What is Wood Betony And How Does It Help With Pain, Mental Health, And More?

Darrell Miller

07/23/11

Date: July 23, 2011 03:19 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: What is Wood Betony And How Does It Help With Pain, Mental Health, And More?

Wood betony is an herb first used against conditions of the mind thought to be caused by sorcery and witchcraft. Its name in the vernacular is Celtic that translates as “good for the head”, referring to its historical use in the treatment of headaches and anxiety. Throughout the centuries it has become a cure-all remedy for a diverse variety of maladies, including wounds, gout, diarrhea, and hypertension.

Stachys officinalis is an herbaceous plant species that belongs to the mint family. It is a grassland shrub native to Southern Europe, but has long been naturalized in all continents, including Australia and New Zealand. It has upright stems that grow up to 2 feet tall. It bears flowers that are purple in color. Supplements that contain extracts of betony are derived from different parts of the plants.

Counteracts Pain Chemicals

Wood betony is a natural analgesic. It contains organic compounds that are anti-inflammatory, and thus counteracts pain chemicals, such as prostaglandins, when ingested. Its powdered seeds are an ingredient for Pistajo powder, a popular remedy for gout and arthritis back in the day. It has been in use as a therapeutic remedy for muscle cramps, abdominal pain, backache, toothache, and the like.

Maintains Mental Health

Wood betony were once very abundant in church gardens and monasteries as it was thought to ward off malefactions caused by ghosts, sorcerers, and other evil entities. Melancholia, nightmares, anxiety, and even headaches were once widely believed as the work of the devil. Indeed it has been observed that wood betony extracts display mood-altering effects, relieving anxiety and similar mental disorders.

Promotes Better Circulation

Modern herbalists have ascribed cleansing properties to wood betony, which is also historically used as a liver and blood detox agent. Regular consumption of wood betony was regarded a viable alternative to bloodletting, which was a common way to detox in the old days. Wood betony contains all natural compounds that promote better circulation and facilitates the expulsion of toxins from the liver.

Increases Healing Rate

The anti-inflammatory properties of wood betony have also been utilized in the treatment of wounds, abrasions, punctures, and similar skin lesions. Proponents believe that wood betony extracts raises the healing capacity of body tissues. The seeds are good sources of terpenes, which show antibacterial activities when topically applied to body surfaces or used as a gargle that helps alleviate sore throat.

Prevents Oxidative Stress

Wood betony is rich in phytochemicals that are polyphenolic in nature, such as flavonoids and lignans. These organic compounds raise the antioxidant defense of cells. In addition, they are actively involved in scavenging free radicals and neutralizing reactive oxygen species. By so doing, wood betony helps prevent oxidative stress, which interferes with cellular function, and promotes cellular longevity.

Brag some wood betony and feel the difference this herb can make!