Witnessed by: Western
Wood betony (Stachys officinalis), of the Lamiaceae family. Low tufted perennial with wrinkled oblong basal leaves and a stalk bearing whorled spikes of reddish-purple flowers; native range: grassland, hedgebanks and open woods of Europe. Globally recognized as betony · bishopwort · purple betony in English. The part used is aerial parts (herb). Bitter and astringent with a faint aromatic scent.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
WOOD BETONY
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- wood betony
- Scientific name
- Stachys officinalis (L.) Trevis.
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Form
- Part used
- aerial parts (herb)
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- Western
- bitter · astringent
Temperature
- Western
- cool, drying
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- Western
- nervous system · nerves · digestion · liver
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- Western
- nervine, sedative, bitter, astringent, mild circulatory tonic to the head
Cautions
- Contraindications
- pregnancy (traditionally regarded as uterine-stimulant)
- Toxicity
- low at customary doses; large amounts may irritate the stomach
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