Betony Herb

Betonica officinalis L., Stachys officinalis

Historical tradition – not medical advice, and no health or healing claims. more

Historical botanical drawing: Betony — Betony

Tradition (Hildegard's writings)

In Hildegard's tradition, betony was regarded as a versatile women's herb and was associated with the female cycle and with mood and the nerves.

Ingredients

Betony leaves and red wine.

Preparation

For the betony wine, let 5 tbsp of chopped leaves infuse overnight in 1 litre of red wine, strain in the morning and bottle.

Note

As a sleep cushion for sleeplessness or bad dreams, fill 200 g of fresh or dried betony leaves into a herb pillow and lay it beside your own pillow.

Botanical background

For almost two thousand years, betony was among the most widely recommended medicinal plants in Europe. Herbal lore credits it with blood-pressure-lowering, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and pain-easing properties, among others; as a bitter it is also held to stimulate digestion.

Sources & references

Strehlow, Wighard: Die Hildegard-Naturapotheke. Heilmittel und Rezepte von A bis Z. Knaur Verlag 2014. S. 50.
Hildegard von Bingen: Heilsame Schöpfung. Die natürliche Wirkkraft der Dinge (Physica). Hrsg. von der Abtei St. Hildegard, Eibingen. Beuroner Kunstverlag 2012 (4. Auflage 2024). Cap. 1-128 (Betonienkraut).
Heepen, Günther H.: Das Heilwissen der Hildegard von Bingen. Gräfe und Unzer Verlag 2015. S. 67.
Breindl, Ellen: Das große Gesundheitsbuch der Hl. Hildegard von Bingen. Bassermann Verlag 2004. S. 168.

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Historical tradition. The above describes how this preparation was recorded and used in the tradition of Hildegard of Bingen. This is cultural-historical information, not medical advice and not a health or healing claim, and it is no substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. If you have health complaints, please consult your doctor or pharmacy.

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