Introduction to Lamium album (White Nettle)
lamium album, commonly known as white nettle or dead nettle, is a perennial herbaceous plant widely distributed in Europe, Asia and later naturalized in some areas of America. Its appearance, especially that of its leaves, is remarkably similar to the greater stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), however, Lamium album completely lacks stinging hairs, making it harmless to the touch.
This plant belongs to the family of Lamiaceae and has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times, both in traditional European medicine and in Andean folk culture. Throughout history, Lamium album has gained importance for its exceptional properties. pharmacological properties as well as for its value as a food resource in times of scarcity.
Taxonomy and nomenclature
- Reino: plant
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Lamiales
- Family: Lamiaceae (labiates)
- Gender: Lamium
- Species: Lamium album
The term "Lamium" comes from Latin and refers to a family of soft-to-the-touch nettles, while "album" means white, alluding to the color of its flowers. Its vernacular names include: white dead nettle, white dead nettle, lamium, white lamium, leucada, and nettle flower. In other languages, it is known as "White Dead Nettle" (English), "Urtiga morta" (Portuguese), or "Flor d'ortiga" (Catalan).
Botanical characteristics of white nettle
lamium album It is a perennial plant with angular stems that typically reach 50–100 cm in height. Its opposite, heart-shaped leaves are deep green, with serrated edges and a smooth texture, very similar to the common stinging nettle but without the potential to cause irritation.
The flowers They are white, with a bilabiate corolla (characteristic of labiate flowers), and are grouped in whorls located in the axils of the upper leaves. Each flower measures between 1,5 and 2,5 cm in length. The entire plant may be covered in fine hairs, which contributes to its velvety appearance.
Its absence of stinging hairs is notable, which distinguishes it from the common nettle. It has thus been nicknamed "dead nettle." The flower bracts are usually attached to the stem, forming distinct layers along the top of the plant.
Habitat, distribution and ecology
lamium album It is a very common species in all of Europe and temperate Asia, thriving especially in areas with abundant vegetation and nutrient-rich soils. It prefers thickets, roadsides, vacant lots, and unused crops, where soil fertility tends to be high due to the concentration of organic matter and nitrogen.
At altitude, it can be found from 500 to 2500 meters above sea level, adapting to temperate climates with moderate temperatures, low humidity, and sporadic rainfall. It tolerates both full sun and partial shade well. It is commonly seen associated with communities of nitrophilous and pioneer grasses, as part of the alliance Arction lappae and the class Artemisietea vulgaris.
La seed dispersal It is produced through myrmecochory, i.e., the seeds are transported by ants, which ensures their spread in rich, disturbed habitats. The plant generally prefers soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (4,5 to 7,5) and rich in organic matter. It is considered an indicator of fertile and moist soils, although it tolerates some temporary dryness.
Flowering and harvesting
La flowering season The flowering period of Lamium album varies depending on altitude and local climate, but generally ranges from late spring to late summer. In warmer regions, it may begin flowering as early as May and continue until September, while in cooler areas, it may begin flowering in June.
La harvest The white nettle treatment is preferably carried out during the months in which the flower is fully developed but not yet open, to preserve its full potential. medicinal properties. The cutting should be done by hand, on dry days after the morning dew has disappeared. It is important to dry the flowers and leaves in thin layers, in the shade or in a drying room at a low temperature (below 40°C), to prevent the loss of active ingredients. Once dried, they should be stored in airtight containers, in a dark, moisture-free place.
Active ingredients of Lamium album
White nettle owes its effectiveness to an interesting combination of phytochemical compounds:
- Iridoids: lamalbide, deoxylamalbide, albosides A and B, lamyridósides A and B.
- Flavonoids: rutoside, quercetin, kempferol, tiliroside, luteolin glucoside, apigenin, naringenin.
- Phenylpropanoids:acteoside, galactosyllactoside (lamalboside).
- Phenolic acids: coumaric, caffeic, ferulic, syrigic, chlorogenic.
- Phenylcarboxylic acids: vanillic, hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic.
- Other components: tannins, saponins, essential oil, chlorophyll, mucilages, sugars and traces of saponin that decrease towards the leaves and flowers.
These active ingredients act synergistically to provide the plant with medicinal properties valued in phytotherapy and folk medicine.
Medicinal properties and traditional benefits
lamium album It stands out in European and traditional phytotherapy for its wealth of properties:
- Tonic and astringent: due to its tannin content, it helps tone tissues and stop small hemorrhages.
- Antiseptic and mildly hemostatic: thanks to the flavonoids and phenols present, it is useful for control infections and small wounds.
- Demulcent: The richness of mucilage softens the mucous membranes, relieves inflammation and irritation.
- Expectorant: beneficial in bronchitis, colds and other respiratory tract conditions.
- Digestive and diuretic: promotes the expulsion of liquids and secretions.
- Anti-inflammatory, healing and antioxidant: helps fight inflammation and promotes tissue regeneration.
Historically, lamium album It has been used to treat diarrhea, menstrual problems, mild skin inflammation, hemorrhoids, leucorrhea (vaginal discharge), pharyngitis, stomatitis, burns, and fluid retention (edema). Its external and oral use are considered safe, providing soothing, purifying, antirheumatic, and hypoglycemic effects.
In addition, white nettle has been valued in times of food shortage, due to the possibility of consume the cooked tender leaves as a vegetable.
Therapeutic indications and administration
- Colds and upper respiratory tract infections
- Mild oropharyngeal inflammations (pharyngitis, stomatitis)
- Diarrhea and digestive discomfort
- Dysmenorrhea and menstrual disorders
- Elimination of accumulated fluids
- Moderate gynecological conditions
- Minor skin problems, hemorrhoids, small wounds and burns (external use)
Internally, it is used in infusions and regulated extracts; externally, in the form of compresses, poultices, lotions, and washes.
Preparation methods and usual doses
- Infusion: 30 g of flowering tops per liter of water. Drink up to three cups a day, preferably after meals.
- Fluid extract: 20-30 drops, three times a day.
- Dry extract: 0,5-2 g daily, spread throughout the day.
- Syrup: It can be prepared from the tincture, following the usual proportions in phytotherapy.
- External use: Decoction of the boiled plant to use the resulting mucilage in washes and poultices for inflamed or irritated areas (especially useful for swollen feet).
The plant also allows the preparation of extracts by maceration with ethanol, selecting flowers, leaves, stems and roots, which are then concentrated and purified to obtain fractions rich in tannins, flavonoids and alkaloids.
Contraindications, precautions and side effects
lamium album It is a very safe plant when consumed in the recommended doses. However, as a general precautionary measure, not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the absence of specific studies that support its safety at these stages.
They have not been described drug interactions nor any noticeable side effects at usual doses. The plant is considered harmless and suitable for adults and the elderly, always under professional judgment.
How to grow Lamium album
The cultivation of white nettle It is simple and grateful, which makes it an ideal species for ecological gardens, natural meadows and reforestation spaces:
- Climate: It prefers temperate and humid climates, although it tolerates some drought. It withstands moderate frosts.
- Floors: Soils rich in organic matter, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral. It also adapts to fertile, manured soils.
- Light: It grows well in full sun, although it tolerates semi-shade.
- Multiplication: Propagation can be done by seed (collected and sown after ripening) or by dividing clumps in fall or spring. As it is a perennial and spreads by rhizomes, it can easily colonize large areas.
- Care: It requires little maintenance; just ensure sufficient moisture during dry periods and a minimum of annual organic fertilizer.
- Plagues and diseases: It is hardy and rarely suffers serious attacks. The main risk is excessive moisture or poor drainage, which can promote the growth of fungi.
The white nettle can coexist with other ruderal and wild species, and often regenerates spontaneously on roadsides and abandoned lots.
Modern usage modes and applications
The tender leaves can be used as a vegetable, boiled, and seasoned to form part of stews, soups, or salads. The dried flowers and leaves are the basis of most medicinal preparations.
In natural cosmetics, the Lamium album extract It is used as an astringent and masking agent in skin and hair care products. It provides soothing effects, helps relieve itching and irritation, and is known for revitalizing the epidermis and strengthening the scalp, contributing to the reduction of oiliness and dandruff.
Decoctions and topical preparations are useful for dermatitis, minor burns, and to accelerate the healing of small wounds.
Ecological relationships and behavior in the environment
lamium album It actively participates in the regeneration of nitrogen-rich soils, forming part of pioneer and nitrophilous communities. Its presence indicates fertility and good condition of the soilIts dispersal by ants (myrmecochory) allows the vegetative recovery of disturbed ecosystems.
The ecological value of the white nettle is completed by its function as a refuge and food source for pollinating insects and some herbivorous mammals.
Synonyms, subspecies and biology
There are several synonyms in the taxonomy of Lamium album, and several subspecies are recognized, distributed from western Europe to central and eastern Asia, including local variants adapted to different climates and ecological conditions. Their life forms are mainly classified as hemicryptophyte (replacement buds at ground level) and their development is cespitose or erect depending on the environment.
Curiosities and historical uses
In addition to its medicinal and nutritional applications, Lamium album has been used in the production of eye lotions and compresses for varicose veins, and in folk medicine as a resolving, tonic, vasoconstrictor, cholagogue, and depurative remedy. Some phytochemical studies have confirmed the presence of compounds with anticancer and antispasmodic potential.
In some European regions, during times of famine, its boiled leaves have been a staple food.
A thorough study of Lamium album demonstrates its extraordinary value in both natural medicine and ecology and sustainable agriculture. This plant, valued in many cultures, offers a combination of ease of cultivation, therapeutic benefits and ecological value which makes it a plant resource of great interest for those seeking natural remedies and sustainable solutions in the garden and everyday health.
