Blessed Be, Oh Betony

Folk/Common Names Wood Betony, Bishopswort, Woundwort, Lousewort, Purple Betony

Parts Used: Herb

Historical Reference

Betony has been held in the highest regard since the Ancient Egyptians, who did not use it as much medicinally as magically (although at times in history, those two uses were often much the same). By the time of the Romans, however, Betony was listed as a cure for 47 different diseases, showing its worth as a medicinal plant did not take long to be recorded and well utilized, and the Greeks held in equally high esteem.

Pliny, the ancient herbalist, said that the plant name was actually first known as Vettonica, from the Vettones a people of Spain, but more recent authors attribute the name to the primitive or Celtic form of bew (for head) and ton (meaning good), as it was - and still is - used for complaints in the head. The name of the genus, Stachys, is a Greek word, signifying a spike, from the mode of flowering.

By the Middle Ages, faith in the virtues of Betony was as widespread as they were longstanding. Grieve relates in A Modern Herbal that an old Italian proverb advised, "Sell your coat and buy Betony," and the Spanish as well used the compliment "He has as many virtues as Betony," demonstrating the value that was placed on its beneficial properties.

By the 17th Century, Betony was still recorded as a cure for over 30 medical complaints and illnesses, and the herb could be found cultivated from physic gardens and apothecaries to monasteries and churchyards. In the case of the latter, however, it may have been as much for the belief that Betony offered protection against evil as much as for its medicinal uses.

It is interesting to note that in the world of Nature, animals in the wild were also said to seek out Betony when wounded. On the less practical side, one bit of ancient folklore says that snakes would fight and kill each other if surrounded with a ring of Betony.

Medicinal Use

As has been suggested, one of the primary uses for Betony is for easing headache, and it can provide relief for some suffering from migraine, especially those caused by tension. Betony stimulates circulation while calming the nervous system, a factor which also makes it beneficial in treating the suffering caused by neuralgia. The active property of Betony in this regard is a mix of glycosides that have shown to have some effect in lowering blood pressure, which supports Betony's recommended use for headache and even mild anxiety attacks.

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