Betony

We found a lovely herb today. This is Betony, Stachys officinalis. It is a member of the Mint family (Lamiaceae) and it flowers from July until September.

Betony is a wonderfully useful herb. It has been used since Roman times to protect people from sorcery. It is planted in graveyards to keep the ghosts still and tying the leaves around your neck can prevent bad dreams and specifically prevent “Frightful Nocturnal Goblins.”

I can tell you that it does all of these things and it really works. I haven’t seen a frightful nocturnal goblin for ages. I love flowers with magical properties.

The plant also has a long history of use as a herbal medicine and was regarded as a panacea with a thousand virtues. Unfortunately unlike it’s magical properties most of the medicinal claims have now been disproved and it is really just a lovely herb with a beautiful name. (and  white magic)