Betony

Scientific Name(S): Stachys officinalis (L.) Trevisan, also referred to as Betonica officinalis L. in some older texts. Family: Labiatae

Common Name(S): Betony, wood betony, and bishop wort. The genus is often collectively referred to as hedge-nettles.

Betony is used as a substitute for black tea. The infusion resembles the taste of black tea and is caffeine-free. It helps relieve headache.

Botany: Betony is a square-stemmed, mat-forming perennial of the mint family. It is distributed widely throughout western and southern Europe. It has a rosette of hairy leaves and a dense terminal spike of pink, white or purple flowers that bloom from June to September. The plant reaches a height of meter, and the above-ground parts are dried and used medicinally. It is native to Europe and is often cultivated as a garden ornamental.

History: Few plants have as widespread a history as betony. Its use has been known since the Roman Empire, where it was considered a panacea for practically every disease. During the Middle Ages, the plant was ascribed magical powers.

Today the plant continues to be used in traditional medicine. A weak infusion is sometimes taken as a tea. It is used as an astringent to treat diarrhea and as a gargle or tea for irritations of the mouth and throat. It has been given to treat anxiety and has been given as a tincture or smoked for the treatment of headache. The name "betony" may derive from the Celtic form of "bew" (a head) and "ton" (good).

Uses of Betony

Betony is used as an astringent to treat diarrhea and as a gargle or tea for mouth and throat irritations. It has been used to treat anxiety and headaches.

In British herbal medicine, betony is thought to improve nervous function and to counter overactivity. It is also used for premenstrual complaints and poor memory.

In combination with other herbs, such as comfrey and linden flowers, it is an effective remedy for sinus headaches and congestion.

Betony may be taken alone or with yarrow to help staunch nosebleeds.

Since it is mildly bitter, is is a good herb to stimulate the digestive system and the liver, plus being an overall tonic for the body.

Side Effects of Betony

Overdosage can cause stomach irritation, and betony should not be taken during pregnancy.

Toxicology: Although there is little documented evidence of betony toxicity, caution suggests that overdosage may cause gastrointestinal irritation because of the tannin content. Betony polyphenols were found to be toxic in animals. Betony should not be taken during pregnancy.

Summary: Betony is an ornamental plant that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It possesses sedative properties, which may relieve stress, headache, facial pain and congestion. Because of betony's high tannin content, its treatment for diarrhea can be useful. Betony also stimulates the digestive system, but additional studies are needed to establish efficacy. The plant is non-toxic in small doses, but it may cause gastrointestinal irritation if taken in excess.