Medicinal Herb

Wood Betony

Stachys officinalis

The grounding head-and-neck herb for tension headaches.

Energetics Cooldryslightly bitter
Best prepared as InfusionTincture
Comes as Dried aerial partstincturetea
Helps with Tension headacheshead pressureanxietymild diarrhea
On this page stress & anxiety
The basics

How to take Wood Betony

These are the everyday prep instructions for Wood Betony — covered once here so each use case below can focus on what's specific to that purpose.

Infusion
Pour just-boiled water over 1–2 teaspoons of the dried herb, cover the cup (this traps the active compounds in the steam), and steep 5–15 minutes. Strain and sip.
Tincture
Take 30–60 drops in a small glass of water 1–3 times a day. Tinctures are alcohol or glycerin extracts — fast-absorbing, convenient for daily use and travel.
Dosage

Infusion: 1 tsp dried in 8oz hot, steep 10 min, 2-3x daily; Tincture: 30-60 drops, 3x daily

What to look for when buying: Dried aerial parts, tincture, and tea.

The general prep above applies to every use below. These cards explain what Wood Betony supports, why it works for each purpose, and what to notice.

How to use Wood Betony for stress and anxiety

Brew 1 teaspoon in hot water and sip slowly when tension builds.

Why it works for stress and anxiety

Nervine herbs (the herbal name for nervous-system supporters) gently quiet the body's stress response. Unlike anti-anxiety drugs, they don't numb — they soften, like having something stable to lean on.

What you'll notice
  • Take the edge off in 15–30 minutes
  • Build resilience to daily stress
  • Pair beautifully with meditation or breathwork
  • Non-habit-forming
  • Sleep more easily on stressful days

Frequently asked questions about Wood Betony

What is Wood Betony used for?+

Wood Betony is best known for stress and anxiety. Brew 1 teaspoon in hot water and sip slowly when tension builds.

What's the best way to prepare Wood Betony?+

Wood Betony can be prepared as infusion and tincture. For leaves and flowers, an infusion (steep in just-boiled water, covered) is best. For roots, barks, and seeds, a decoction (simmer for 20–30 minutes) is needed to extract the actives. Tinctures and capsules are convenient when you don't want to brew.

How much Wood Betony should I take?+

Infusion: 1 tsp dried in 8oz hot, steep 10 min, 2-3x daily; Tincture: 30-60 drops, 3x daily

What forms does Wood Betony come in?+

Wood Betony is sold as dried aerial parts, tincture, and tea. Whole dried herb is the most economical and lets you brew tea; tincture is convenient for daily use and travel; capsules are easiest if you don't like the taste.

How should I store Wood Betony?+

Airtight glass, cool dark; dried 1 yr

Is Wood Betony safe during pregnancy?+

Wood Betony has pregnancy cautions. Generally safe; avoid large doses in pregnancy If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your midwife, doctor, or a certified herbalist before using.

Is Wood Betony safe for pets?+

Wood Betony is generally safe around pets. Safe in small amounts As always, larger medicinal doses should be cleared with your vet.

Where does Wood Betony come from?+

Aerial parts; Europe

What are the energetics of Wood Betony?+

In traditional herbal systems like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, Wood Betony is considered cool, dry, and slightly bitter. Energetics describe how an herb feels in the body — cooling or warming, drying or moistening. They help match the herb to the person and the season.

Reference notes

About Wood Betony

Where it comes from

Aerial parts; Europe

Energetics, forms & preparation

Energetics: Cool, dry, slightly bitter.

Common forms: Dried aerial parts, tincture, tea.

Preparation methods: Infusion, Tincture.

Dosage: Infusion: 1 tsp dried in 8oz hot, steep 10 min, 2-3x daily; Tincture: 30-60 drops, 3x daily

How to store it

Airtight glass, cool dark; dried 1 yr

Safety

Generally safe; avoid large doses in pregnancy

Pregnancy caution

Pet safety — Generally safe

Safe in small amounts

Tagged for

Headache · Anxiety · Grounding · Nervous System

Type Medicinal Herb Availability Tier 2