Golden nettle, common, raw (golden deadnettle, organic?)

Golden deadnettle ( Lamium galeobdolon agg.) is a wild food plant that is easy to grow in the garden. Whether raw or cooked, golden deadnettles are tasty and versatile in wild plant recipes.

Use in the kitchen

Is the common golden nettle edible? The wild plant has a delicate, spicy taste that is reminiscent of porcini mushrooms. All parts of the so-called yellow deadnettle (also: common deadnettle, yellow nettle) are edible, both raw and cooked.

Soft shoots and tender leaves (February-July) are used for salads, as raw food, for pestos or green smoothies. Cooked, the leaves taste great as wild spinach or (soup) vegetables, in risotto and in mushroom pans. Baked, they refine vegan vegetable lasagne or patties. Dead nettle leaves harmonize excellently with saffron.

The yellow nettle flowers (April-October) are suitable for desserts, sweet dishes, vegan wild herb butter, spreads or as edible decoration.

The young, mushroom-aromatic roots (especially in autumn) can be used in a similar way to black salsify, e.g. as a raw snack, in salads or chopped into vegetable soups. Fresh sprouts can be grown from the dried seeds (end of May - September) in winter.

Vegan golden deadnettle recipe for a raw dip

Ingredients (for two people): 50 g macadamia nuts, ground, 50 g fresh golden deadnettle leaves (raw, freshly picked), 200 g peas (raw), juice of ½ orange, ½ teaspoon lemon juice, salt andpepper ; golden deadnettle flowers for decoration.

Preparation: Puree the nuts, raw leaves and peas together with the orange and lemon juice until a creamy mixture is formed. Add a little more or less orange juice as needed. Finally, season the raw vegan dip with salt and pepper and sprinkle it with the decorative nettle flowers.

Golden deadnettle tea

To make a tea, pour 1-2 teaspoons of dried or fresh golden nettles (freshly collected) into about 150 ml of boiling drinking water and strain after 5 minutes. ^1,2 For a cough-relieving effect, drink a cup several times a day (sweetened with honey). ² During pregnancy, golden deadnettle flowers can be combined with lemon balm and lady's mantle to make a feel-good tea. ³

Vegan golden nettle recipes or recipes with golden nettle can be found under the note: " Recipes that have the most of this ingredient ".

Purchasing - Storage

Golden dead nettle is available as a dried herb with flowers. Pure flowers are rarer and more expensive. Golden dead nettle tea is occasionally available in pharmacies, drugstores, health food stores, specialty stores or online. The majority of the products are not raw food quality (raw quality), sometimes organic quality.

Golden deadnettle is occasionally a component of organic bronchial teas, containing up to 4 g/100 g. The few products containing flower extracts include drops, tinctures, dietary supplements, hair care products or ointments.

Neither supermarkets such as Coop, Migros, Denner, Volg, Spar, Aldi, Lidl, Rewe, Edeka, Billa or Hofer nor the organic supermarkets Denn's Biomarkt and Alnatura currently offer products containing dead nettles or golden nettles. Likewise, we have not found any raw or dried golden nettles at weekly markets or directly from the farmer (subscription box / seasonal box / green box), neither in conventional nor in organic quality (organic).

Found in the wild

The golden deadnettle is found in locations such as open deciduous forests, forest edges, shrubby bushes and tall herbaceous meadows. The plants grow in shade or partial shade and prefer loose, deep, loamy and humus-rich soils with a neutral to moderately acidic pH value of 6 to 7. As a pioneer plant, the golden deadnettle is adaptable and often develops extensive populations due to its ability to form runners. ^4,5,6

What does the common golden nettle look like? The common golden nettle is a perennial plant of many different shapes with a 20-60 cm high, sparsely hairy stem and above-ground runners. The oppositely arranged leaves are broadly ovate to lanceolate and coarsely toothed. ⁴

Are the flowers of the deadnettle yellow? The genus of deadnettles ( Lamium) is rich in species and includes, depending on the estimate, around 25-30 species. ⁶ The golden yellow or pale yellow flowers of the goldennettle are lip-shaped and appear to be whorled. The fruit (schizocarp) breaks down into four parts (adenoids). ⁵

Well-known relatives of the golden nettle are the white deadnettle with white flowers ( Lamium album L.), the purple deadnettle ( Lamium purpurem L.), whose young leaves are light purple and the flowers violet. The spotted deadnettle ( Lamium maculatum L.) has mostly purple, rarely white flowers with a spotted lower lip.

Season: The main flowering period is from April to July. ⁵ In principle, the hardy and evergreen wild plant can be harvested all year round. In winter, only roots and leaves should be harvested and not shoots in order to protect the plant.

Storage tips

Collected wild herbs are best wrapped in a wet kitchen towel and placed in a kitchen box or plastic bag. This way they will last for a few days in the fridge. Golden deadnettles are also suitable for drying. Be careful: flowers that are not dried sufficiently tend to mold quickly. Their color changes to a dirty gray or brownish color. ⁷

How can you make dead nettle tea yourself? To make golden nettle tea, you dry the fully developed flowers without the calyx gently in the shade on a cotton cloth or in a dehydrator. You can then store them in a tightly sealed container. Leaves and shoot tips can also be dried with the flowers and used as tea.

Ingredients - Nutritional values - Calories

In addition to carbohydrates, proteins and fats, dead nettles also contain secondary plant substances. We do not have any information on the calorie content (kcal), vitamins and other nutrients of Lamium galeobdolon.

The complete ingredients of Golden Nettle, the coverage of the daily requirement and comparison values with other ingredients can be found in our nutrient tables. In the article Nutrients explained you will get a detailed insight into the topic.

Health effects

There are significantly fewer studies on the golden nettle than on better-studied related species such as Lamium album (white deadnettle), L. purpureum (purple deadnettle) and L. maculatum (spotted deadnettle). ¹⁴ However, according to a recent study, the chemical profile of the golden nettle differs significantly from that of other nettle species.

Secondary plant substances

Many of the health effects of the common golden nettle can be attributed to the secondary plant substances it contains. Our article on secondary plant substances provides an overview of the classification of the substance groups, their occurrence in foods and possible effects on humans. Common golden nettle contains the following secondary plant substances, among others: ^15,16

• Isoprenoids: monoterpenes (D-limonene); Monoterpenoids: iridoids (harpagids); sesquiterpenes (beta-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide); triterpenes (saponins, phytoecdysteroid); Terpenoids (2-cyclohexen-1-one, 4-hydroxy-3,5,5-trimethyl-4-(3-oxo-1-butenyl)
• Polyphenols: phenols (4-vinylguaiacol, 2,6-dimethylphenol); Flavonoids (flavonols)
• Organic sulphur-containing compounds: Thiol alcohol ( tert -hexadecanethiol)
• Other nitrogen-containing compounds: Triazines (1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine); Amines (4-piperidinamine, N,1-dimethyl); Isocyanates; Benzoxazines (Benzoxazole, Blepharin); Betaines
• Other organic compounds: Phenylpropanoid (salidroside); aldehydes (1,1-diethoxypropanal); alcohols; ketones; alkanes (eicosane, heneicosane, tetracosane, 9-hexacosene, octadecane, tetracycloctane); benzofurans (2-methylbenzofuran, 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran); hydroxamic acid (benzoxazinoid); carboxylic acids (butanoic acid); pyrans; esters; hydrazine; benzoates; alkenes (neophytadiene)

However, it should be noted that the composition of the secondary plant substances in common golden nettle can vary depending on the variety, time of harvest and growing conditions. Therefore, quantities are only of limited use and should only be understood roughly.

In general, dead nettles (available information on Lamium album ) have an astringent, anti-secretion, anti-capillary permeability and anti-inflammatory effect (iridoid glycosides), as well as tissue-densifying, anti-itching (mucous substances) and mild surface anesthetic effect. Tannin medicinal plants (astringents) such as dead nettle cause surfaces to densify, e.g. the intestinal mucosa. A so-called coagulation layer forms on injured or inflamed areas. This makes it more difficult for toxic substances and pathogenic germs to penetrate. ⁸ Alternative tannin medicinal plants are blackberry leaves, raspberry leaves or lady's mantle. Despite extensive research, however, we were unable to find out whether the health effects of dead nettle ( Lamium album) also apply to the related species of golden nettle ( Lamium galeobdolon agg.).

The main components of the golden nettle are iridoids of the C ₉ type (harpagides) and benzoaxines, while other nettle species contain iridoid glucosides and no benzoaxines. ¹⁶ The occurrence of benzoxazines in the common golden nettle is currently of interest, as these secondary metabolites have rarely been found in plants. They play an important role in protecting plants from bacteria, fungi and insects. The results of a study show that the derivatives of benzoaxines have an antiproliferative effect on melanoma cells. ¹⁵ In atopic dermatitis, the extracts have so far shown no advantage over placebo. ² More comprehensive studies are required to confirm the therapeutic potential as an anticancer agent. ¹⁵

A comparative study with purple deadnettle showed that both species had rather low antimicrobial effects against bacteria and yeasts, although purple deadnettle showed even better values. ²⁰

Dangers - Intolerances - Side effects

No side effects, contraindications or interactions are known for dead nettle ( Lamium album). ⁸

Use as a recognized medicinal plant

Neither the white deadnettle ( Lamium album) nor the yellow deadnettle ( Lamium galeobdolon) have been processed by the HMPC ( Expert Committee of the European Medicines Agency) or by the ESCOP ( Association of National European Societies for Phytotherapy). ²

The following applies to Lamium album : According to Commission E ( Expert Commission for Herbal Medicines), indications for the internal use of the flowers are catarrh of the upper respiratory tract and mild inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. They are used internally and externally for non-specific discharge (fluor albus) and externally for mild, superficial inflammations of the skin. ⁸ Commission E issued a negative monograph for nettle herb, ² because the scientific findings were insufficient to prove its effectiveness (so-called zero monograph). ¹²

The average daily dose for Lamium album is 3 g for internal use and 5 g for external use. This can be infusions and preparations for ingestion and gargling, as well as rinses or sitz baths. ^1.8 For wet compresses, pour 0.5 l of water over 50 g of dried dead-nettle flowers, strain after 2 minutes and allow the brew to cool. ¹

Folk medicine - natural medicine

In traditional medicine, dead nettles ( Lamium album) are used to loosen mucus in cases of catarrh and bronchitis, as well as gout, rheumatism and fever, and less frequently for gastrointestinal complaints and menopausal symptoms. Externally, compresses with boiled plants are used for skin swelling, itching, nail bed inflammation, bumps, gouty nodes and varicose veins. ^2.5

Ecological footprint - animal welfare

We were unable to find any figures for the ecological footprint of the common golden nettle. However, fresh herbs generally have a small CO ₂ footprint, such as basil (0.33 kg CO ₂ eq/kg), dill (0.4 kg CO ₂ eq/kg), parsley (0.4 kg CO ₂ eq/kg). ²¹ The water footprint for vegetables is also in the lower range at 322 l/kg. ²²

For detailed explanations of various sustainability indicators (such as ecological footprint, _CO2 footprint, water footprint), see our article: What does the ecological footprint mean?

Conventional agriculture often uses synthetic pesticides and herbicides to control pests. However, these also have a negative impact on the surrounding ecosystem and affect birds, fish, insects (such as important pollinators), and even humans. ^17,18 When purchasing golden nettle for gardening purposes, make sure to buy organic and regional seeds and seedlings, as these do not use such pesticides.

Animal protection - species protection

Commonly known as golden nettles, honey nettles or honey flowers, the flowers are accessible to bees and offer them an attractive summer forage. Forage is the general term for food that bees bring in, i.e. nectar, pollen and honeydew. The nectar value is medium and the pollen value is low (scale: none, low, medium, high, very high). The dispersal of the fruit parts is usually carried out by ants because of their appendages. ⁴ The so-called flower nettles or nettle flowers are also popular with butterflies.

Worldwide occurrence - origin

The original distribution area of the golden nettle extends from Europe to the Caucasus region. In the temperate latitudes of Europe and Asia, the wild plant is widespread and common almost everywhere. In North America and New Zealand, it is a neophyte. ^4.10

Possibility of confusion

The edible (sub)species of the diverse species group of golden nettle ( Lamium galeobdolon agg.) can be confused with each other, as it is often difficult to distinguish between them. ¹³ well-known, also edible species are the mountain golden nettle ( L. galeobdolon subsp. montanum), pale yellow golden nettle ( L. galeobdolon subsp. flavidum ), silver-leaved deadnettle or silver-leaved golden nettle ( L. galeobdolon subsp. argentatum) and true golden nettle ( L. galeobdolon subsp. luteum).

Confusion with stinging nettles, e.g. the large stinging nettle or the small stinging nettle, is noticeable by a burning sensation on the skin. The common golden nettle or golden dead nettle has no burning properties, ¹⁴ which is why it is popularly known as dead nettle ¹⁴ or tame nettle. Golden nettles are not related to stinging nettles, but their similar appearance has earned them the names 'nettles' or 'false stinging nettles'.

We are not aware of any real danger of confusion with poisonous doppelgangers.

Growing in your own garden

The golden nettle grows on a wide range of soil types and develops on limestone, clay and sandstone soils. It thrives on stabilized scree and deep, nutrient-rich loamy soils in the pH range of 3.8 to 8. ¹⁷ It needs moist, well-drained soil in the sun or partial shade. Propagation takes place in autumn or spring by dividing it - or by taking cuttings from non-flowering shoots in summer. When it is flowering, harvest the whole plant or pluck off the leaves individually. ¹¹

In the garden, the plant is an easy-care and attractive ground cover. For extensive planting, use pre-grown potted plants that are planted 40 cm apart. Root barriers, occasional digging of the bed or cutting back long shoots prevent the plant from spreading like weeds. Older specimens can be fertilized with a little compost in spring. If the plant is dry for a long time, it should be watered. It is also suitable as an insect magnet for growing in pots and on the balcony.

When growing in your own garden, terrace or balcony, make sure to buy seeds from native species, as non-native species can have an invasive effect. Invasive spread can change the entire plant and species composition or cause species to disappear. This has a negative impact on the entire ecosystem. Also avoid dumping garden waste in forests. ¹⁹

Further information

The common golden nettle ( Lamium galeobdolon L.) is a plant species in the genus Deadnettle ( Lamium) and belongs to the family Lamiaceae.

Alternative names

Common alternative names for the common golden nettle are true golden nettle, golden deadnettle, golden nettle, golden deadnettle, golden deadnettle, mountain golden nettle, yellow nettle, yellow nettle, yellow deadnettle, common deadnettle, deadnettle, false stinging nettle, flower nettle, cuckoo nettle, dead nettle, tame nettle, nettle flowers, spoon flower, magic herb, Sügerli, Zuzeln, Honigblom or Bienensaug.

Incorrect spellings are Goldbessel, Goldnesel, Gildnessel, Gold Nessel, Goldnessek, Gold Essel or Goldnesse.

In English it is called golden deadnettle, yellow archangel, yellow deadnettle or dead-nettle.

Latin synonyms include Galeobdolon luteum Huds., Lamium luteum or Lamiastrum galeobdolon. ^9,10