Wood Betony, also known as Stachys officinalis, is a perennial plant with oval shaped leaves.
The leaves contain both phytochemicals and nutrients, including betaine, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, choline, magnesium and manganese. Research is ongoing, but the leaves may support heart health.
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Wood betony was once considered an herbal "magic bullet" for dispelling a wide variety of diseases.
Wood betony is an herb native to Europe bearing a spike of purple flowers on a long, central stem reaching 1-2 feet (60 to 90 cm) high.
All the leaves are rough to the touch and are also fringed with short, fine hairs; their whole surface is dotted with glands containing a bitter, aromatic oil.
Centuries of European herbalists used wood betony as a calming remedy and to treat eczema, hives, and shingles.
Wood betony teas also treat sore throats caused by allergies or colds, heartburn, and inflammation due to infections of the urinary tract.
