White Dead Nettle - Best Herb for Hemorrhoids | Digestion

Lamium album Lamiaceae Also called Archangel
A common weed of waste ground, roadsides and hedgerows, white deadnettle is seen throughout Europe, except in the hotter climes of the Mediterranean region. Its hollow, square stems grow to 60cm tall, bearing serrated, heart-shaped leaves. All parts of the plant are finely hairy, but unlike the common nettle they do not sting. In spring, white, two-lipped flowers cluster in whorls around the points where the leaves join the stem.

Parts used

Constituents

The plant contains phenylpropanoid esters, iridoids (lamalbide), tannins, mucilages, saponins, organic acids and triterpenoids.

Medicinal uses

White deadnettle has traditionally been used to treat excessively heavy menstruation, bleeding after childbirth and vaginal discharge. Its decongestant properties can also be used to treat blocked sinuses. It is also prescribed to treat high blood pressure, haemorrhoids and varicose veins and as a remedy for digestive disorders such as diarrhoea, flatulence, gastritis and bloating.

Used externally, white dead nettle is beneficial in the treatment of itchy, flaky scalps and other irritations of the skin and mucous membranes. The anti-inflammatory activity of white dead nettle was confirmed experimentally in 1983, when researchers discovered that the effect was due to the plant's triterpenoid constituents.White deadnettle is also taken to remedy insomnia.

CAUTION

Do not use if suffering from intestinal obstruction.

PREPARATION AND DOSAGE ?

TO TREAT gynaecological disorders, diarrhoea, insomnia INFUSION Put 2 teaspoons of dried flowers into a cup of boiling water. Infuse for 5 minutes, then strain. Sweeten with honey. Drink 3 cups a day. TINCTURE (1:4 in 25% alcohol) Take 20 drops in a little water three times a day.

POWDER Take Y,-/2 teaspoon three times a day with food or water.

TO TREAT inflammation of the skin or mucous membranes COMPRESS Put 2 teaspoons of dried flowers into 100ml of boiling water. Infuse for 10 minutes. Soak a cloth with this infusion and apply to affected area two or three times a day.

TO TREAT vaginal discharge DOUCHE Use an infusion (above) once or twice a day. S/TZ BATH Put 3 tablespoons of dried flowers into 500ml of boiling water. Infuse for 10 minutes. Strain and add to bath.

Cultivation

White deadnettle can be grown from seed in a wild area of the garden in moist but well-drained soil in sun or light shade.