Medicinal herb
Sweet woodruff
Galium odoratum (L.) Scop
Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a low woodland perennial with leaves in whorls, which on wilting gives off the scent of freshly mown grass. The herb is used. Traditionally used in small quantities, because once dried it contains coumarin.
About the herb
What sweet woodruff is
the herb of sweet woodruff (Asperulae odoratae herba)
Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a low woodland perennial with leaves in whorls of eight and small white flowers. Fresh, it hardly smells at all; the characteristic scent of hay and vanilla develops only as it wilts and dries, when coumarin forms. It grows in beech woods, in the shade and on loose, humus-rich soil.
The flowering herb is gathered in May and June, just before flowering or at its beginning; it is cut above the ground. It is dried in the shade, in a thin layer, and the scent grows stronger as it dries.
Because of the coumarin it is used in small quantities and not every day. In Ašič's collection sweet woodruff appears in Strengthening Tea, where it is the only ingredient of its kind and gives the blend its characteristic scent.
Use and evidence
Flavouring food with it in small quantities is traditional, but there is no clinical basis for treating insomnia, the heart or the liver.
Safety and precautions
Too much can cause headache and nausea and increase the risk of bleeding, above all alongside anticoagulants; long-term use is not appropriate.
These notes are general and do not replace advice from a doctor or a pharmacist, above all in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, in children and alongside medicines.
Products containing this herb
Where you will find it in the range
1 product from Ašič's pharmacy contains sweet woodruff. The composition is listed with every product.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask about Sweet woodruff
Which products is sweet woodruff in?
Sweet woodruff is an ingredient of Strengthening Tea.
How is a tea from this plant made?
The instructions differ from blend to blend. For Strengthening Tea they are: Pour 3 decilitres of boiling water over two teaspoons of the blend. Leave it covered for 10 minutes, then strain. Drink it freshly made, several times a day, within 2 hours of brewing. If you like, enrich the tea with a spoonful of apple cider vinegar.
Are there any warnings about its use?
The product is no substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy way of life. Its use is no substitute for treatment with prescribed medicines. Ask a doctor about use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
How do I find out which blend is the right one for me?
Ring the pharmacist on +386 1 78 77 065 (Mon, Wed, Fri 8.00–14.00). Tell him what is troubling you and he will tell you what is traditionally used for it.
Related herbs
Often in the same blend
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