Meet Wood Betony

Species: Betonica Officinalis

Common Names: Betony, Bishop Wort, Brewton, Common Hedgenettle, Purple Betony, and Woundwort

Family: Lamiaceae, mint family

Parts of Plants Used for Medicinal Purposes: Dried aerial parts

Actions & Properties:

• Nerve tonic

• Adaptogen

• Sedative

• Analgesic

• Vulnerary

• Hypotensive

• Appetite stimulant

Indications:

• Supports nervous system

• Eases stress, anxiety, & depression

• Promotes relaxation

• Eases headaches & migraines

• Eases stress causing pain or tension

• Relaxes skeletal muscular system

• Supports pain relief

• Heals wounds

• Can help lower blood pressure

• Stimulates appetite

• Soothes digestive track

Contraindications:

· Moderate interaction with medications for high blood pressure.

· May lower blood pressure; therefore, be mindful for those monitoring blood pressure.

· Stop use two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

· Typically, safe during pregnancy and breast feeding.

Chemical Constituents: Tannins (up to 15%), saponins, alkaloids including betonicine, stachydrene, & trigonelline

Energetics (Sensation, Chakras, and Taste):

· Sensations: Bitter, aromatic, warming

· Chakra: Solar plexus

· Taste: Slightly bitter and earthy