Betony The Healing Herb by Judi Singleton

if wounded with a dart, would search out Betony, and, eating it, be

cured.

The active constituents of wood betony have not been clearly

identified. The tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, and volatile oil found

in this plant and its cousins may all contribute to its activity.

Almost no research has been conducted on wood betony. Some Russian

research in humans apparently suggests it may promote lactation, though

the details of these studies are not readily available.

One of the stories that have grown up around it are that it helps

clarify deeper meanings of relationship, friendship and sexuality;

For those who prefer to be alone but are working on authentic ways to

connect with others.

Wood betony has been used in connection with the following conditions

(refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Rating Health, Shingles, Sinusitis

Stress,Concerns,Anxiety,Gastritis.

Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a

substantial health benefit.

Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a

health benefit or minimal health benefit.

An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or the herb or

supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Wood betony was used in European folk herbalism as a remedy for

respiratory tract inflammation, heartburn, urinary tract inflammation,

varicose veins, intestinal worm infestations, and failure to thrive.1

It was considered a calming remedy and was used for headaches as well

as some forms of neuralgia, including shingles.

The active constituents of wood betony have not been clearly

identified. The tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, and volatile oil found

in this plant and its cousins may all contribute to its activity.

Almost no research has been conducted on wood betony. Some Russian

research in humans apparently suggests it may promote lactation, though

the details of these studies are not readily available.

How much is usually taken?

A tea of wood betony can be made by steeping 1 to 2 tsp dried leaf and

flower in a cup of water for 15 minutes. One or two cups of this tea

can be drunk per day. Though generally better between meals, it can be

taken with food for convenience or if there is any gastrointestinal

upset.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

There are no known adverse effects from use of wood betony other than

occasional mild gastrointestinal upset. Its safety in pregnancy and

breast-feeding is generally unknown, though as noted above it has been

studied in Russia as a way to increase lactation.

References

1. Lust J. The Herb Book. New York: Bantam Books, 1974:116.

2. Mills SY. Out of the Earth: The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine.

Middlesex, UK: Viking Arkana, 1991:576.

3. Stegailo EA, Lebedeva IM, Aronova BN, et al. Treatment of

hypogalactia with an extract of the betonica hedge nettle. Akush

Ginekol (Mosk) 1980;(2):19–20 [in Russian].

4. Bakhalova NV, Kharmats DA. Effect of the milk from mothers receiving

methylergometrine and hedge nettle extract on the physical development

of the newborn infant. Zdravookhr Kirg 1977;(2):28–31 [in Russian].

5. Lust J. The Herb Book. New York: Bantam Books, 1974:116.

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BIO:

About the author: Judi Singleton is the publisher of Jassmine's Journal
and you can subscribe to any of her lists at
http://www.motherearthpublishing.com

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