Henbit

Henbit ~ Lamium amplexicaule

aka; henbit dead-nettle, common henbit, greater henbit

You'll find this beauty popping up in yards and fields from March throughout the summer months, and year round in areas where the winters are not harsh. 

Family - mint

Genus - Lamium 

Medicinal Properties:

Antimicrobial - helps the body resist pathogenic bacteria, fungi and viruses

Antiviral - treating viral infections 

Anti - rheumatic - aides in the inflammation associated with arthritis

Diaphoretic - inducing perspiration
febrifuge - fever reducer

Parts used: leaves and flowers 

Medicinally, Henbit is best used internally as a tea. 

It is anti-  rheumatic and anti-inflammatory, so it’s great for relieving chronic pain, soreness, and stiffness. 

"As a diaphoretic and febrifuge, it’s great for breaking fevers and alleviating their unpleasantness. 

Helps balance the digestive system – it’s a gentle laxative, but also helps treat diarrhea and indigestion. 

Finally, it can help with menstrual cramps and excessive bleeding. For this reason, women who are pregnant should probably avoid it. 

Otherwise, it’s safe, although you should still follow our rule of 6-8 ounces of tea until you figure out how you react to it. It is a laxative, after all." Reference

I'll be making an infused oil with the fresh, but wilted, leaves and flowers. The oils will be made into salves which will be applied topically for skin issues; cuts, minor burns, scratches, insect bites. 

I have also used the fresh plant successfully as a poultice - grind or chop the fresh or dried plant, add a small amount of water until it forms a paste. 

Apply the paste onto the area, cover with a moist cloth. Wrap a dry cloth around that and secure into place. I usually leave on for 1 - 3 hours then change if necessary.  
As with most backyard herbal plants, this one is also edible. The leaves and flowers are very nutritious and can be added in salads and or cooked with other greens. Yum. 

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