Botanical Overview
Stachys officinalis (syn. Betonica officinalis), commonly known as Betony, Wood Betony, or Bishop’s Wort, is a member of the Lamiaceae family. It is indigenous to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. The medicinal parts used include the aerial parts, leaves, and flowering tops, traditionally harvested during flowering.
Energetics
Betony is considered cooling and drying in nature with a taste profile characterized by bitter, astringent, and sweet notes. Its directionality in energetics is primarily descending and inward, and its tonicity is relaxing. It predominantly affects the vital energy or qi aspect.
Primary Actions
- Astringent
- Nervine
- Anti-inflammatory
- Mild sedative
- Diaphoretic
- Vulnerary
Indications
Western
- Headache
- Neuralgia
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Indigestion
- Cough
- Inflammation
- Wounds
- Gastric ulcers
- Mild gastrointestinal spasms
Syndromes
- Nervous tension
- Mild digestive disorders
- Respiratory catarrh
- Mild inflammatory conditions
- Trauma-related pain
TCM
Not applicable / no significant traditional usage documented.
Ayurveda
Not applicable / no significant traditional usage documented.
Unani
Not applicable / no significant traditional usage documented.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemical constituents include flavonoids, phenolic acids, diterpenes, tannins, volatile oils, and iridoids, which contribute to its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and nervine effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion: 2–4 g of aerial parts, 2–3 times daily
- Tincture: 1:5 w/v 40% ethanol, 2–4 mL, 2–3 times daily
- Extracts standardized to phenolics or flavonoids used in variable doses
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe in traditional doses. Pregnant and lactating women should avoid use due to limited safety data. Caution advised when combined with sedative medications due to mild sedative properties. No major drug interactions documented.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-documented planetary or elemental rulers identified for this species.
Selected References
- Plants For A Future: Stachys officinalis (Betony)
- European Medicines Agency (EMA) Herbal Monograph: Betonicae herba (Betony herb), 2016
- D. Grieve, Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, 1971
- I. F. F. Benzie, S. Wachtel-Galor, Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, 2nd Ed., 2011