Wood Betony Extract
Species Name: Stachys officinalis
Also Known As: Bishop's wort, betony, betonica, purple betony, common hedge-nettle, and spiked betony, stachys betonica, Betonica officinalis
The wood betony is a perennial plant found in Europe, Northern Africa, and western Siberia. Growing from six to twenty four inches in height, the wood betony prefers growing in the woods, meadows, and along forested paths.
It has a woody, brown colored root that sends out a hairy, branched stem. The leaves are also hairy, and a deep green color. The wood betony blooms from June to August, producing red-purple flowers that grow in oblong spikes.
What is wood betony extract? Wood betony extract is made from the whole herb. The plant is collected in July and dried. The extract typically comes in gargles, liquid extracts, tinctures, powder, tea and capsules.
It is important to note that wood betony should not be confused with Canada lousewort (Pedicularis canadensis), which is sometimes called wood betony. These are very different plants.
Home Remedies Using Wood Betony Extract:
Benefits of Wood Betony Extract:
Mentioned in European Herbal manuscripts since the 1600s, wood betony amulets were used to ward off evil, drive away ghosts and to take away nightmares. It was also thought to help with snake bites and dog bites.
Wood betony was favored in the treatment of headaches and used for hangovers. Prized for its sedative, tonic, and astringent characteristics it was thought to help with arthritis. It was often used to relieve muscle or nervous tension.
Native Americans used wood betony to reduce swelling. Other historical uses included the treatment of diarrhea and mouth and throat irritations.
This herb was held in high esteem and thought of as an important aspect to have in ones herbal collections.
Today wood betony extract is used in the treatment of anxiety, gastritis, shingles, sinusitis, and stress. It is most useful in treating neuralgic pain, and is often recommended for tension headaches caused by stress. It could also help with panic attacks.
Wood betony extract is used to strengthen the nervous system and may also be used in the treatment of seizures, palpitations, asthma, bronchitis and kidney stones.
Its mild astringent properties occasionally cause it to still be recommended as a treatment for diarrhea or as a mouthwash to soothe mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.
Wood betony is found to have antioxidant qualities and anti-bactorial qualities that can help with tinnitus. Because of the presence of tannins the extract may dry out mucous and wax lessening the problems that can be caused by this type of issue of the ear.
Side Effects of Wood Betony Extract:
Wood betony is thought to be generally safe.
Some herbalists warn that wood betony extract may take months before showing results.
Side effects include mild gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea, usually this occurs if many times the recommended dosage is taken.
Consult with a doctor before use if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
