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Nutritional Supplement

Wood Betony

Also indexed as:Stachys officinalis

  • Immune System Support

    Common Cold and Sore Throat

    Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners use Chinese artichoke, a species similar to wood betony, for colds and flu.
    Common Cold and Sore Throat
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    Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners use Chinese artichoke (Stachys sieboldii), a species similar to wood betony (Stachys betonica), for colds and flu.3 It is unknown whether wood betony would be useful for people with the common cold.

  • Allergy and Lung Support

    Sinusitis

    Wood betony is used in traditional European herbal medicine as an anti-inflammatory remedy for people with sinusitis.
    Sinusitis
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    Wood betony (Stachys betonica) is used in traditional European herbal medicine as an anti-inflammatory remedy for people with sinusitis. Modern clinical trials have not been conducted to confirm this use of wood betony.

  • Digestive Support

    Gastritis

    Wood betony has been used in European traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of heartburn and gastritis.
    Gastritis
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    Wood betony(Stachys betonica) has been used in European traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of heartburn and gastritis.

  • Brain Health

    Anxiety

    Wood betony is one of a group of “nerve tonic” (nervine) herbs used in traditional herbal medicine for people with anxiety, with few reports of toxicity.
    Anxiety
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    Other nervines include oats (oat straw), hops, passion flower, American scullcap, wood betony, motherwort, pennyroyal, and linden.

  • Pain Management

    Shingles and Postherpetic Neuralgia

    Wood betony is a traditional remedy for various types of nerve pain and may be helpful for postherpetic neuralgia.
    Shingles and Postherpetic Neuralgia
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    Wood betony(Stachys betonica) is a traditional remedy for various types of nerve pain. It has not been studied specifically as a remedy for postherpetic neuralgia.

  • Stress and Mood Management

    Anxiety

    Wood betony is one of a group of “nerve tonic” (nervine) herbs used in traditional herbal medicine for people with anxiety, with few reports of toxicity.
    Anxiety
    ×
     

    Other nervines include oats (oat straw), hops, passion flower, American scullcap, wood betony, motherwort, pennyroyal, and linden.

What Are Star Ratings?
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Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

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Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

Wood betony was used in European folk herbalism as a remedy for respiratory tract inflammation, heartburn, urinary tract inflammation, varicose veins, intestinal worm infestations, and failure to thrive.4 It was considered a calming remedy and was used for headaches as well as some forms of neuralgia, including shingles.5

References

1. Stegailo EA, Lebedeva IM, Aronova BN, et al. Treatment of hypogalactia with an extract of the betonica hedge nettle. Akush Ginekol (Mosk) 1980;(2):19-20 [in Russian].

2. Bakhalova NV, Kharmats DA. Effect of the milk from mothers receiving methylergometrine and hedge nettle extract on the physical development of the newborn infant. Zdravookhr Kirg 1977;(2):28-31 [in Russian].

3. Li SC, Smith FP, Stuart GA. Chinese Medicinal Herbs. San Francisco: Georgetown Press, 1973:422.

4. Lust J. The Herb Book. New York: Bantam Books, 1974:116.

5. Mills SY. Out of the Earth: The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. Middlesex, UK: Viking Arkana, 1991:576.

6. Lust J. The Herb Book. New York: Bantam Books, 1974:116.

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.