What part of purple dead nettle is used for tea?

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

Purple dead nettle, a widespread plant often mistaken for a common weed, has been used medicinally and culinarily for centuries. All parts of this plant are edible, but for making tea, herbalists primarily use the leaves and flowers. This versatile wild herb is packed with nutrients and offers a host of potential health benefits when brewed correctly.

Quick Summary

Purple dead nettle leaves and flowers are harvested to make a nourishing and therapeutic herbal tea. The plant is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, offering potential relief for allergies and inflammation. It is easily foraged and brewed fresh or dried.

Key Points

Leaves and Flowers are Primary: The leaves and flowers of purple dead nettle are the main parts used for brewing tea.
Entire Plant is Edible: While leaves and flowers are common for tea, the whole purple dead nettle plant is safe to consume.
Can Be Used Fresh or Dried: Both fresh and properly dried plant material are effective for making tea, with drying allowing for year-round storage.
Anti-inflammatory and Diuretic Properties: Traditional use suggests purple dead nettle has anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects, potentially aiding with seasonal allergies and kidney health.
Harvest in Early Spring: For the best flavor, harvest the young, tender growth of purple dead nettle during its peak season in early spring.
High in Nutrients: The herb is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron, offering significant nutritional value.

All Edible Parts Are Suitable for Tea

While the leaves and flowers are the most common parts for tea, the entire purple dead nettle plant is technically edible and can be used in an infusion. As a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), purple dead nettle (Lamium purpureum) has soft, fuzzy leaves and small, hooded pinkish-purple flowers. Unlike its lookalike, stinging nettle, purple dead nettle does not sting, making it safe and easy to handle.

For a milder flavor, the young, fresh leaves and the delicate flowers are often preferred. The plant is best harvested in early to mid-spring, before it becomes too mature. This is also the time when its tender new growth is at its peak and the flavor is most palatable. However, the plant can be found growing throughout the spring and into the summer, especially in areas with mild winters.

Harvesting and Preparing Purple Dead Nettle

Harvesting purple dead nettle is a straightforward process, but it's important to do so sustainably and safely. Only collect from areas that have not been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides, such as roadsides and agricultural fields. By taking only the top few inches of the plant, you allow it to continue growing and producing new shoots, ensuring a lasting harvest.

Once harvested, the plant material can be used fresh or dried. For fresh tea, a handful of clean leaves and flowers can be added directly to hot water. For dried tea, the plant material should be spread on a screen or towel in a dry, well-ventilated area until brittle. Dried purple dead nettle can be stored in an airtight container for future use.

How to Brew Purple Dead Nettle Tea

Making a simple cup of purple dead nettle tea is easy. Here is a basic method:

For fresh tea: Place 1/4 to 1/2 cup of fresh, rinsed purple dead nettle leaves and flowers into a mug.
For dried tea: Use 1 to 3 tablespoons of dried leaves and flowers per 8 ounces of water.
Pour hot, not boiling, water over the plant material.
Steep for 5 to 10 minutes, or longer for a stronger brew.
Strain the tea to remove the plant matter.
Sweeten with honey or add a slice of lemon if desired, as purple dead nettle has a slightly grassy, earthy flavor.

Potential Benefits of Purple Dead Nettle Tea

Purple dead nettle is an antioxidant powerhouse, rich in vitamins C and A, and minerals like iron. While formal scientific research is limited, folk medicine and anecdotal evidence suggest several benefits, particularly due to its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. Some people find it helpful for seasonal allergies due to its potential natural antihistamine properties. It may also support kidney function and act as a mild diuretic. The fuzzy leaves contain mucilage, which can help soothe irritated tissues in the throat and mouth.

Comparison: Fresh vs. Dried Dead Nettle for Tea


Aspect	Fresh Purple Dead Nettle Tea	Dried Purple Dead Nettle Tea
Flavor Profile	Mild, grassy, and slightly earthy with a hint of sweetness from the flowers.	More concentrated and potent flavor, slightly stronger herbal taste.
Nutrient Content	Higher levels of some vitamins like C, which is heat-sensitive and can degrade over time.	Still contains vitamins and minerals, but some might be reduced.
Preparation	Requires less processing; simply rinse and steep.	Needs proper drying and storage, but allows for year-round use.
Texture	Can have a slightly fuzzy mouthfeel from the fresh leaves.	Strained tea is smooth and free of texture.
Potency	Generally considered less potent for medicinal compounds compared to a concentrated, long-steeped dried tea.	Extended steeping can extract a higher concentration of beneficial properties.
Availability	Seasonal; typically only available in spring and early summer.	Can be stored for use throughout the year, extending its availability.

Cautions and Considerations

While purple dead nettle is widely considered safe, it is always wise to exercise caution. High consumption may have a mild laxative or diuretic effect. It's crucial to be absolutely certain of your identification and avoid harvesting from contaminated areas. Henbit, an equally edible plant, is a common lookalike, but it is harmless to consume if confused. Always consult a healthcare provider before using herbal remedies, especially if pregnant, nursing, or on medication, as interactions can occur. More information on responsible foraging and identification

Conclusion

For making tea, the most commonly used and palatable parts of the purple dead nettle plant are the leaves and flowers. This easily identifiable and non-stinging herb can be brewed both fresh and dried to create a nourishing herbal infusion. Whether you choose to enjoy a fresh cup in the spring or a dried cup in the colder months, purple dead nettle offers a simple way to incorporate a nutrient-rich wild edible into your wellness routine. By harvesting responsibly and confirming identification, you can safely enjoy this abundant backyard resource for a healthy and soothing beverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the stems of purple dead nettle are also edible and non-toxic, and can be used to make tea, though the leaves and flowers are generally preferred for flavor.

Purple dead nettle tea has a mild, earthy, and slightly grassy flavor. It can be sweetened with honey or enhanced with lemon to improve the taste.

Purple dead nettle has square stems, heart-shaped or spade-like fuzzy leaves, and clusters of small pinkish-purple, hooded flowers at the top. It is important to note that it does not have stinging hairs.

Both fresh and dried purple dead nettle can be used for tea. Fresh provides a milder flavor, while dried is more concentrated and can be stored for longer use.

Moderate consumption is generally safe, but excessive intake may cause mild gastrointestinal issues or a laxative effect. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new herbal remedy.

Purple dead nettle is often confused with henbit, another edible plant, and stinging nettle, which is not. Unlike stinging nettle, purple dead nettle is not poisonous and does not have stinging hairs.

Purple dead nettle is safe for some pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and chickens, as a food plant. However, always check with a veterinarian before introducing new foods into your pet's diet.