Downy hemp-nettle

Caution

Saat-Hohlzahn · (Galeopsis segetum)

Mint family (Lamiaceae)

Description

Downy hemp-nettle (Galeopsis segetum, also called yellow hemp-nettle) is an annual, softly hairy plant of the mint family reaching 10 to 50 cm in height. Its pale yellow to whitish flowers are 2.5 to 3 cm long and often show a yellow throat with occasional purple markings. Although it superficially resembles the stinging nettle it belongs to a different family and does not sting. It grows as an arable weed, preferring nutrient-poor, lime-avoiding sandy, gravelly and stony soils along field and path margins in western and southern Central Europe. The dried herb (Galeopsidis herba) was historically a silica-rich cough and lung remedy.

TeaAerial partsInternalCommission E
Commission E gave Galeopsidis herba a positive assessment as a supportive remedy for mild catarrhs of the respiratory tract. The weak expectorant effect is attributed to saponins, the astringent and soothing effect to tannins and silicic acid. Overall the clinical evidence is weak.
Preparation & dosage
Pour 150 ml of boiling water over about 2 g (1 teaspoon) of dried hemp-nettle herb, cover and steep for 10 minutes, then strain. Drink a freshly prepared cup several times a day (daily dose about 6 g).
Dry amount
2–2 g
Doses per day
3×
Max duration
4 weeks
[#src_kommission_e] [#src_ptaheute] [#src_spektrum]
TeaAerial partsInternalTraditional use
In folk medicine the tea from the aerial parts is regarded as a mild expectorant ('mucus-softening') because of its saponin and silicic acid content. The effect is traditionally reported, not clinically proven.
Preparation & dosage
Prepare as an infusion from the flowering herb; traditionally drunk to ease the expectoration of viscous mucus.
Dry amount
2–3 g
Doses per day
3×
Max duration
4 weeks
[#src_spektrum] [#src_pfaf] [#src_dewiki]
GargleAerial partsExternalFolk medicine
Because of its astringent tannins the infusion was used in folk practice as a gargle for irritations of the mouth and throat. Purely empirical use without clinical evidence.
Preparation & dosage
Use a stronger infusion (about 3 g per 150 ml water, steeped 10 minutes, cooled) as a gargle. Do not swallow; gargle and spit out.
[#src_ptaheute] [#src_naturalmedicinalherbs]
TeaAerial partsInternalFolk medicine
Older folk medicine used a decoction for whooping cough, bronchitis and tracheitis. This is only of historical significance and not supported by studies.
Preparation & dosage
Historically used as a decoction of the flowering herb. For whooping cough in children only after medical advice; today superseded by safer treatments.
Dry amount
2–3 g
Doses per day
3×
Max duration
3 weeks
[#src_pfaf] [#src_naturalmedicinalherbs] [#src_madaus]
TeaAerial partsInternalFolk medicine
Hemp-nettle herb was traditionally credited with a weak diuretic effect. This use is purely empirical and unproven.
Preparation & dosage
Infusion of the herb; used in folk practice as a mildly diuretic drink. Ensure adequate fluid intake.
Dry amount
2–2 g
Doses per day
2×
Max duration
2 weeks
[#src_pfaf] [#src_spektrum]
CompressLeafExternalFolk medicine
Externally, fresh crushed leaves were applied in folk practice for superficial swellings and skin irritations. This use is not sufficiently scientifically substantiated.
Preparation & dosage
Apply fresh, crushed leaves as a poultice to the affected skin area. Do not apply to open wounds. Not sufficiently scientifically substantiated.
[#src_ptaheute] [#src_madaus]

🤝 Permaculture Partners

In your garden, this plant acts as:

Pollinator Magnet Ground Cover Medicinal Dynamic Accumulator Low Layer

Description

🤝 Permaculture Partners

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