Magical and Medicinal Uses of Purple Deadnettle

Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Powers: Courage, Happiness, Healing, Prosperity, Protection, Resilience
Magical Uses and History: Purple deadnettle is a perennial 'weed' commonly found across the United States and Eurasia. Its scientific name, Lamium purpureum, is derived from lamia meaning 'gaping mouth' or 'throat,' a reference to the shape of the flowers and their long, hollow stalks. Other translations suggest it means 'the purple monster,' again a reference to the shape and color of the flowers that adorn this plant through the spring and summer months. Despite sharing a common name with stinging nettle, the two are unrelated with purple deadnettle belonging to the mint family. Like other mints, purple deadnettle very quickly takes over an entire field if given the chance, and therefore can be used in spells related to resilience, courage, and prosperity. Other folklore, however, suggests that a field being overtaken by purple deadnettle was a punishment for the unrighteous and the sign of a sinner, although I cannot find the exact origins of this idea.

Despite the possible association with sinning, purple deadnettle is also called purple archangel, which refers to its blossoming around May 8th, the day dedicated to the Archangel Michael. As such, it can be used for protection (especially for firefighters, officers, soldiers, and paramedics), to call upon Archangel Michael, or to dispel negativity. Its early spring blooming time is not only associated with Archangel Michael but also with merriment and cheer. It is one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, signaling that winter is gone and warmer weather is on its way. This was cause to celebrate and purple dead nettle was often burned to lift spirits, clear away negative energy, and cool heated tempers.

Finally, purple deadnettle has historically been used to stop bleeding, soothe skin wounds and burns, purify the blood, cure insomnia, reduce period cramps, and treat inflammation. This means purple deadnettle works well in healing spells and rituals, especially those targeting the aforementioned ailments. 

Purple Deadnettle can be used in a number of spells including:

    Protection Spells
    Happiness Spells

    Healing Magic

    Prosperity Magic

Medicinal Uses: The leaves and flowers of purple deadnettle are known to be astringent, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, diuretic, diaphoretic, and purgative. Its leaves are commonly used to treat external wounds and cuts in much the same way as you would use plantain or yarrow. As a tincture or tea, it is used as a mild laxative as well as for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, especially in treating throat infections. Taken internally it can also help relieve allergy symptoms. However, because it is a mild laxative, the dosage is extremely important and purple deadnettle should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Preparation and Dosage: Purple deadnettle can be taken internally as an infusion or tincture. To make an infusion, combine 1/2 cup fresh leaves or 1-2 tablespoons dried leaves with 1 cup hot water and steep for 10 minutes. Drink up to three times a day. As a tincture, take 3-5 drops up to three times a day. Externally, purple deadnettle can be used as a poultice or salve and combines well with lemon balm and yarrow.

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