# Wood Betony (Stachys officinalis)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/wood-betony
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Stachys officinalis, Betonica officinalis, Bishop's Wort, Purple Betony, Common Hedgenettle, Bishopswort, Self-Heal Betony, Lousewort

## Overview

Wood betony (Stachys officinalis) contains tannins, flavonoids, and betaine as primary bioactive compounds. These compounds may modulate GABA [neurotransmitter activity](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) and possess mild astringent properties that could support digestive and nervous system function.

## Health Benefits

• Traditional nerve tonic for anxiety support (traditional use only, no clinical evidence provided) • Digestive support for heartburn, acidity, and diarrhea (traditional use only) • [Blood pressure regulation](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) (traditional claim, no clinical validation) • Sleep and [memory](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) support (historical use, no scientific studies cited) • [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties (traditional constituent analysis only)

## Mechanism of Action

Wood betony's tannins and flavonoids may enhance GABAergic neurotransmission, promoting relaxation and anxiety reduction. The herb's astringent tannins can tighten mucous membranes in the digestive tract, potentially reducing [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and supporting [gut barrier](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) function. Betaine compounds may contribute to methylation processes and [neurotransmitter](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) synthesis.

## Clinical Summary

Clinical research on wood betony is extremely limited, with no peer-reviewed human studies available for most traditional uses. Most evidence comes from in vitro studies examining [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties of its flavonoid compounds. Traditional use data spans centuries in European herbalism, but lacks standardized preparations or controlled trials. Current evidence is insufficient to support specific therapeutic claims.

## Nutritional Profile

Wood Betony (Stachys officinalis) is not a significant source of macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) in culinary quantities, as it is consumed primarily as a medicinal herb or tea. Key bioactive compounds include: iridoid glycosides (harpagide, aucubin — approximate range 0.5–2% dry weight), which contribute to bitter tonic and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties with moderate oral bioavailability; phenylethanoid glycosides (acteoside/verbascoside — approximately 0.3–1.5% dry weight), known for [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) but subject to partial degradation during digestion; flavonoids including apigenin, luteolin, and their glycosides (approximately 0.5–1.2% dry weight), with variable bioavailability dependent on gut microbiota deconjugation; rosmarinic acid (a hydroxycinnamic acid derivative, approximately 0.2–0.8% dry weight), well-absorbed orally and associated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects; diterpenes and triterpenoids (oleanolic acid, ursolic acid — trace to 0.3% dry weight) with limited oral bioavailability due to poor solubility; tannins (condensed and hydrolysable, approximately 3–8% dry weight), contributing astringent properties relevant to digestive support but with low systemic bioavailability; alkaloids (stachydrine/betonicine — approximately 0.1–0.5% dry weight), which may contribute to neurological and [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) traditional claims; betaine derivatives supporting osmoregulation; and minor essential oils contributing aromatic and mild carminative properties. Micronutrient content is modest: trace minerals including potassium, calcium, and magnesium are present at low concentrations typical of dried aerial herbal material. Bioavailability note: most bioactive compounds are significantly influenced by preparation method (infusion vs. decoction), with aqueous infusions favoring extraction of glycosides, flavonoids, and rosmarinic acid, while tannin extraction increases with longer steeping times. First-pass hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and [gut microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) activity substantially modulate systemic availability of phenolic compounds.

## Dosage & Preparation

Traditional herbalist recommendations suggest 30-40 drops of liquid extract, 2-4 times daily, though these lack clinical validation. No standardized dosage ranges from clinical studies are available. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Wood betony is generally considered safe when used as a traditional herbal tea, with no major side effects reported in historical use. Potential interactions may occur with sedative medications due to possible GABA-enhancing effects. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established through clinical studies. High doses may cause gastrointestinal upset due to tannin content.

## Scientific Research

No clinical trials, meta-analyses, or peer-reviewed studies were provided in the research dossier. The available information comes exclusively from commercial vendors and general wellness websites without PubMed citations or clinical evidence.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Wood Betony has a long history in traditional European herbalism as a 'nervine' herb for anxiety and tension. Traditional applications included treatment of digestive problems, mouth and throat irritation, high [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health), [insomnia](/ingredients/condition/sleep), and poor [memory](/ingredients/condition/cognitive).

## Synergistic Combinations

No synergistic ingredients documented in available research

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the recommended dosage for wood betony?

Traditional preparations use 1-2 grams of dried herb as tea, taken 2-3 times daily. However, no standardized clinical dosing guidelines exist due to lack of controlled studies.

### How long does wood betony take to work for anxiety?

Traditional sources suggest effects may be felt within 30-60 minutes when used as tea. However, this timeline is based on historical use rather than clinical evidence.

### Can wood betony interact with blood pressure medications?

Theoretical interactions are possible due to traditional claims of blood pressure effects. Consult healthcare providers before combining with antihypertensive medications, as no interaction studies exist.

### Is wood betony the same as regular betony?

Yes, wood betony and betony typically refer to the same plant (Stachys officinalis). It's also called bishop's wort or purple betony in some regions.

### What compounds make wood betony potentially effective?

Primary active compounds include tannins (4-15%), flavonoids like apigenin and luteolin, and betaine alkaloids. Tannins provide astringent properties while flavonoids contribute antioxidant effects.

### Is wood betony safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Wood betony has not been adequately studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so its safety in these populations is unknown. Pregnant and nursing individuals should consult a healthcare provider before using wood betony supplements. Traditional use does not establish safety in these sensitive periods.

### What is the difference between wood betony tea, tincture, and dried herb forms?

Wood betony is available as dried herb for tea infusions, liquid tinctures for faster absorption, and dried powder in capsules for convenience. Tea infusions allow for flexible dosing and are easy to prepare, while tinctures are more concentrated and have a longer shelf life. The form you choose depends on personal preference and how quickly you want to experience effects, though absorption rates between forms have not been clinically compared.

### What does the current scientific evidence say about wood betony's effectiveness?

Most health claims about wood betony, including anxiety relief, digestive support, and blood pressure regulation, are based on traditional use and historical practice rather than rigorous clinical trials. Modern scientific research on wood betony is limited, and no large-scale human studies have definitively proven its effectiveness for any specific condition. The active compounds in wood betony have been identified through chemical analysis, but their effects in the human body remain largely unstudied.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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