# Betony (Betonica officinalis)

**Betonica**

**Known today as.** Wood betony, *Betonica officinalis*.

Kind: Plant  
Qualities: Hot and dry (Galenic tradition).

## What did Canale use it for?

Its water and syrup in preparatives for phlegmatic patients; the root among the gentle vomitories; also among the amulets (chs. 2–5, 10).

## What does modern science say?

Betony was one of the most esteemed herbs of the Middle Ages, credited with power against almost everything, including evil spirits. Modern evidence for any effect is slight. The root is unpleasant to the stomach, which fits Canale’s use of it among the vomitories.

## Pharmacognosy and toxicology

- **stachydrine**: a betaine
- **betonicine**: 
- **harpagide**: an iridoid
- **tannins**: 

**Mechanism.** Astringent tannins and a mild bitterness; the alkaloid betaines are not sedative in any measured sense, and the ancient reputation against nearly every disease (Antonius Musa’s forty-seven) has no pharmacological footing.

**Dose.** No toxicity at tea doses; the root is emetic and purgative in quantity, which is the “gentle vomit” of Canale.

**Standing.** No monograph; a herb of the older herbals only.

## What lore surrounds it?

“Sell your coat and buy betony,” ran an Italian proverb; it was planted in churchyards and worn against evil spirits.

## What did the older authorities say?

**Antonius Musa (attributed).** A late antique treatise under the name of Augustus’s physician lists forty-seven ailments betony will cure.

**The Old English Herbal.** Says betony guards a man against frightful night visitors and terrible visions and dreams.

## Sources

- Grieve, M. *A Modern Herbal*, “Betony, Wood.” As published on botanical.com.
- Wichtl, M. (2004). *Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals*, 3rd ed.
- Háznagy-Radnai, E., et al. (2012). “Antiinflammatory activities of Hungarian *Stachys* species.” *Phytotherapy Research* 26.

---

*Betony.* In *Materia Medica*, edited by B. C. P. Statema. Version 1, revised 2026-09-25. The Thinking Press. https://thethinkingpress.org/materia-medica/betony

Historical description, not medical advice.