Latin Name: Stachys betonica
Family: Lamiaceae
Part used: Whole herb and root.
Energetics: Bitter, astringent, cool, dry.
Iris: Hematogenic, Mixed.
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS
- Avoid in pregnancy.
ACTIONS
- Bitter
- Stomachic
- Affinity for liver and nervous system
- Sedative
- General tonic
- Astringent
- Anti-viral
- Dermatological agent
- Vulnerary
- Hypotensive
- Diuretic
Main Constituents
- Volatile oil
- Saponins
- Alkaloids (betonicine, stachydrine, betonysides A-F, trigonelline)
- Tannin up to 15%
- Minerals: Mg, Mn, P.
Main Uses
Combines well with Rosemary, Skullcap and Valerian
Digestive System: Nausea, Weak digestion, Removes obstructions of the liver
Infections:
Bacteria: Yersinia
Viruses: Varicella
Integumentary System: Dermal ulcers, Wounds
Eyes: Nervous eye disorders, Conjunctivitis
Mental/Emotional: Amnesia, Anxiety, Lack of energy
Nervous system: Dizziness, Headache
Musculo-Skeletal System: Reduces low back pain, Temporal arteritis
Endocrine: Menopausal depression
Immune System: ME
Reproductive System: Scrotal hernia
Lymphatic System: Remove obstructions of the spleen
More About Wood Betony
Wood betony is believed to have lymphatic properties, and is known for its nervine properties, which means it has a calming and soothing effect on the nervous system.
It is used to help reduce stress, anxiety, and nervous tension and is considered an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to and cope with stress.
It can help promote a sense of calm and relaxation during stressful situations.
Wood betony has been used historically as a Soul Nourisher and one of the Greek Physicians devoted a whole book to the remedy, listing no less than 47 conditions that could be treated with it.
Johann Schroeder in his milestone dispensatory of 1611 says “there is almost no bodily ailment for which it does not fail to prove of special benefit”.
Wood betony is mainly a Nervine remedy, and like Skullcap and Sage leaf, it acts as a deep restorative and relaxant for the nervous system, including cerebral functions.
It is also a uterine stimulant and relaxant for spasmodic dysmenorrhoea and for difficult labour with painful contractions.
Its astringent quality helps resolve catarrh arising from damp cold, such as diarrhoea and leucorrhoea.
It reduces biliousness and can be used in liver and gallbladder issues.
It contains the alkaloid trigonelline, which may be useful in Diabetes for lowering blood sugar levels.
Wood betony is useful in tissue trauma and the vulnerary actions helps in cases of bleeding and when sores are failing to heal.
The diuretic action helps clear excess uric acid so may be useful in gout and arthritic conditions.
Recipes:
Wood Betony Relaxation Tea
Ingredients:
- 1-2 teaspoons of dried wood betony leaves and/or flowers
- 236ml of boiling water
Instructions:
- Place the dried wood betony leaves and/or flowers in a cup.
- Boil water and pour it over the dried wood betony.
- Cover and steep for about 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the tea to remove the plant material.
- You can sweeten the tea with honey or add a slice of lemon for flavor, if desired.
- Drink the wood betony tea while it's warm.
References
PCOS
Phytotherapeutic management of polycystic ovary syndrome: role of aerial parts of wood betony (Stachys lavandulifolia).
In conclusion, AWB may be used as an alternative for MPA in the treatment of AUB caused by PCOS.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23307315/
Antioxidant
Antioxidant properties and phenolic composition of wood betony (Betonica officinalis L., syn. Stachys officinalis L.)
Wood betony contains phenolic glycosides with strong antioxidant activity. Amount of total phenolic compounds was higher in methanolic extract than acetone. Phenylethanoid glycosides and chlorogenic acid are the main wood betony antioxidants.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092666901300441X
Antioxidant
The health benefits of three Hedgenettle herbal teas (Stachys byzantina, Stachys inflata, and Stachys lavandulifolia) - profiling phenolic and antioxidant activities
Findings indicate that the decoction of Stachys species contain important bioactive phenolics and have promising antioxidant effects and health benefits. Thus, these medicinal herbs can be considered as useful ingredients in food and pharmaceutical products.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876382020300342
Neuroprotection, hypoglycemic and hyperpigmentation
Essential oils of hedgenettles (Stachys inflata, S. lavandulifolia, and S. byzantina) have antioxidant, anti-Alzheimer, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity potential: A comparative study
The essential oils were rich in germacrene D, β-pinene, α-pinene, hexahydrofarnesyl acetone, and valeranone. The essential oils exhibited remarkable antioxidant activities. Strong acetylcholinesterase, α-glucosidase, and lipase inhibitory effects were recorded for the essential oils. The essential oils showed neuroprotection, hypoglycemic, and anti-hyperpigmentation effects.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669020300054#sec0110