Betony
Other names for Betony
betony extract
betony herb extract, fresh
fresh betony
fresh wood betony flowering tops extract
organic wood betony
stachys officinalis
stachys officinalis herb extract, dry
wild crafted wood betony
wood betany powder
wood betony
wood betony 4:1 extract
wood betony aerial parts
wood betony (aerial parts) extract
wood betony aerial parts (stachys officinalis) extract
wood betony extract
wood betony extractives
wood betony glycerite liquid extract
wood betony herb extract, dry
wood betony herb fluid extract
wood betony herb (stachys officinalis) extract
wood betony leaf & flower (stachys officinalis) extract
wood betony liquid extract
wood betony powder
wood betony, powder
wood betony whole herb (stachys officinalis) extract
Synopsis of Betony
History
Betony (Stachys officinalis), sometimes called wood betony, is an herb with a rich legacy in traditional European medicine. For centuries, betony was esteemed by herbalists and healers for its broad range of healthful properties. The ancient Greeks and Romans considered it a panacea; the physician Dioscorides listed over forty ailments treatable by betony, including headaches, digestive troubles, and respiratory issues. Medieval monks cultivated betony in monastery gardens, prescribing it for protection against evil spirits and as a remedy for wounds, anxiety, and heart palpitations.
Throughout history, betony has been celebrated for its gentle yet effective action on the nervous system, often used to soothe headaches, neuralgia, and insomnia. Its mild astringency made it useful as a gargle for sore throats and mouth ulcers, and as a tea to ease indigestion and support liver health. The herb’s reputed ability to "strengthen the head and brain" made it popular for memory and mental clarity as well.
Betony shines in herbal combinations, where its harmonizing qualities complement other botanicals. Blended with herbs such as skullcap, passionflower, or valerian, it enhances calming formulas for stress and sleep. In digestive blends, it pairs well with chamomile or peppermint to further ease discomfort. Betony’s gentle nature and versatility ensure its continued appreciation in contemporary herbalism, contributing to balanced, holistic wellness regimens. Its enduring reputation as a safe, reliable, and effective plant remedy is well deserved.
Traditional and scientific validation
Betony (Stachys officinalis), also known as wood betony, has a long tradition of use in European herbal medicine, dating back to ancient Roman and medieval times. Historically, it was revered for its purported benefits on a wide range of ailments, including headaches, anxiety, gastrointestinal disturbances, and as a general tonic. Medieval herbalists, such as Culpeper and Gerard, praised betony for its ability to “strengthen the head and memory” and to support digestive health.
In modern times, scientific research on betony is relatively limited, though some studies have explored its phytochemical composition and biological activities. Betony contains a variety of compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, and diterpenes, which are thought to contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Preliminary laboratory research suggests betony extracts may exhibit mild sedative and anxiolytic effects, supporting its historical use for nervous disorders. A few small human studies and animal models indicate potential benefits for mild anxiety and tension headaches, but robust clinical trials are lacking.
Overall, while traditional use and early scientific findings suggest that betony may offer positive contributions to well-being, particularly in supporting relaxation and digestive comfort, more rigorous clinical studies are necessary to confirm its efficacy and safety. Betony remains a valued herb in nutritional products, and ongoing research may further elucidate its potential health-promoting properties.
Betony is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Anxiety (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Bedwetting (Traditional)
Bleeding (external) (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Depression (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Dizziness (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Emotional Sensitivity (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Glands (swollen lymph) (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Indigestion (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Insomnia (Traditional)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Traditional)
Menstrual Irregularity (Traditional)
Migraine (Traditional)
Nervous Exhaustion (Traditional)
Nervousness (Traditional)
Neuralgia and Neuritis (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Rashes and Hives (Traditional)
Stress (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
Betony is used to support these body systems
Brain (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Ears (Traditional)
Female Reproductive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Gums (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Nerves (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Senses (Traditional)
Sinuses (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
