How to Use Wood Betony

Wood Betony is native to North America and has been used as a natural medicine for hundreds of years. The herb played a prominent role in Native American culture and traditions. In addition to the medicinal usages, some believed the herb had magical properties that induced love. Wood Betony is nontoxic, and the roots, leaves and blossoms are safe for human ingestion. Some herbalists and alternative medicine devotees believe drinking tea made from fresh or dried Wood Betony leaves is beneficial for headaches and ailments of the urinary tract.

Things You'll Need

• 5 stalks fresh Wood Betony
• Twine
• Sharp scissors
• Tea strainer
• Tea kettle
• Tea pot
• Sugar or honey (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash the Wood Betony stems to remove any dirt or debris. Carefully trim the blossoms and roots off, and discard.

• 2

  Bind the bottoms of the Wood Betony stems into a bundle with the twine. Tie securely, and form a loop with the ends of the twine. Hang the bundle upside down by the loop in a warm place. Allow to dry for about two weeks.

• 3

  Remove the twine from the bundle of dehydrated Wood Betony and discard. Finely chop the stems and leaves into small pieces.

• 4

  Heat hot water to a rolling boil in the tea kettle over high heat. Place 1 tbsp. of dried Wood Betony in the tea strainer.

• 5

  Pour the hot water over the tea strainer. in the tea pot Allow the infusion of Wood Betony to steep for 10 minutes before drinking. Sweeten to taste if desired.