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useful as a mild sedative and antispasmodic Disclaimer: This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for modern medical care. Do not self-treat any medical complaint without the guidance of a licensed health care provider. All information provided in this article is the result of research using (but not limited to) the following books and guides: Herbs for Health and Healing, Rodale; Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers; Earthway, Mary Summer Rain; and Teach Yourself Herbs, Susie White. While woodruff was once sewn into cotton bags and hung in closets to prevent clothes from becoming musty, it also was a popular diuretic with liver-stimulating properties, according to medieval herb books. It was also strewn on the floors of churches and homes; when stepped on, the herb released its sweet, fresh aroma. Today, a tonic made with woodruff and white wine is thought to strengthen and invigorate the heart and gladden the spirits. This is the first year I have it in my garden. I have planted it as a ground cover among my lilac bushes. Long-time gardeners tell me that woodruff is quite an invasive plant, but survives being mowed. Plant Facts: A member of the madder family, this small (4-8 inches tall), shade-loving perennial is related to coffee and henna. The fresh plant tastes slightly bitter and has no odor, but when crushed or wilted it releases a sweet scent similar to that of fresh hay. Origin: Woodruff is native to most of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa It is found predominantly in shady, deciduous forests, where it grows in dense clusters. Woodruff is also cultivated in gardens as a medicinal plant. Parts Used: Only the above ground portion of the plant is used in natural medicine. It should be harvested before or just as it starts to flower. Constituents: Woodruff contains coumarin glucosides, which ferment slightly as they dry and release coumarin and ducumarol, its medicinally active constituents. These molecules act as anticoagulants, so woodruff can be used to counteract excessive blood clotting. Woodruff also contains bitters, tannins, glycoside asperuloside and organic acids, which help to strengthen blood vessels and promote circulation. The asperuloside content gives the herb its anti-inflammatory benefits. These along with the herb's antispasmodic effects, make woodruff a gentle remedy for menstrual pain.
The copyright of the article Woodruff in Herbal Lore is owned by Ellen Lord. Permission to republish Woodruff in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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