Woodruff – Sweet
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Botanical Name |
Gallium odoratum |
|
Family |
Rubiaceae |
|
Other Names |
Asperula odorata, waldmeister’s tea |
|
Habitat |
Woods, hedges |
|
Description |
Perennial, hairless up to 30cm/1ft tall Upright, rectangular stems, unbranched, slender, quadrangular, brittle Leaves in whorls, 6-9 elliptical, pointed bristles on edges Flowers: white, forming loose heads, 4 petals April – June Fruit covered in hooked bristles |
|
Native to |
Britain, Europe, Asia |
|
Parts Used |
Herb |
|
Actions |
Antispasmodic, cardiac, carmative, diuretic, hepatic, sedative, stomachic, tonic |
|
Constituents |
Iridoids: asperuloside (0.05%), monotropein Coumarins, tanninsm anthraquinones, flavonoids, nicotinic acid |
|
Other Notes |
The word gallium comes from the Greek word for milk as it was used to curdle milk in cheese making |
|
Cautions |
Use only under the supervision of a medical herbalist |