Betony

What is Betony?

Betony is a flowering herb native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is known scientifically as Stachys officinalis and is part of the mint family. Betony has a long history of medicinal use, thought to have originated in ancient Greece. The herb has a pleasant aroma with a slightly bitter taste and is traditionally dried and used to make teas.

Where is Betony generally used?

Betony is commonly used in traditional herbal medicines and is believed to have calming and sedative effects on the body. It is often used to treat digestive problems, sore throats, headaches, and anxiety. Betony is also sometimes used in perfumes and cosmetics due to its pleasant aroma.

Where is Betony found?

Betony can be found growing in grasslands, meadows and woods in Europe, Asia, North America, and parts of the Middle East. Additionally, it can be purchased online in the form of dried leaves, capsules, and tinctures.

What are the health benefits of Betony?

Betony has been used for hundreds of years to treat various ailments. Some of its purported benefits include:

• Reducing inflammation.
• Relieving digestive issues.
• Easing menstrual cramps.
• Reducing stress and anxiety.
• Improving overall mood.
• Alleviating headaches and migraines.

Interesting Facts about Betony

• Betony is sometimes referred to as ‘wood betony’ due to its prevalence in wooded areas. 
• In ancient Greece, betony was thought to have magical properties and was used to ward off evil spirits. 
• Betony is one of the oldest medicinal herbs and has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. 
• Betony was a popular remedy in the Middle Ages and is still used in some modern-day herbal preparations. 
• The name ‘betony’ may come from the Greek words ‘bakton’, meaning ‘headache’, and ‘tonikos’, meaning ‘treating’. 

List of other similar ingredients

• Chamomile
• Sage
• Feverfew
• Valerian
• Thyme 
• Lavender
• Peppermint
• St. John’s Wort 
• Rosemary 
• Passionflower