In medieval times, the herb wood betony was a very popular natural remedy for headache, indigestion, inflammation, and numerous other ailments. However, its use has dwindled in contemporary times. Though it is best known as a remedy for the nervous system, it is also used for arthritis, sores, and maladies of the stomach and liver. In some parts of the world, it is used as a beverage tea that has similar properties as black tea. It is considered generally safe, though it should not be taken during pregnancy.
Wood Betony, the Herbal "Cure-All"
Over the centuries, wood betony was hailed by many as an herbal panacea, or an herbal cure-all, because of the wide variety of complaints it was said to treat. According to Grieve (1971), the chief physician of Emperor Augustus stated that it was a cure for no less than 47 different complaints.
Wood betony is known by at least three separate scientific names: Stachys officinalis, Betonic officinalis, and Stachys betonica (Grieve, 1971; Ody, 1993). All three names refer to the same plant. Because it was planted in church yards to ward off evil spirits, it is also known by the common name "bishopswort," or "bishop's wort."
Though all of the wood betony plant can be used medicinally, it is primarily the aerial parts (leaves, stems, flowers) that are used in modern herbalism. According to Ody (1993), the aerial parts are used mainly for nervous system and digestive system disorders; it is also considered a stimulating cleanser and a diuretic. The root, on the other hand, is indicated for liver complaints. According to Ody, the root also has a laxative action.
Uses of Wood Betony
According to Grieve, wood betony "was once the sovereign remedy for all maladies of the head" (1971, p. 98). However, uses of wood betony include more than just nervous system complaints. It is also indicated for conditions of the stomach, heart, circulation, skin, liver, and the female reproductive system. The many, varied uses of wood betony include:
- headache
- head and face pain
- neuralgia
- nervousness
- heartburn
- indigestion
- stomach cramps
- colic
- jaundice
- gout
- rheumatism
- impurities of the blood
- colds
- cough
- menstrual pain
- pain during labor
- wounds
- bruises
- sores
Wood Betony as a Tea Substitute
Along with its large list of medicinal uses, wood betony can also be used to a make a suitable tea substitute. The weak infusion (tea) of wood betony can be drunk as a beverage; it is said to have a similar flavor as black tea, with many of tea's positive properties and very few of the bad (Grieve, 1971).
Preparation and Use of Wood Betony
Wood betony, which is available through suppliers of medicinal herbs, is most often prepared as a tea. For use against headaches, Grieve (1971) recommends pouring a pint of boiling water over an ounce of the herb and taking one cup of this infusion three times a day. To prepare a smaller amount of weaker tea that is good for relaxation and general use, Ody (1993) suggests one teaspoon of wood betony per cup of water. In addition to being drunk, this tea can be gargled to aid in the healing of mouth ulcers, gum inflammation, and sore throats. Ody states that it can also be used to wash leg ulcers and infected wounds.
Ody (1993) suggests taking the tincture of wood betony for nervous headaches and arthritis, while a poultice of fresh wood betony herb can be placed on wounds and bruises.
Wood Betony Warnings and Side Effects
Be aware that wood betony is known as a diuretic, so might cause increased urination.
According to Ody (1993), wood betony stimulates the uterus, so never take this herb during pregnancy. However, it can be taken during labor.
Grieve (1971) states that the fresh leaves have been said to have an intoxicating effect, so take care if using fresh (not dried) wood betony.
References:
Grieve, M. (1971). A Modern Herbal: Volume II. New York: Dover Publications.
Kloss, J. (1988). Back to Eden: Golden 50th Anniversary Edition. Loma Linda, CA: Back to Eden Publishing Co.
Ody, P. (1993). The Complete Medicinal Herbal. NY: DK Publishing.
Christie Bailey - Christie is an RN, BSN with a passion for holistic health. Currently, she is pursuing her masters degree to become a holistic nurse ...
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