Herb of the Week: Wood Betony

Wood betony, often referred to simply as betony, was a significant remedy from ancient times. Culpeper (1653) relates that Antonius Musa, physician to Emperor Augustus, wrote a monograph on it, listing 47 different disorders betony would cure, among them protection from snakes and evil. 

Anne Pratt, writing in the mid-nineteenth century, notes that betony was still highly valued in Italy. She quotes two current proverbs: "May you have more virtues than betony," as a farewell to a friend, and "Sell your coat, and buy betony," for those in pain.

Betony was venerated by the Celts, and its common name is thought to be a corruption of two Celtic words: "bew" for head, and "ton" for improve, making clear its power to cure head problems.

Wood betony is a nerve tonic, calms and relaxes, helping release stress and tension from both mind and body. Because betony affects the solar plexus, it has a wide range of benefits, especially with digestion problems, It improves concentration and memory, which, combined with its calming qualities, makes it a good choice during examinations or other stressful times in our lives when we need to be able to focus and concentrate. 

Like self-heal, wood betony is a good choice for when you don't quite feel well but don't really know what the problem is.

Harvesting

Pick the plant just before the flowers fully open. To dry for a tea or pillow, spread on a screen or brown paper in the sun. When dry and crisp, put into brown paper bags or jars to store.

Wood Betony Tea

Use 2 teaspoonfuls of the fresh herb or 1 teaspoonful of the dried herb per cup of boiling water, and leave to infuse for 10 to 15 minutes.

Dose: 3 cups a day, or 1 cup at bedtime to relax for a good night's sleep.

(Good for insomnia, digestive problems, headache, poor circulation, low appetite, muscular tension, nightmares, sinus congestion, watery, irritated eyes, head colds, chills and fevers.)

Wood Betony Ointment

Pick a handful of wood betony leaves, chop them, and put in a small saucepan with half a cup of extra virgin olive oil. Using a low heat, warm gently, just below simmering, until the leaves have lost their green color and are quite crisp. Strain, returning the oil to the pan. Add half an ounce of beeswax and warm until it melts. Stir well and pour into jars. Leave the lids off until the ointment sets, then label and store in a cool place until needed. 

(Good for bruises, sprains, strains, varicose veins, hemorrhoids.)