Description

Stachys officinalis (Betonica Officinalis) is commonly known as common hedgenettle, betony, purple betony, wood betony, bishopwort, or bishop’s wort. It was planted in churchyards to prevent activity by ghosts. A different way to take advantage of this herb’s protection is to dye some wool with it. It makes chartreuse on wool with alum mordant,  Betony was an ingredient of “Pistoja powder,” an old remedy for arthritis and gout. It was also claimed to be effective against snake and dog bites, and was believed to be a cure for drunkenness.