidins, which can reduce inflammation and oxidative damage.
Bitter
Bitters are a very complex group of phytochemicals that stimulate the bitter receptors in the mouth. They were some of the most valuable remedies in ancient medicine. They were experienced as stimulating appetite and switching on a wide range of key digestive functions, including increasing bile clearance from the liver (as bile is a key factor in bowel health this can be translated into improving bowel functions and the microbiome). Many of these reputations are being supported by new research on the role of bitter receptors in the mouth and elsewhere round the body. Bitters were also seen as ‘cooling’ reducing the intensity of some fevers and inflammatory diseases.
Cooling
Traditional ‘cold’ or cooling’ remedies often contain bitter phytonutrients such a iridoids (gentian), sesiquterpenes (chamomile), anthraquinones (rhubarb root), mucilages (marshmallow), some alkaloids and flavonoids. They tend to influence the digestive system, liver and kidneys. Cooling herbs do just that; they diffuse, drain and clear heat from areas of inflammation, redness and irritation. Sweet, bitter and astringent herbs tend to be cooling.
Hot
Traditional ‘hot’ or ‘heating’ remedies, often containing spice ingredients like capsaicin, the gingerols (ginger), piperine (black or long pepper), curcumin (turmeric) or the sulfurous isothiocyanates from mustard, horseradich or wasabi, generate warmth when taken. In modern times this might translate as thermogenic and circulatory stimulant effects. There is evidence of improved tissue blood flow with such remedies: this would lead to a reduction in build-up of metabolites and tissue damage. Heating remedies were used to counter the impact of cold, reducing any symptoms made worse in the cold. .
Mucilaginous
Mucilages are complex carbohydrate based plant constituents with a slimy or ‘unctuous’ feel especially when chewed or macerated in water. Their effect is due simply to their physical coating exposed surfaces. From prehistory they were most often used as wound remedies for their soothing and healing effects on damaged tissues. Nowadays they are used more for these effects on the digestive lining, from the throat to the stomach, where they can relieve irritation and inflammation such as pharyngitis and gastritis. Some of the prominent mucilaginous remedies like slippery elm, aloe vera and the seaweeds can be used as physical buffers to reduce the harm and pain caused by reflux of excess stomach acid. Mucilages are also widely used to reduce dry coughing. Here the effect seems to be by reflex through embryonic nerve connections: reduced signals from the upper digestive wall appear to translate as reduced activity of airway muscles and increased activity of airway mucus cells. Some seed mucilages, such as in psyllium seed, flaxseed (linseed) or guar bean survive digestion to provide bulking laxative effects in the bowel. These can also reduce rate of absorption of sugar and cholesterol. .
Pungent
The pungent flavour refers to the powerful taste of hot spices including mustard (Brassica spp.), ginger (Zingiber officinale), horseradish (Amoracia rusticana), chilli (Capsicum spp.), and garlic (Allium sativum). These herbs act to enliven and invigorate the senses, and they often also have heating qualities. Unlike other tastes, the effect is not linked to a specific receptor on the tongue and instead acts through direct irritation of tissues and nerve endings. Energetically, pungent herbs are known to disperse energy (qi) throughout the body. Pharmacologically, pungent herbs dry excess moisture and mucus, as well as stimulate digestion and metabolism.
Resinous
Resins are most familiar as tacky discharges from pine trees (and as the substance in amber, and rosin for violin bows). They were most valued however as the basis of ancient commodities like frankincense and myrrh (two of the three gifts of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus) and getting access to their source was one benefit to Solomon for marrying the Queen of Sheba (now Ethiopia). Resins were the original antiseptic remedies, ground and applied as powders or pastes to wounds or inflamed tissues, and were also used for mummification. With alcohol distillation it was found that they could be dissolved in 90% alcohol and in this form they remain a most powerful mouthwash and gargle, for infected sore throats and gum disease. They never attracted much early research interest because they permanently coat expensive glassware! For use in the mouth, gums and throat hey are best combined with concentrated licorice extracts to keep the resins in suspension and add extra soothing properties. It appears that they work both as local antiseptics and by stimulating white blood cell activity under the mucosal surface. They feel extremely effective!
Salty
The salty flavour is immediately distinctive. A grain dropped onto the tongue is instantly moistening and a sprinkle on food enkindles digestion. This easily recognisable flavour has its receptors right at the front of the tongue. The salty flavor creates moisture and heat, a sinking and heavy effect which is very grounding for the nervous system and encourages stability. People who are solid and reliable become known as ‘the salt of the earth'.
Sharp
The sharp taste of some fruits, and almost all unripe fruits, as well as vinegar and fermented foods, is produced by weak acids (the taste is generated by H+ ions from acids stimulating the sour taste buds). Sour taste buds are hard-wired to generate immediate reflex responses elsewhere in the body. Anyone who likes the refreshing taste of lemon or other citrus in the morning will know that one reflex effect is increased saliva production. Other effects are subjective rather than confirmed by research but there is a consistent view that they include increased digestive activity and contraction of the gallbladder.
Sour
The sour taste occurs because of the stimulation of hydrogen ions which trigger the sour taste receptors on the tongue. The more acidic a substance, the more hydrogen ions will be released. The sour taste comes from acidic substances including citrus, fermented foods, tannins, and vinegars. Sour foods and herbs absorb excess moisture, whilst also increasing the production of saliva. Energetically, sour substances tonify the lungs, playing a role in disease prevention. Excessive use, however, can result in malabsorption of nutrients. Examples of sour herbs include, rosehips (Rosa canina), raspberry (Rubus idaeus), rhubarb (Rheum palmatum), schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba).
Sweet
In the days when most people never tasted sugar, ‘sweetness’ was associated with the taste of basic foods: that of cooked vegetables, cereals and meat. In other words sweet was the quality of nourishment, and ‘tonic’ remedies. Describing a remedy as sweet generally led to that remedy being used in convalescence or recovery from illness. Interestingly, the plant constituents most often found in classic tonics like licorice, ginseng are plant steroids including saponins, which also have a sweet taste.
Umami
The umami taste was originally discovered in 1985 in Japan and is directly translated from the Japanese as a ‘pleasant savoury taste’. It is referred to as the ‘fifth taste’ and is a salty, rich, and meaty flavour. The umami flavour is produced by amino acids (glutamic acid and aspartic acid) found in many food and plant sources including tomatoes, mushrooms, seaweeds and soy-based foods. Umami foods can improve nutritional absorption and digestion as there are also umami receptors in the gut as well as the mouth. Examples of umami herbs include green tea (Camellia sinensis), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), nettle (Urtica dioica), cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), shitake (Lentinula edodes) and bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus).

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