Hemp Nettle

Scientific Names

Galeopsis tetrahit L.
Mint family

Common Names

Bastard hemp
Bee-nettle
Dog-nettle
Hemp dead nettle
Back to Top

Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Hemp nettle is an annual weed; the square, branching stem is swollen at the joints and covered with bristly, downward-pointing hairs. The opposite, ovate, coarsely toothed leaves are from 2-5 inches long and bristly on both sides. Dense, whorled, terminal or axillary clusters of pale magenta, 2-lipped flowers with bell-shaped, spiny calyxes appear from June to October.
Back to Top

Where Found

Grows in gardens and waste places all over Canada, in Alaska, and from the Great Lakes south to West Virginia.
Back to Top

Medicinal Properties

Astringent, diuretic, expectorant
Back to Top

Biochemical Information

Silica 72%
Back to Top

Uses

Clears up bronchial congestion, hay fever, asthma, bed wetting, various skin diseases, and phlegm and is commonly used for coughs. Recommended for anemia and other blood disorders. Europeans use it as a home remedy for spleen problems and tuberculosis.
Back to Top

Formulas or Dosages

Infusion: steep 2 tsp. dried herb in 1/2 cup water for 5-10 minutes. Take 1 to 1 1/2 cups per day.

Decoction: boil 2 to 4 tsp. dried herb in 1 cup water for 10 minutes. Take 1 cup per day.
Back to Top

Bibliography

The Nature Doctor, by Dr. H.C.A. Vogel; Keats Publishing, Inc., 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT. 06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. Vogel, Teufen (AR) Switzerland 1952, 1991

Webster's New World Dictionary, Third College Edition, Victoria Neufeldt, Editor in Chief, New World Dictionaries: A Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc., 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023, 1984