This is another in the ancient medicinal/magical plant tradition. There‘s an old Italian saying, from the Middle Ages, which advises to ”sell your coat and buy Betony”. Wood Betony (Stachys Officinalis), also known as Betony, is another member of the Mint family and has a reputation for being used to cure everything from a cough and the common cold, to migraines, epilepsy and many problems with the head, including less tangible psychological disorders. The name Betony is thought to come from the Celtic words ’bew’ meaning ’head’ and ‘ton’ meaning ’better’ or ‘improve’. So its name literally means ’improve the head’ or ‘make the head better’. As a medicine it has been in use for centuries, at least as far back as the ancient Greeks and Romans, and who knows how long before that. It was first written about by Dioscorides in the 1st century and again mentioned by Pliny the Elder, who called it ‘Vettonica’. Emperor Augustus’ personal physician also wrote that Betony was the remedy for 47 different medical conditions. As a magical herb, it was used to banish spirits and exorcise demons, as well as being thought to protect against all manner of fears and evil, including those we create by ourselves, in our own minds.

Betony can be taken as an infusion, made into tincture, oil, salve, ointment, and can also be made into a pillow-bag, to put under your pillow while you sleep. There are many sleep or dream-related herbs it can be combined with in this fashion.

Unlike most herbs of this type, Wood Betony’s medicine is contained in the leaves, not the flowers. They are harvested preferably just before, or just as, the plant begins to flower.

- Excellent nerve tonic, bringing relief, relaxation and calming tension. Promotes restful sleep if taken before bed and can stop those endless churning, frantic, negaitive, worrying thoughts which prevent sleep.

- Its gentle, warming, mild astringency is the perfect tonic for the entire system, and makes it an ideal herb for older people as it invigorates and warms both the brain and body.

- Assists with the treatment of prolapses of the uterus and other organs. It could be combined with Lady’s Mantle for this purpose.

- Stimulates digestion increasing the appetite. Helps thin people, or people who have lost a lot of weight due to illness, gain weight again. It strengthens the digestive tract and brings relief to those troubled with conditions such as IBS, gastritis, colitis and other inflammation-related digestive ailments.

- Improves concentration and memory.

- Like Self-Heal, Betony is a very useful herb to have around for those times when you feel a bit under the weather, or feel mildly depressed, but don’t really know the reason why.

- Helps those struggling with addiction.

*Please note:

Betony is pretty safe to use and I know of no containdications that need any special attention. It is an astringent, so taking too much over a 24 hr period could result in a bit of temporary constipation.

Regardless of how safe you may think, or may have heard, a particular herb is, we are all different and so are our bodies. So tread carefully and please do your research and do not add any herb to your daily health routine unless you have consulted with your healthcare provider. We are not liable for any harm, loss or injury that may occur as a result of choosing to act upon this information.