Purple henbit is growing like crazy! Most of us probably have purple henbit growing in our yards and many are probably annoyed that it’s growing fast ruining their perfect lawn. But, not only is this plant very pretty, enjoyed by bees and butterflies, but it actually has health benefits and is edible as well! I know, people like perfectly manicured lawns, but purple henbit isn’t a weed. It’s a beneficial, tasty, plant that is beneficial to nature as well as out bodies!
Purple Henbit
Purple henbit, also known as lamium amplexicaule, is a winter annual “weed” that is actually part of the mint family. Hence why it spreads so quickly. It has a square stem, scalloped leaves, and distinctive darker purple flowers. It’s often confused with purple deadnettle.
Related: The Many Benefits Of The Miracle Herb Mullein
Purple Henbit Habitat
It likes disturbed soils and is commonly found in fields, by buildings, and even gardens. It’s a biennial plant, but can be fast growing in spring as well. It grows best in cool moist soil. You’ll see it in March through April, but generally it dies in the summer because of the heat.
Where Did Purple Henbit Come From?
This plant actually comes from Eurasia. From Europe and Western Asia, and North Africa more specifically. But how did it get to North America? It came possibly in the 1700s from ships and livestock feed, and has naturalized and spread.
Health Benefits Of Purple Henbit
1. It’s Edible And Healthy
The stems, leaves, and flowers are edible on this plant. It’s low in calories and rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s rich in Vitamin C and B, but has low amounts of Vitamin A. It also contains iron, calcium, and magnesium in small amounts. And besides antioxidants it also contains flavonoids.
2. Anti-Inflammatory
Purple henbit is anti-inflammatory. These properties come from the flavonoids and antioxidants in the plants. This can help the overall immune health and help with chronic issues.
3. Digestive Health
Because it has fiber it’s good to help aid digestion alongside it being a mile diuretic and mild laxative. This can help with bloating and constipation.
4. Antioxidants
Because of the antioxidants it also helps combat oxidative stress. What does that mean? It helps fight against aging and diseases like cancer.
5. Supports Skin Health
Back to the antioxidants! Because of it’s vitamins and antioxidants it can help sooth skin irritations when used as a wash or a poultic.
6. Natural Mild Sedative
Stressed? Well, purple henbit can be used to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. However, there are very few studies done on this and more research needs to be done.
Side Effects Of Purple Henbit
1. Allergic Reaction
If you have a mint allergy, you are probably allergic to this plant and should watch out for allergic reactions.
2. Diuretic Effect
It is a mild diuretic so this can cause you to pee more which can lead to dehydration.
3. Stomach Issues
Large amounts of purple henbit may cause diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pains.
4. Medicine Interactions
Purple henbit can interact with certain medications like anyone who is on blood thinning medications, diuretic medications, and blood pressure medications.
Proper Identification And Watching Out For Contaminates
Just like any plant you pick from your yard make sure you have properly identified it using a book, the web, or having someone who is knowledgeable help you. Some people may get it confused with creeping Charlie, foxglove, or henbane.
If you tend to spray a lot of chemicals in your yard and fields or your animals tend to potty everywhere you may want to avoid eating things out of your yard for obvious reasons.
How Should You Consume Purple Henbit?
You can actually eat this plant raw. The stems, petals, and even the flowers are edible. You can eat it as is, in salads, in stir-frys, soups, and as a tea.
What Does Purple Henbit Taste Like?
Despite this plant being part of the mint family, it does not taste like mint. Rather, it tastes herbaceous, kind of grassy, a little spicy, and sweet? Personally I feel like it tastes like a sharper spinach? It tastes very green is the best way I can describe it.
What Is The Different Between Purple Deadnettle and Henbit?
All the plants above are part of the mint family, but are distinguishable by the shape of their leaves. Purple deadnettle has triangle leaves with shallow lobes and a purplish hue.
Henbit leaves clasp to the stem and born on petioles.
Is Purple Henbit Deadnettle?
It does have invasive characteristics and is weedy as it can quickly take over a yard.
More Great Posts From Homemaking From God About Health and Home Remedies
- What Is Calendula and Why Should You Keep It Around?
- Is The New Covid Virus JN.1 Messing With Your Gut Health?
- Make Your Own Saline Solution And Ways To Use It
- How To Recover After Taking Antibiotics
- What Is Direct Primary Care? And How Is It The Revolution Of Healthcare?
- US Medicine Shortages- What It Means and How To Prepare
- Recognizing and Knowing How To Treat Heat Illness
- What Is Cinnamon Good For Health Wise?
- Here Is Why You Should Spend Time In The Sun and The Benefits It Has On Your Health
- Is Oregano Oil A Natural Antibiotic?
- How To Deal With Ear Infections
- Is Red Yeast Rice Really Good For High Cholesterol?
- The Wonderful Health Benefits Of Clove
- Old Timey Home Remedy: Hot Toddy Recipe
- The Amazing Health Benefits Of Hibiscus Tea
- Check Out These Awesome Health Benefits Of Raw Garlic
- Learn About The Health Benefits Of Ginger
Have you ever tried purple henbit? Does it grow in your yard?
