As life flourishes and progresses at a steady pace our fundamental challenges to survive are gradually diminishing. However, amid this progression, we sometimes overlook and often forget to appreciate so many natural things that nature has bestowed on us. They surely have the potential to guide us toward wellness. We are talking about one such natural wonder, Lamium Purpureum which is commonly known as purple dead nettle. Digging deep into this natural wonder we would like to explore the health benefits of Lamium purpureum.

The herb has been acting as an emperor when we talk about traditional medicines as it offers a lot of health benefits. If we talk about its appearance, it has delicate purple flowers and saw-toothed leaves pointing forward. The herb has got some limelight as herbalists and researchers started to uncover some of its amazing health benefits.

The chemistry behind the benefits possessed by Lamium purpureum is due to the presence of various bioactive compounds in leaves and stems. Tannins, flavonoids, and essential oils work synergistically and contribute to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally in this blog, we will also cover.

• More about the herb.
• Ways to use the Lamium purpureum .
• Interaction of Lamium purpureum with medicines.

More About Lamium Purpureum

Lamium purpureum is known for its potent health benefits, and many suggest the presence of bioactive compounds in the flowering plant. Tragically, it is sometimes considered just another weed, but it has a long history of being used for culinary and medicinal purposes.

1. Native

The plant has been native to Europe and Asia, but it can be easily adapted to other habitats. 

2. Habitat

• The plant is a low-growing annual plant that can be easily seen in distributed areas, gardens, and lawns.
• The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and other favorable conditions needed to survive. It is usually the first plant to establish itself in areas affected by human activity.

3. Flavor

The leaves are edible and have a mild earthy flavor. They can be used as herbal tea or in salads.

4. Traditional Herbal Medicine

• In traditional medicines, the use of Lamium purpureum is to get rid of certain diseases. 
• Respiratory disorders, menstrual cramps, and reduced body inflammation are some disorders that show improvement with Lamium purpureum use.
• It can be used as an astringent.

5. Presence of Bioactive Compounds

• Bioactive compounds like flavonoids, tannins, and essential oils make it a beneficial herb with many health benefits.
• All these compounds contribute to the properties like antioxidants, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory.

Note: None of Lamium purpureum’s health benefits are backed by any major scientific study. Before using it, we recommend consulting a healthcare expert.

The Health Benefits of Lamium Purpureum

Purple dead nettle or Lamium purpureum is known to provide various health benefits that we will describe one by one in detail. It is rich in various nutrients that play a critical role in shaping our bodies.

1. Respiratory Disorders

Lamium purpureum has been traditionally used as a potent herbal medicine to cure some respiratory disorders.

Relieving Cough

Lamium purpureum has some properties that can help to loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract.

Reducing Inflammation

In respiratory disorders, there can be inflammation in the respiratory tract which can alleviate some symptoms like throat irritation. Lamium purpureum can be used to narrow down the inflammation and irritation in the respiratory tract.

Soothe Sore Throat

Lamium purpureum is known for mild astringent properties which can help to soothe sore throat. This can be done by tightening the throat tissues and reducing inflammation.

2. Menstrual Cramps

Lamium purpureum has been used to address menstrual cramps in traditional herbal medicines with the help of anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

• Cramps related to monthly periods are generally caused by body inflammation and the release of prostaglandins, an inflammatory substance.
• Regular consumption of Lamium purpureum helps to alleviate symptoms of inflammation and thus reduces menstrual cramps.

Antispasmodic Effects

• According to proponents of the medicine Lamium purpureum has antispasmodic effects.
• It helps to relax the uterus muscles which can be a major reason for pain narrowing down.

Astringent Properties

The astringent properties of Lamium purpureum help to tighten the muscles of the uterus. This can be the leading cause of reducing the intensity of pain.

3. Anti-Cancer Properties

• Lamium purpureum is rich in bioactive compounds like flavonoids and polyphenols. These compounds possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may play an important role in the prevention of cancer.
• According to a study, these compounds can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis (program death of cancer cells).

Also Read: Navigating The Risks: Tapee Tea Side Effects.

Ways to Use Lamium Purpureum

There are different ways one can enjoy the benefits possessed by Lamium purpureum. 

1. Edible Leave

• We can directly consume the leaves of Lamium purpureum after washing them.
• They have a mild earthy flavor which can be used with different dishes like soups, salads, and sandwiches.

2. Incorporating in Dishes

• After drying and grinding Lamium purpureum leaves into fine powder, we can use them in various dishes.
• The ground powder can be added to smoothies, baked goods, salads, and sprinkled over dishes.

3. Tea

• It is one of the best ways to take advantage of the health benefits offered by Lamium purpureum. We can use fresh or dried leaves to make herbal tea.
• We have to boil water and pour it into a closed-lid vessel that already contains the leaves of Lamium purpureum. 
• Strain, discard the leaves, and enjoy the hot cup of goodness.

4. Topical Use

• You can crush the leaves and apply them on the skin as an ointment.
• The anti-inflammatory properties of Lamium purpureum can help to soothe the skin.

5. Tincture

• We can take advantage of Lamium purpureum by making tinctures. 
• To make it, we can use dried or fresh leaves of the plant and keep them with alcohol for several weeks. Once it is ready, you can discard the leaves and use a few drops of the tincture in juices or other drinks.

Potential Interaction with Medicines

Like any other herbal remedy, Lamium purpureum can interact with certain medications. To save yourselves from a possible interaction that can either decrease the efficacy of medicinal salts or enhance the side effects, we recommend not combining with the below-mentioned medications.

1. Anti Diabetic Medication

• Lamium purpureum is known to influence blood sugar; it can lower it. At the same time, if we are taking diabetic medicine like insulin, the blood glucose levels can go down further.
• This can lead to a condition called hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Combining both things can be risky.

2. Blood Thinners

• Certain compounds in Lamium purpureum can have blood-thinning effects.
• Suppose you are already on medication like aspirin, an anticoagulant used to thin your blood. You may be at higher risk of bleeding, both externally and internally.

3. Immunosuppressants

• Autoimmune disorders happen when a body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its organs, tissues, or cells. There are medications to overcome the situation. 
• Having Lamium purpureum with Immunosuppressants can interfere with, and even decrease its efficacy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we want to emphasize the health benefits of Lamium purpureum, also known as purple dead nettle. The weed has been used in traditional medicines for quite a long time. It has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it potent for fighting respiratory disorders and narrowing down menstrual pain. Some early findings of scientific studies reveal that it has anti-cancerous properties. Moreover, it is considered beneficial for agriculture and gardening. It can flourish quickly on bare soil, preventing erosion and minimizing the growth of problematic weeds.

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