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 Stachys betonica/S. officinalis/ Betonica officinalis (Labiatae)
BETONY, WOOD BETONY, BISHOPSWORT
Betony, used medicinally since
before the Romans, is given whole in herbal medicine for nervous headaches,
digestive upsets in nervous states, and in liver and gallbladder disease. it
is applied externally as a poultice to heal wounds and bruises.
Betony was so popular in ancient times that it was grown
in every monastery and physic garden in Europe. Its reputation is impressive; the Roman emperor Augustus,
for example, boasted of its ability to cure at least 47 ailments. Since Egyptian times,
it has been thought to possess the ability to dispel evil and was worn about the body to shield "against visions and dreams".
Native to Europe, growing best in light sandy soils in sheltered areas, betony is a low-growing perennial herb with square stems,
serrated, spear-shaped, rough leaves, and two-lipped, purple flowers in midsummer.
PARTS USED
Whole herb.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Alkaloids, including betonicine,
stachydrine, and trigonelline; choline; tannins.
ACTIONS
Promotes wound healing; astringent; circulatory tonic for the brain;
relaxing nerve restorative; bitter (digestive stimulant).
MEDICINAL USE
Given internally for nervous headaches, particularly when due to debility,
for digestive upsets in nervous states, and in liver and gallbladder disease. It is applied externally as a poultice to heal wounds and bruises.
PREPARATIONS
Infusion, poultice, tincture.
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