Medicinal Plants : Stachys officinalis

Name

Biological Name

Stachys officinalis

Other Names

Parts Used

Flowering herb

Remedies For

Antheimintic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, vulnerary.

Betony is recommended by herbalists for asthma and bronchitis, as well as for heartburn. The infusion is also popularly used for neurasthenia, bladder and kidney problems, spitting blood, and excessive sweating; regular use is recommended for varicose veins.

A strong decoction is said to be effective against worms. The juice of the plant was used to heal cuts, external ulcers, and old sores. If you have a sprain, make a poultice of the leaves and put on the injured part.

Description

Betony is a perennial plant found in old European gardens, damp or dry meadows, on sunny slopes, and along forest paths. The hairy, unbranched or slightly branched, quadrangular stem grows to a height of 6 to 24 inches. The leaves are opposite, more or less hairy on both sides, the lower leaves oblong-cordate, the upper more lanceolate. Red-purple flowers appear from June to August.

Dosage

Infusion: Use 1 to 2 tsp. per cup of water; take 1 to 2 cups during the day, a mouthful at a time.

Decoction: Use 2 tsp. with 1/2 cup water; sweeten to taste. Take 1/2 cup per day, a mouthful at a time.

Safety

No information available.