Lamiaceae
Hemp Nettle
Galeopsis tetrahit
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Western Asia
Also known as: Common Hemp Nettle, Bee Nettle, Iron Herb
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Aerial parts
Therapeutic Uses
Respiratory catarrh (expectorant), silica-related conditions (connective tissue, nails, hair), anaemia, wound healing. Good silica source — similar to horsetail but gentler.
Herbal Actions
Expectorant, remineralising (silica), anti-inflammatory, tonic, haemostatic
Active Constituents
Silica (high — 10% ash), flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin), tannins, iridoids, bitter principles, saponins
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp dried herb per 250ml, simmer 10 min, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 25% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Silica content for remineralisation. Gentler than horsetail (no thiaminase, no nicotine). Combine with oat straw and horsetail for connective tissue support. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Avoid large doses in pregnancy. No significant interactions. Generally safe.
Side Effects: GI upset. Very well tolerated.