Our Price: $7.95
Medicinal
PollinatorStachys officianalis
A member of the Lamiaceae family, and cousin to Mint and Sage, Betony is a perennial ground cover that produces beautiful, tubular purple flowers. You may also know it as "Wood Betony." A unique looking plant to dress up your traditional garden, Betony has dark green scallop-edged leaves that have a velvety texture. A terrific pollinator magnet, Betony is a butterfly's best friend!
Traditionally used for its medicinal value, Betony is known as a general cure for many varying ailments. Used to treat everything from migraines and neuralgia to open wounds and concussions, the plant's astringent, expectorant and stimulative properties make this herb very beneficial. Used to relax tension and stimulate blood circulation, Betony has been highly regarded as a medicinal herb for centuries.
Potent whether fresh or dried, Betony makes a wonderful tisane that tastes similar to black tea. Caffeine free and soothing for its tonic action, it is also reputed to ward off evil and negative energy. Because of its use as a panacea, many cultures have believed that this pretty purple herb had great spiritual power. Also referred to as "woundwort"", "all heal" and "bishop's wort", betony is deer tolerant and prefers damp soil.
Characteristics: Betony is distinguished by the flowers that are displayed in an interrupted spike; the flowers bloom in a short spike at the top, followed by a stretch of leaves, and more flowers below those leaves.
Light: Borage likes full sun.
Water: Keep the soil moderately moist.
Soil: Betony prefers full sun, but can grow in an area that is shaded for part of the day.
Use: A Spanish saying: "He has as many virtues as betony" illustrates its many virtues. It is known for its medicinal value, as well as ornamental. The tall purple flowers are stunning in a garden border.
Betony makes a wonderful tea, and is a great substitute for black tea. Leaves should be harvested before the plant flowers, dried and kept in an airtight container.
