Wood Betony, c/s

Stachys officinalis

Origin: Albania
Form: Cut and sifted
Unit size: 1 ounce
Other names: Lousewort, Bishopwort, Purple Betony
Esoteric Uses: Protection, purification, dreams, sleep
Esoteric Associations: Saturn, Earth
Incense Aroma: Rough smoke, like most herbs when burned, weighty, slight wood and mint background

Wood Betony has been used as a protective herb since ancient times.  Psuedo-Apuleius suggests that Wood Betony can protect the soul and body of the one who wears it.  He also suggests that if put under your pillow it can shield the sleeper from visions and dreams. The first reference to Betony occurs in a work by the Roman physician Antonius Musa, who claimed it as effective against sorcery. It was planted in churchyards to prevent activity by ghosts. The Anglo Saxon Herbal recommends its use to prevent 'frightful nocturnal goblins and terrible sights and dreams'. A Welsh charm prescribes: to prevent dreaming, take the leaves of betony, and hang about your neck, or else drink the juice on going to bed. Wood Betony is commonly used in incense mixtures and recipes for protection and purification.

The name betony is alleged to derive from the ancient Celtic words bew (head) and ton (good), an indication of its use for headaches. The word stachys comes from the Greek, meaning "an ear of grain," and refers to the fact that the inflorescence is often a spike. Wood Betony is traditionally used for anxiety, gallstones, heartburn, high blood pressure, migraine and neuralgia, and to prevent sweating. It can also be used as an ointment for cuts and sores.

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