Health Guide

White Nettle

White Nettle (Lamium album), often referred to as 'White Dead-Nettle,' is a resilient member of the mint family found in hedgerows and gardens. Unlike its stinging cousins, this plant is entirely safe to touch and harvest. For centuries, it has been a cornerstone of herbal medicine, valued for its gentle yet effective support of the respiratory and digestive systems. Rich in flavonoids, saponins, and tannins, it acts as a soothing demulcent (relieves irritation) and astringent (tightens tissues). It is particularly cherished for its ability to calm nagging coughs and support the female reproductive system during monthly cycles.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
White Nettle
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Mechanism of Action: White Nettle

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis
Therapeutic Effect (Scale 1-10)
Body System

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

  • Respiratory Relief: It helps loosen phlegm and soothe irritated throat tissues, making it excellent for dry coughs.
  • Digestive Comfort: The plant's astringent properties help firm up tissues, aiding in the management of mild diarrhea and soothing the gut lining.
  • Women's Health: It is traditionally used to help manage heavy menstrual bleeding and relieve cramping.
  • Wound Healing: When applied topically (as a wash or poultice), it can speed up the healing of minor cuts and bruises.

Deep Dive

White Nettle works primarily through its rich chemical profile. The mucilage content provides a soothing coating over inflamed mucous membranes in the throat and stomach. Meanwhile, tannins provide a tightening effect that reduces excess fluid secretion (like in diarrhea or heavy periods) and stops minor bleeding. It is a gentle, non-addictive herb that supports the body's natural healing processes without harsh side effects.

Natural Food Sources

White Nettle is a wild edible. While not found in standard grocery stores, it is abundant in nature. Young leaves and flowers can be harvested in spring and early summer.

Food SourcePreparationBest Use
White Nettle LeavesSteeped as teaCoughs, sore throat
White Nettle FlowersInfused in honeySoothing spread for colds
Nettle SoupBoiled with potatoesNutritive digestive aid

Supplementation

White Nettle is most commonly consumed as a dried herbal tea (infusion) or found in liquid tinctures and cough syrups. Because it is a food-grade herb, the risk of over-supplementation is low, but standardizing doses in capsule form is less common than extraction.

Top Food Sources

Fresh Leaves
Edible raw or cooked
Flowers
Best for infusions/honey
Dried Herb
Standard for tea
Tincture
Extracted in alcohol
Capsules
Less common form

Frequently Asked Questions

No. While they look similar, Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) has hairs that sting. White Nettle (Lamium album) has no sting and belongs to the mint family. Both are edible, but White Nettle is milder.
Yes, for short periods (up to 4-6 weeks). It is generally safe as a tea, but long-term daily use of concentrated herbal supplements should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
There is no direct scientific evidence that White Nettle promotes weight loss. However, its digestive support can help reduce bloating, making you feel lighter.
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried flowers or leaves. Let steep for 10-15 minutes, strain, and drink up to 3 times a day.

Safety & Side Effects

Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when consumed in culinary amounts.

  • Pregnancy: While traditionally used to support pregnancy and reduce bleeding risk, you should always consult a doctor before using herbal remedies during pregnancy.
  • Allergies: Those with allergies to the mint family (Lamiaceae) should exercise caution.

Scientific References

  • [1]G. E. Trease, W. C. Evans, 'Pharmacognosy' (General reference on Lamium album chemistry)
  • [2]H. M. Berman, et al., 'Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals' (Uses for astringents)
  • [3]European Medicines Agency (EMA) - Community Herbal Monograph on Lamium album flos