Wood Betony

Uses

Botanical names:
Stachys officinalis

Parts Used & Where Grown

Native to Europe, wood betony is now planted in many parts of the world with temperate climates. The primary portions of the plant that are used as medicine are the leaves and flowers, though historically the root has also been used. There are many similar species originating from Eurasia, including Stachys sieboldii (Chinese artichoke, kan lu) and S. atherocalyx (hedge nettle).

What Are Star Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used forWhy
1 Star
Anxiety
Refer to label instructions
Wood betony is one of a group of “nerve tonic” (nervine) herbs used in traditional herbal medicine for people with anxiety, with few reports of toxicity.

Other nervines include oats (oat straw), hops, passion flower, American scullcap, , motherwort, pennyroyal, and linden.

1 Star
Common Cold and Sore Throat
Refer to label instructions
Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners use Chinese artichoke, a species similar to wood betony, for colds and flu.

Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners use Chinese artichoke (Stachys sieboldii), a species similar to (Stachys betonica), for colds and flu. It is unknown whether wood betony would be useful for people with the common cold.

1 Star
Gastritis
Refer to label instructions
Wood betony has been used in European traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of heartburn and gastritis.

(Stachys betonica) has been used in European traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of heartburn and gastritis.

1 Star
Shingles and Postherpetic Neuralgia
Refer to label instructions
Wood betony is a traditional remedy for various types of nerve pain and may be helpful for postherpetic neuralgia.

(Stachys betonica) is a traditional remedy for various types of nerve pain. It has not been studied specifically as a remedy for postherpetic neuralgia.

1 Star
Sinusitis
900 mg per day of diosmin and 100 mg per day of hesperidin
Wood betony is used in traditional European herbal medicine as an anti-inflammatory remedy for people with sinusitis.

(Stachys betonica) is used in traditional European herbal medicine as an anti-inflammatory remedy for people with sinusitis. Modern clinical trials have not been conducted to confirm this use of wood betony.

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

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.2

How It Works

Botanical names:
Stachys officinalis

How It Works

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.3, 4

How to Use It

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.5 Though generally better between meals, it can be taken with food for convenience or if there is any gastrointestinal upset.

Interactions

Botanical names:
Stachys officinalis

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

As of the last update, we found no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.
The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Botanical names:
Stachys officinalis

Side Effects

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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