Wood Betony, Flowering
Latin Name: Betonica officianalis
Family: Labiatae
Description
"...it is good whether for a man's soul or his body; it shields him against visions and dreams."
-- Herbarium Apuleii, 9th century
Wood betony has earned a reputation for being useful in close to fifty ailments throughout the ages, from the Greeks to the Middle Ages. It was said to drive away evil spirits and, for this reason, was a popular herb to be worn in amulets.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
Wood betony is a fine medicinal that is stimulating to the circulation system and relaxing to the nervous system. It works well on headaches and migraines and can relieve neuralgia. The plant helps feed and strengthen the central nervous system, is mildly sedating, and is good for various aches and pains. It is used in nervous debility, anxiety, tension, sciatica, dizziness, and hiatus hernia. Combined with equal parts rosemary and scullcap, it makes a useful remedy for most types of headaches, especially those stemming from nervousness.
Wood Betony, Young Plant
This plant has an affinity for the liver and is used in France for liver and gallbladder complaints. It is traditionally used to clear head colds, loss of memory, sinusitis, and chronic rheumatism. Recent studies have shown that the plant's active constituent, trigonelline, has been shown to lower blood sugar levels. The high content of tannins in the plant makes it a very handy plant to apply externally to cuts and bruises.
Source
Aerial portions of plant.
Preparations
Infusion: Infuse one teaspoon herb in one cup water for 10 minutes and take three times daily, or when needed.
Tincture: Take 20 to 40 drops of quality tincture three times daily.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
There are no known contraindications.
Ailment / Situation Listing
| Aches and Pains | Anxiety | Bruises |
| Common Cold | Cuts and Scrapes | Dizziness |
| Gallbladder Problems | Headache | Hiatus Hernia |
| Liver Problems | Memory Problems | Migraine |
| Nervous Debility | Neuralgia | Rheumatism |
| Sciatica | Sinusitis | Tension |
All information contained on this website is for reference purposes only and all content should be treated as a resource. It is highly recommended that you consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner when undertaking self-treatment. For serious conditions, always seek the advice of your naturopath or other health practitioner. People taking medication should
consult with their naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking additional regime for their ailment.
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