Wood betony is a perennial woodland plant in the mint family that is native to Europe, Asia and northern Africa. It is known by several alternate names, including Bishopswort and Hedgenettle.
Although the herb was known to the ancient Greeks, its reputation as a panacea peaked during the Middle Ages. Gerard tells us that “the decoction with wine gargled in the mouth easeth the toothache” and “the powder taken with a little honey in some vinegar is good for refreshing those that are wearied by travel.”
Wood betony is traditionally served as tea “for the head” and as a nerve tonic. The leaves have a fairly high tannin content, which give infusions an astringent quality when applied to the skin. A whiff of the powdered herb usually incites a sneeze. In fact, wood betony was an ingredient in the once popular Rowley's British Herb Snuff.
