Medicinal Properties and uses of Wood Betony
Wood Betony (Pedicularis Canadensis) is called by many other names. Some have called it Lousewort, American Lousewort, Common Lousewort, Canadian Lousewort, Bishop Wort, and Betony. As some of the names suggest, a strong tea of Wood Betony will kill lice or scabies. A strong decoction will kill intestinal worms in humans or animals. Wood Betony has been used since the time of the Roman Empire. They thought it cured everything. It grows wild in North America and was much prized by Native Americans. They cooked the leaves and stems to make a pot herb. Wood Betony is used to relieve stress and pain. It is used as a pain reliever for headaches, migraines, neuralgia, colic, swelling, muscle aches, and rheumatism. It lowers fevers. It can be used for anxiety, dizziness, and excessive sweating. It is usually used in the form of tea, but is sometimes smoked for headaches and migraines. Wood Betony is an expectorant. Tea from the leaves is used for sore throats, tonsillitis, coughing, b...