Betony - Treatment and Medical use of Betony

Latin description:Stachys officinalis syn S. betonica syn Betonica officinale

Common Name: Betaine (fr), Betonie (ger), Bishopwort, Lousewort, Purple Betony, Wild hop, Wood betony

Medcinal Uses and Benefits of Betony

• Has been used to relax spasms, control bleeding, promote healing; has been used internally for gout, cramps, vertigo and hemorrhage.
• Infusion has been used for headache, nervous tension headache, anxiety, neuralgia, gastritis, heartburn, poor digestion, heartburn, hypertension, menopausal problems, amenorrhea, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, excess mucous in upper respiratory tract, spitting blood, bladder and kidney problems, excessive sweating, varicose veins, children who fail to thrive with no known cause (1/2 to 1 cup of infusion was given daily).
• For tension headaches, has often been combined with skullcap, verbena, lavender, or St.Johnswort. Another means to cure headache was to place warm, damp leaves on the temples.
• Has been taken as an infusion or tincture to ease nervous anxiety associated with menopause; combined with lavender or vervain, plus 10 to 20 drops Chaste-tree tincture in the morning dose.
• A strong decoction was said to be useful against worms.
  Boiled leaves were used as a poultice for sprains.
  Once used for hysteria, all nervous afflictions, giddiness, dizziness, hearing problems, and palpitations as well as an alterative for rheumatism, scrofula, and blood impurities.
  Was combined with eyebright and coltsfoot and smoked for heaadaches. The dried leaves were used as snuff to unblock a stuffy nose due to a cold.
• Juice of plant has been used to heal cuts, external ulcers and old sores. Similarly, infusion/decoction has been used externally for minor injuries, wounds and infected wounds, bruises, ulcers, sore throat (gargle), and inflammation of the gums (mouthwash).
• The French used it for lung, liver, gallbladder, and spleen problems.