Betony by Wanderer MoonChild

Botanical Basics

1. Common Name(s): Betony, Wood Betony, Purple Betony
2. Folk Name(s): Bishop’s Wort, Stachys, Woundwort, Holy Herb, Betonica
3. Scientific/Latin Name: Stachys officinalis (formerly Betonica officinalis)
4. Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
5. Plant Type: Perennial herb
6. Botanical Description: Low-growing plant (12–24 in) with square stems, opposite hairy leaves (heart-shaped to lanceolate, serrated edges). Produces spikes of purple-magenta flowers in late spring to summer. Rootstock fibrous and hardy.
7. Growing Zones/Climate: USDA Zones 4–9
8. Best Zones for Growth: Thrives in temperate climates; adaptable to woodland edges and meadows
9. Habitat & Range: Native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa; grows in grasslands, open woodlands, and hedgerows

Cultivation & Harvest

1. Soil & Sun Requirements: Prefers moderately fertile, well-drained soils; tolerates clay and sandy soils; full sun to partial shade
2. Propagation: By seed (sown in spring or autumn), root division, or cuttings
3. Companion Planting: Pairs well with other meadow plants like yarrow, daisies, and mint; attracts pollinators and beneficial insects
4. Harvesting Guidelines: Leaves and flowering tops harvested during bloom (summer); roots occasionally harvested in autumn
5. Drying/Preservation: Air-dry leaves/flowers in shade; store airtight for medicinal and magical use

Traditional & Historical Use

1. Cultural Significance: Revered by the Romans and Anglo-Saxons as a cure-all; used in monasteries and folk medicine across Europe. Known proverbially as “Sell your coat and buy betony” for its reputation as a universal healer.
2. Traditional Medicine: Used for wounds, headaches, digestive complaints, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Believed to ward off evil and protect against sorcery.
3. Symbolism: Represents protection, healing, and peace of mind.

Medicinal & Practical Properties

1. Active Constituents: Tannins, glycosides (stachydrine), alkaloids (betonicine), flavonoids, volatile oils
2. Medicinal Uses:
   
3. Nervine tonic (calms anxiety, stress, insomnia)
4. Digestive aid (relieves indigestion, gas, mild diarrhea)
5. Wound healing (applied externally for cuts, ulcers, insect bites)
6. Headache and migraine relief (historically prized)
7. Anti-inflammatory for respiratory issues
   
8. Preparation Methods: Infusion, tincture, poultice, powdered herb
9. Dosage & Guidelines:
   
10. Tea: 1–2 tsp dried herb per cup boiling water, 2–3 times daily
11. Tincture: 2–4 mL up to 3 times daily
12. Poultice: Fresh leaves applied to wounds
    
13. Safety/Precautions: Generally safe; excessive use may cause digestive upset. Avoid in pregnancy due to uterine stimulant potential.

Magical & Spiritual Properties

1. Elemental Association: Earth
2. Planetary/Deity Correspondence: Jupiter (protection, expansion, prosperity); associated with ancient woodland spirits and healing deities
3. Magical Correspondences: Protection, purification, exorcism, peace, dream work
4. Ritual Use: Burned or sprinkled for banishing negativity; worn in amulets to protect against sorcery and nightmares; planted near homes for protective blessings
5. Symbolism in Divination/Dreams: Signals healing, safety, and spiritual clarity; may suggest the need to ground oneself or fortify boundaries

Ecological & Culinary Uses

1. Pollinator Value: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies
2. Wildlife Uses: Provides nectar in meadow ecosystems; foliage browsed by some herbivores
3. Culinary Uses: Rare in modern cooking, though leaves were historically added sparingly to herbal wines, beers, and tonics

Household/Practical Uses

1. Quick Uses: Tea for stress, poultice for wounds, protective charm herb
2. Notable Traits: Revered as both a physical and spiritual healer; once grown in monastery herb gardens as a staple remedy
3. Special Notes: Famous in folklore as a “witch-deterrent” herb; considered strong against evil eye, nightmares, and unwanted spirits

Supporting Notes

1. Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal (1931)
2. Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine (2016)
3. Rätsch, Christian. Encyclopedia of Herbs and Spices (2005)
4. Duke, James A. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs (2002)
5. Foster, Steven & Duke, James. Peterson Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs