Wood Betony (Stachys officinalis)
Our young patch of Wood Betony is taking off, and ready to be picked!
Wood Betony is found in the meadows and heathlands in the Caucasus region and parts of Europe. The word stachys is Greek, meaning "an ear of grain," and refers to the fact that the inflorescence is often a spike. It has a documented use of over 2,000 years. It was described as a panacea by Antonuis Musa, the physician to Emperor Augustus. Though it is no longer regarded as a panacea, it is known for its ability to relieve headaches, helps with anxiety and gently tones the nervous system, while also soothing nervous tension.
Betony has also been used in traditional Austrian medicine internally as tea, or externally as compresses or baths for treatment of disorders of the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, skin and gynecological problems.
Modern herbalists use betony for its ability as a digestive tonic, and to help with anxiety, gallstones, heartburn, neuralgia, and to prevent sweating. Topically, it can also be used as an ointment for cuts and sores.
Come pick Wood Betony for all its medicinal properties, or simply for its beauty It dries wonderfully as well.
Source: Andrew Chevallier, FNIMH, Encyclopédie of Herbal Medicine.
David Hoffman, Medical Herbalism, FNIMH, AHG