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Wood Betany
Betonica officinalis Labiatae
Betony gently tones and strengthens the nervous system whilst also has a relaxing action.
Common namesBishopswort, Betony, Stachys betonica
HabitatEurope including Britain, in open woods, hedge banks, grasslands and heaths.
Constituents Alkaloids: stachydrine and betonicine
Miscellaneous: betaine, choline, tannins
Miscellaneous: betaine, choline, tannins
Actions nervine, bitter
Indications
Betony gently tones and strengthens the nervous system whilst also has a relaxing action. If finds used in nervous debility associated with anxiety and tension. It will ease headaches and neuralgia when they are of nervous origin, but especially those caused by hypertension.
CombinationFor the treatment of nervous headache it combines well with Skullcap. In hypertensive headaches use in combination with appropriate hypotensives.
Preparation & dosage
- Infusion
- Pour a cup of boiling water onto l-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
- Tincture
- Take 2-6 ml of the tincture three times a day.
© David L. Hoffmann B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H.