_ gather + root | SPRING Purple Dead Nettle Latin name: Lamium purpureum Season: spring, summer Usable parts: leaves, flowers Where to Find Purple Dead Nettle ————~—- Widespread in Prefers sunny Common in Europe, Asia, areas and moist, backyards, North America, fertile soil, but gardens, parks, and parts of can tolerate meadows, and Australia & most habitats along roadsides New Zealand Medicinal Uses of Purple Dead Nettle - Good for the digestive system and has a mild laxative effect. ~ Has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. - Can be used as a poultice or made into an infused oil or salve. - Good asa tea or infusion. Edible Uses of Purple Dead Nettle - Nutritious greens and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked, with the purple tops being slightly sweet. - Excellent addition to a wild greens salad, pesto, or soups. + Best used as an herb garnish or in addition to other wild greens.gather + root | SPRING Purple Dead Nettle Identification ~ Low growing with a purple top and small pink or purple flowers - Mint family with a square stem and hairy, triangle shaped leaves. ~ Small resemblance to stinging nettles, but do not have any sting. ore. —— Purple Dead Nettle Look-alikes - Purple Dead Nettle has no toxic look-a-likes so is great for beginning foragers. It is sometimes confused for Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) which is in the same family and has similar edible and medicinal uses. Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) Harvesting Purple Dead Nettle ~wae@ens.vituernreciuneetin, - Best harvested when it is young and before it has gone to seed. _ ~ Be certain that it hasn't been sprayed before harvesting!