Application
Historically, betony has been used for dropsy, bladder stones, hemoptysis, eye diseases, coughs, earaches and wound treatment. The plant is described in the Danish Pharmacopoeia from 1772. A decoction of the dried leaves is described as effective for headaches, old wounds and gout.
Betony has been used as a universal medicine. The plant's scent was said to have a calming effect and betony water could sober up a drunken man.
The plant is still used today in folk medicine for asthma and coughs, as well as in homeopathic remedies.
Ingredients
Tannins and betaines
Stachys officinalis L.
Photo of page in Joachim Burser's herbarium.
