Wood Betony Herb Profile
Also known as- Stachys officinalis, Betony, Lousewort, Bishopwort, Common Hedge-Nettle, and Spiked Betony.
Introduction
"Sell your coat and buy betony, admonished an Italian proverb of the Middle Ages. Wood betony was once considered an herbal "magic bullet" for dispelling a wide variety of diseases. Antonius Musa, chief physician to the Roman emperor Caesar August, catalogued 47 conditions he treated with the herb.
Wood betony is an herb native to Europe bearing a spike of purple flowers on a long, central stem reaching 1-2 feet (60 to 90 cm) high. All the leaves are rough to the touch and are also fringed with short, fine hairs; their whole surface is dotted with glands containing a bitter, aromatic oil.
Constituents
Betaine, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, harpagide, rosmarinic acid, stachydrine, tannins.
Parts Used
The whole herb, collected in dry weather.
Typical Preparations
Gargles, extracts and teas. Seldom found encapsulated.
Summary
Centuries of European herbalists used wood betony as a calming remedy and to treat eczema, hives, and shingles. Wood betony teas also treat sore throats caused by allergies or colds, heartburn, and inflammation due to infections of the urinary tract. The herb is used in combination with other treatments to remove intestinal parasites.
Precautions
Russian research indicates that the traditional warning for nursing mothers not to use wood betony is not warranted. Drink the tea at a meal for maximum benefit.
