Betony

Parts Usually Used

Flowering herb

Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Betony is a perennial plant; the hairy, unbranched or slightly branched, quadrangular stem grows to a height of 6-24 inches. The leaves are opposite, more or less fairy on both sides, the lower leaves oblong-cordate, the upper more lanceolate. Spicate whorls of red-purple flowers appear above a rosette of leaves over a long blooming period from June to August. Full sun or partial shade.

Where Found

Found in old European gardens, damp or dry meadows, on sunny slopes, and along forest paths.

Medicinal Properties

Anthelmintic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, vulnerary.

Legends, Myths and Stories

During the Middle Ages betony was grown in monastery gardens and was believed to ward off a host of evils, including mad dogs.

Uses

Historically, herbalists recommended betony for respiratory complaints such as asthma and bronchitis, as well as for heartburn. An infusion of the plant was popularly employed for bladder and kidney problems, neuralgia, excessive sweating, and varicose veins. Traditional practitioners also used a decoction of betony with the aim of expelling intestinal worms. Topically, the fresh juice was applied to cuts, external ulcers, and cold sores, while the boiled leaves from decoctions were salvaged to create poultices for sprains.

In folklore, chewing fresh leaves was believed to ward off drunkenness, and taking an evening infusion was reputed to prevent bad dreams. Additionally, betony tea historically served as a popular domestic substitute for black tea due to its comparable flavor.

Bibliography

, Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994 The Herb Book , by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974. , Pantheon Books, Knopf Publishing Group, New York, 1994, first edition The Magic of Herbs , by David Conway, published by Jonathan Cape, Thirty Bedford Square, London, England. (Out of print) American Folk Medicine , by Clarence Meyer, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, 1973 The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine , by Dr.

David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, Second edition, 1988. , 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023 Country Home Book of Herbs , Meredith Books, Editorial Dept. RW240, 1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309-3023, copyright 1994