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PLANT PROFILE LIST
NAME: Henbit
SPECIES / FAMILY: Lamium Amplexicaule / Lamiaceae
OTHER COMMON NAME(S): henbit deadnettle
CONDITIONS:
sun/shade
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PARTS: |
EDIBLE |
TASTE |
RAW/COOK |
SEASON |
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All |
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Shoots |
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Leaves |
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sage/mint |
RAW/COOK |
Winter/Spring |
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Stalk/Stem |
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Buds |
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Flowers |
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Fruits |
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Pods |
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Seeds |
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Nuts |
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Roots |
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Bark |
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PORTION: small
COMMENT: It's one of our many 'ground cover' mints, coming out before winter is over. Young leaves, raw or cooked, can be added to salads, used as potherb, infuse in cold water, or steeped in hot water for tea.(1) Henbit, is like chickweed and comes from watching chickens liking it. They’re not alone. Humming birds like it, too, but for nectar, and Henbit can be used for erosion control.(2)
CAUTION: In this editor's experience, excessive mint exposure may cause an arthritic condition. Mints may have a laxative effect if used in large amounts.
NUTRITION/MEDICINAL: Very nutritious, high in iron, vitamins and fiber.(2) The plant is antirheumatic, diaphoretic, excitant, febrifuge, laxative and stimulant.(1) A anti-rheumatic, diaphoretic, an excitant, febrifuge, a laxative and a stimulant.(4) General information on mints: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275944.php
LOOK-A-LIKES: PurpleDeadnettle.htm and GroundIvy.htm
POISONOUS LOOK-A-LIKES:
OTHER USES: Any mint is an insect and rodent repellent, just put some in a blender with water, sieve out fiber, use mint water to damp mop and dust.// Also use to rinse woolen clothes to keep moths away.(8)
SOURCE LINKS (may include nutritional and medicinal info, plus other uses):
- https://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Lamium+amplexicaule
- http://www.eattheweeds.com/henbit-top-of-the-pecking-order
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamium_amplexicaule
- http://www.foragingtexas.com/2009/12/henbit.html (good photos)
- http://www.ediblewildfood.com/henbit.aspx (good photos)
- http://foragedfoodie.blogspot.com/2017/02/identify-deadnettle-and-henbit.html (good photos)
- https://thekingstableofsc.wordpress.com/2017/03/07/wild-edible-henbit (great photos)
- https://www.thespruce.com/get-rid-of-moths-1388158 (insect & rodent repellent)
- http://healthiveg.com/2011/04/12/henbit-high-five-another-weed-eating-episode (recipes)
- https://lifeledhomeschool.com/2012/03/henbit-fritters-a-delicious-treat-from-the-first-greens-of-spring (recipes)
- http://southernforager.blogspot.com/2014/01/henbit-its-whats-for-breakfast.html (recipes)
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275944.php (health info and practical uses)