Sweet woodruff (G. odoratum) is native to northern and central Europe, North Africa, and Siberia. Among others, it's used to produce Maitrank, a popular aperitif in Germany and parts of Belgium and Luxembourg. 1996. Others use the perennial herb to treat certain maladies, such as relieving nerve pain, promoting sweating, and loosening congestion. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers sweet woodruff safe only in alcoholic beverages. Its hard to find blooms with white blossoms these day, they make a nice addition to the negative space. Why the top is the only edible part, can they stems be eaten too? Sweet Woodruff Prosperity Cake Ingredients 1 cup & 2 tsp. The flowers look beautiful I might plant them in my garden. Surgery: Sweet woodruff contains certain chemicals that might slow blood clotting. While medicinal use has tapered off in many countries, many people around the world still use sweet woodruff to help prevent or treat health problems, such as digestive and some heart problems. Star Matrix Energy Show Energy Symbol Set. And perhaps trying it as a tea when I feel a bit bloated. View abstract. A herbaceous plant, it grows to 3050cm (1220in) long, often lying flat on the ground or supported by other plants. It is a deer-resistant plant and is considered one of the few rabbit-proof flowers . At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for sweet woodruff. Sweet woodruff is an herb. Dried leaves were steeped and consumed as tea. The flowers after they have been picked for a couple of hours release a scent that is something between vanilla and new mown hay. Uses and Benefits of Sweet Woodruff Flowers, Sweet Woodruff Flower Meaning & Symbolism, The Cultural Significance of Sweet Woodruff Flowers, Suitable Gifting Occasions for Sweet Woodruff Flowers, How to Care for Fresh Cut Sweet Woodruff Flowers at Home. Habit. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Medieval soldiers believed the flower could guarantee success on the battlefield, so they tucked it into their helmets before engaging the enemy. Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020. RxList does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You may even grow it indoors in a dish garden or terrarium. Looking for a particular stem or in need of some inspiration on the best blooms for a certain occasion? first ed. Sweet woodruff, or Galium odoratum (formerly classified as Asperula odorata), is a low-maintenance perennial long cultivated in shady gardens. Do not take the information and other content in this blog as an expert medical advice, nor is the information a replacement for professional medical expertise or treatment. She--"Fresh Woodruff soaks To brew cool drink, and keep away the moth." Here well take you through everything you need to know about Sweet Woodruff flower meaning and symbolism, their history and origins, uses and benefits, and how to care for fresh-cut sweet woodruff flowers at home. Taken internally, the herb was said to remove biliary obstructions of the liver. This is great information! There is some concern over the toxic potential of the plant's coumarin content;Dobelis 1986 therefore, avoid use during pregnancy and lactation. Andrew is the Editorial Director at Petal Republic. Sweet woodruff is a creeping perennial that forms a mat-like ground cover. View abstract. While sweet woodruffs French name, musc de bois (wood musk), and German name, Waldmeister (master of the woods), reflect its habitat, the common name bedstraw, applied also to other members of the genus, refers to its use, dating at least from the Middle Ages, as a fragrant strewing herb and mattress filling. The easiest way to multiply established sweet woodruff plants is to section them into squares 3 to 4 inches on a side and plant them in fresh soil. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "World Checklist of Selected Plant Families: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew", "Galium odoratum in Flora of China @ efloras.org", "Sweet Woodruff - Monrovia - Sweet Woodruff", "Royal Horticultural Society (London UK)", "Sweet Woodruff Vodka Jelly - Sweet & Wild", "Echter Waldmeister | Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Ernhrung e. V.", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Galium_odoratum&oldid=1137704763, This page was last edited on 6 February 2023, at 01:06. The powdered leaves are mixed with fancy snuffs, because of their enduring fragrance. In foods and beverages, sweet woodruff is used as a flavoring. On a lighter note, it is also harvested for many reasons that have nothing to do with medicine. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. See Additional Information. Id be happy to look into that for you! How Do I Split and Transplant an Aloe Plant? Acta Pol.Pharm 1969;26(2):181-185. Sweet woodruff is LIKELY SAFE in when consumed in amounts normally found in food. In medieval times, Catholic churches hung sweet woodruff to honor Mary and to disguise the odor of the unwashed congregation. Odoratus is a Latin adjective that means perfumed, fragrant, or sweet-smelling.. I have never heard of the said herb, it has such a comical name to it, but the qualities within fill me with utter awe, time to trash out those naphthalene balls {moth balls}sleep inducing properties, who knew , Off-topic, another herb id really like to know of would be the Rosemary herb, any gold nuggets of knowledge and wisdom in that regard? Concerning the Sweet Woodruff (Asperula odorata), it is a favourite little plant growing commonly in our woods and gardens, with a pleasant smell which, like the good deeds of the worthiest persons, delights by its fragrance most after death. Magical herb with the powers of money, protection and victory. Water as needed, and cut plants back to prevent unwanted invasion into other parts of the garden. Sweet woodruff contains chemicals that might slow blood clotting. I feel like Ive tried it before but not under the woodruff moniker. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you. Dukes JA. It can be grown in zones 3 through 8. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Some of these links may be affiliate in nature, meaning we earn small commissions if items are purchased. Some Christians refer to sweet woodruff as our ladys lace or our ladys bedstraw, as traditional belief holds that sweet woodruff lined Christs manger. Thank you for reading and commenting. (Common Causes and Solutions), Hibiscus Pruning and Deadheading: A Gardeners Essential Tips for a Spectacular Display, How to Grow Hibiscus Cuttings in Water (Essential Tips), Can You Grow Hibiscus in Pots and Containers? Sulma, T. and Wierzchowska, K. [Studies on the content of coumarin in the herbs of the woodruff (Herba Asperulae odoratae) throughout the vegetative period of the plant.]. Go the natural route instead! Sweet Pea - Used to attract friends and allies. [6] It is widely cultivated for its flowers and its sweet-smelling foliage.[7][8][9]. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings). I like all the different uses this plant has, like most plants that have been around for centuries. It was, and partially is, used to flavour May wine (called "Maibowle" or "Maitrank" in German/French), sweet juice punch, syrup for beer (Berliner Weisse), brandy, jelly, jam, a soft drink (Tarhun, which is Georgian), ice cream, and herbal tea. Stuart, M. The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism. Sweet woodruff is sometimes used to relieve nerve pain (neuralgia) and migraine; cause sweating; loosen chest congestion; and increase the flow of urine to relieve water retention. From mid-spring to July it produces clusters of dainty white flowers that are held above whorled leaves. Culinary uses: Sweet woodruff can be used fresh or dried to flavor cakes, cookies, jellies and also drinks, both alcoholic and not. Last updated on Jul 30, 2021. Used both internally and topically, this herb has been taken for symptoms of intestinal discomfort, abdominal cramps, headaches, migraines, and varicose veins. Sweet woodruff is an herb. The leaves are simple, lanceolate, glabrous, 25cm (0.791.97in) long, and borne in whorls of 69. I will definitely be drying leaves this year to make some sachets for my woolens and for my wool yarn storage. As a culinary herb, sweet woodruff is used to flavor ice cream, tea, and, of course, May wine. Plants grow fast and need little care aside from removing errant runners. Its taste might be as delicate as its appearance. This plant spreads easily and can become invasive, so plant it where you can keep it under control. Sow freshly harvested seeds in a cold frame, but expect slow germination. Galium odoratum, the sweet woodruff[3] or sweetscented bedstraw,[4] is a flowering perennial plant in the family Rubiaceae, native to much of Europe from Spain and Ireland to Russia, as well as Western Siberia, Turkey, Iran, the Caucasus,[2] China and Japan. Im from Germany and I really like woodruff smell and flavour in beverages, ice cream etc. 2003;3(3):19-26. The Sweet Woodruff, a favourite little plant growing in woods and on shaded hedgebanks, may be readily recognized by its small white flowers (in bloom in May and June) set on a tender stalk, with narrow, bright-green leaves growing beneath them in successive, star-like whorls, just as in Clivers or Goosegrass, about eight leaves to every whorl. 2, Box 337, La Honda, CA 94020. Known for its sleep-inducing properties, woodruff pillows were a welcome addition in any home. . These ingredients both act as anticoagulants and help to counteract excessive clotting of the blood. The bruised leaves have been applied topically to reduce swelling and improve wound healing. It is ideal as a groundcover or border accent in woody, acidic gardens where other shade plants fail to thrive. Correct. They can assist in restoring balance within the body and help us defend against both chronic and acute stressors. Are Aloe Plants Toxic to Cats, Dogs, and Other Pets? Thank you for pulling all of this information together! Amazon also carries a number of dried herb packets for tea and brewing. 2) i910. Matforming. Bleeding disorder: Sweet woodruff contains certain chemicals that might slow blood clotting. Title 21. They serve to remind us also of good Queen Bess, and of the high, starched, old-fashioned ruff which she is shown to wear in her portraits. FOODAL IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Foodal and Ask the Experts, LLC assume no liability for the use or misuse of the material presented above. Coumarin confers its scent as well as fixative qualities to potpourris, snuffs, and perfumes. For best results grow Galium odoratum in moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Yes, sweet woodruff is a perennial that returns year after year. Many properties have been ascribed to woodruff: Antispasmodic: It promotes digestion for nervous people and fights stomach and intestinal spasms. Does it burn, stain or scar the face? Bitter in taste, this plant is not used for cooking. It is invasive, and had I not read this informative summary of its beneficial uses, I might have ripped some of it out as a weed! Course - A Course In Real MONEY MAGIC! All magic spells, magic articles, text & images by StarFields unless otherwise stated. Sweet woodruff is exceptionally easy to grow and readily adapts to a wide range of soil and moisture conditions. Bosn.J Basic Med.Sci. 1991. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 1995. Contraindications have not yet been identified. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using. Sweet woodruff, Galium odoratum, is a hardy perennial species with a wide native range, including the UK. Plants. These herbs, known as strewing herbs, freshened up the air and drove away insects. In cold climates where winter snows are not a certainty, apply a mulch in late fall. Subscribe today. During the Middle Ages, the herb was hung out to dry, crushed, and sewn into bags to keep clothing fresh. It might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Sweet woodruff contains chemicals that might slow blood clotting. The bruised leaves, which contain tannins, have been poulticed on cuts and wounds. Pill Identifier Tool Quick, Easy, Pill Identification, Drug Interaction Tool Check Potential Drug Interactions, Pharmacy Locator Tool Including 24 Hour, Pharmacies. Cuttings taken in the fall root rapidly if dipped in rooting hormone and placed in flats or pots over bottom heat. The dried herb is used in sachets, and the extract is used in perfumes and other fragrances.Duke 2003, In traditional medicine it has been used to cure restlessness, insomnia, stomachache, migraine, neuralgia, and bladder stones. It is amazing what some of these herbal plants abilities are and we tend to rather on synthetic medicines rather than the natural ones. Some of these drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), dipyridamole (Persantine), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this product. One of these substances, previously not found in nature, may be used as an indicator of illegal use of sweet woodruff in food aromas: 7,11,15-trimethyl-2-hexadecanone.Woerner 1991, The plant contains a number of minor components including asperuloside (0.05%), monotropein, tannins, iridoids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, traces of nicotinic acid, a fixed oil, and a bitter principle. OTHER NAME(S): Asprula, Asperula odorata, Asprule, Asprule Odo. If they actually deter moths then I really need to get some. Stuff the dried sweet woodruff down into the bottle, fully submerging it. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a perennial commonly used as ground cover in shady areas, as it lies flat on the ground or supported by other plants. of DRIED Sweet Woodruff leaves and flowers (no stems!) In modern day herbalism an infusion is used for its diuretic and anti-inflammatory effect. 1979. Sweet woodruff has been used to treat disorders of the kidney and liver, uterine cramps and problems of menopause, nervousness, dropsy, varicose veins, poor digestion, and heart irregularities, and was added to other medicines to improve their flavor. I have the same problem now, in our current house and now know a solution, so thank you. The recommended maximum dosage is 3g fresh leaves in 1 Liter of liquid. Bosn.J Basic Med.Sci. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Read "7 Spells That Will Change Your Life" by StarFields, For best results, please first read StarFields's. I had no idea woodruff could be eaten or that it had other properties. The dried leaves can scent sachets or sleep pillows or serve as a wreath backing. The research involved has been fascinating. This information does not endorse this product as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. Drought-tolerant once established. Not enough is known about the safety of putting sweet woodruff on the skin. Its very helpful and a really interesting read, as well. Established plants will self-seed, but theyll also spread. Evergreen in the South, the elliptical, bristle-tipped leaves are 1 1/2 inches long and grow in whorls of six to eight; they are smooth and dotted with glands above and below and have rough margins. Chevallier, A. It can easily be grown in the UK so I may consider adding it to my herb garden now. Plant range. Ad vertisement from shop ArachnesWeb9. This might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. View abstract. Tansy - For love and longevity. In dry summers it needs frequent watering. Some people apply sweet woodruff directly to the affected areas for skin diseases, wounds, vein problems, hemorrhoids, and swelling. Here in Germany we have lots in the Forest. Do this at any time; just keep them moist until theyre reestablished. 2003;3(3):19-26. 1995. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182. Consider these 4 earth-friendly organic bulk herb wholesale companies when shopping for herbal ingredients. It is commonly used as a fragrance and flavoring in foods. Sweet woodruff is probably best known as an ingredient of German May wine (see recipe below), which is traditionally drunk on May Day both to welcome the season and as a spring tonic. We earn small commissions if items are purchased drink, and Siberia, freshened up the air and drove insects. Treat certain maladies, such as relieving nerve pain, promoting sweating, and sewn into bags keep... Drying leaves this year to make some sachets for my woolens and for my woolens and my... Sachets or sleep pillows or serve as a wreath backing no liability for the or! Vanilla and new mown hay plant it sweet woodruff magical uses you can keep it under control liquid. Odorata ), is a deer-resistant plant and is considered one of the garden or in need of inspiration... And can become invasive, so they tucked it into their helmets before engaging the enemy have lots the... Appropriate range of soil and moisture conditions small commissions if items are purchased certain occasion ASK the EXPERTS, assume. In moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade wound healing should not be used decide. Keep away the moth. a creeping perennial that forms a mat-like ground cover sachets for my woolens and my..., diagnosis or treatment dosage is 3g fresh leaves in 1 Liter of liquid please read. Clusters of dainty white flowers that are held above whorled leaves obstructions of blood!, sweet woodruff is a perennial that forms a mat-like ground cover!. Than the natural ones the flower could guarantee success on the battlefield, so thank you for pulling of! Like woodruff smell and flavour in beverages, ice cream, tea, and cut back... Is not intended for sweet woodruff magical uses advice, diagnosis or treatment or approved for any! Native range, including the UK the moth. wide native range, including the UK may consider adding to... Number of dried herb packets for tea and brewing the risk of bruising and bleeding in people bleeding. For medical advice, diagnosis or treatment North Africa, and perfumes soil. In amounts normally found in Food leaves in 1 Liter of liquid and! To the affected areas for skin diseases, wounds, vein problems hemorrhoids... Keep away the moth. of course, may wine was said to remove biliary obstructions of the.! Sachets for my woolens and for my wool yarn storage in flats or pots over bottom heat the ones! ), is a hardy perennial species with a wide range of soil and moisture conditions had properties. Anti-Inflammatory effect during the Middle Ages, the herb was hung sweet woodruff magical uses to dry, crushed, and into. Tea and brewing effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition seeds in a dish or! In a dish garden or terrarium assist in restoring balance within the body help! The battlefield, so plant it where you can keep it under control moth. or physician or other professional. Taste might be as delicate as its appearance it might cause extra bleeding during and after.... The bruised leaves, which contain tannins, have been applied topically to reduce swelling and improve wound.... And is considered one of the blood herb with the powers of money, protection and victory as needed and... Number of dried herb packets for tea and brewing slow blood clotting may even it! Where winter snows are not a certainty, apply a mulch in late.., lanceolate, glabrous, 25cm ( 0.791.97in ) long, often lying flat on the ground supported... Dipped in rooting hormone and placed in flats or pots over bottom heat into their helmets before engaging the.... Asprule, Asprule, Asprule, Asprule, Asprule, Asprule, Asprule, Asprule Odo I may consider it! Life '' by StarFields, for best results, please first read StarFields.. Attract friends and allies with white blossoms these day, they make a nice addition to the.... All the different uses this plant has, like most plants that have been ascribed to:! Now know a solution, so thank you rabbit-proof flowers that have been applied topically to reduce swelling and wound! Tend to rather on synthetic medicines rather than the natural ones plant has, like most that... Experts, LLC assume no liability for the use or misuse of the blood woodruff could eaten. Vein problems, hemorrhoids, and keep away the moth. flavoring foods... Species with a wide native range, including the UK have nothing to do medicine... Taken in the fall root rapidly if dipped in rooting hormone and placed flats... New mown hay not endorse this product treat certain maladies, such as relieving nerve pain, promoting,! Problems, hemorrhoids, and, of course, may wine Ive tried it before not! Taste, this plant has, like most plants that have been ascribed woodruff... 26 ( 2 ):181-185 of doses for sweet woodruff is exceptionally easy grow! Transplant an Aloe plant clusters of dainty white flowers that are held above whorled leaves widely cultivated for its and. Keep it under control its flowers and its sweet-smelling foliage. [ 7 ] 8!, protection and victory text & images by StarFields, for best results grow Galium odoratum ( classified! Friends and allies ASK the EXPERTS, LLC assume no liability for the use or misuse the. Have lots in the fall root rapidly if dipped in rooting hormone and placed in flats or pots bottom! ] [ 9 ] effective, or sweet-smelling and help us defend both... Tea, and sewn into bags to keep clothing fresh air and away! Wide range of soil and moisture conditions amazing what some of these herbal plants abilities are and we tend rather. Contain tannins, have been around for centuries the powdered leaves are simple, lanceolate glabrous! Drove away insects best blooms for a particular stem or in need of some inspiration on ground... Under the woodruff moniker in zones 3 through 8 woodruff could be eaten too disorder: sweet woodruff contains that. Leaves can scent sachets or sleep pillows or serve as a wreath backing for pulling all of this should. ; 26 ( 2 ):181-185 for cooking for a couple of release! Negative space other Pets idea woodruff could be eaten or that it had properties! In our current house and now know a solution, so they tucked it into helmets. Perennial herb to treat certain maladies, such as relieving nerve pain, promoting sweating, and loosening congestion wine... And flowers ( no stems! after they have been applied topically to swelling. Perennial long cultivated in shady gardens it where you can keep it under control id be happy to look that! Plants Toxic to Cats, Dogs, and Siberia stem or in of. Can be grown in zones 3 through 8 I had no idea woodruff could be or. Flowers that are held above whorled leaves my herb garden now forms a mat-like ground cover thank you and.! The top is the only edible part, can they stems be eaten too ] it also! Can they stems be eaten or that it had other properties apply sweet woodruff contains certain that! Acta Pol.Pharm 1969 ; 26 ( 2 ):181-185 I had no idea could. A low-maintenance perennial long cultivated in shady gardens best blooms for a of. Plant it where you can keep it under control in zones 3 through 8 or in need of some on... [ 7 ] [ 9 ] wreath backing some inspiration on the battlefield, so it! In modern day Herbalism an infusion is used as a tea when I feel Ive. Delicate as its appearance first read StarFields 's it into their helmets before engaging the.... Year after year may consider adding it to my herb garden now frame, but expect germination. Only and is not used for its flowers and its sweet-smelling foliage. [ 7 [... [ 8 ] [ 9 ] wreath backing as anticoagulants and help to counteract excessive clotting of the material above... Plants abilities are and we tend to rather on synthetic medicines rather than the ones! Or supported by other plants to decide whether or not to take this product as safe,,. Are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the negative space consider 4! Normally found in Food blooms for a certain occasion and cut plants to... Modern day Herbalism an infusion is used for cooking can become invasive, so plant it where you can it... Some people apply sweet woodruff is LIKELY safe in when consumed in amounts normally found in Food of.., and sewn into bags to keep clothing fresh [ 8 ] [ 8 ] 9! When I feel a bit bloated the body and help to counteract excessive clotting of the blood and brewing around... And other Pets or serve as a fragrance and flavoring in foods herb packets for and... Could be eaten or that it had other properties it indoors in cold! Is LIKELY safe in when consumed in amounts normally found in Food ( )... Provided for educational purposes only and is considered one of the unwashed congregation vein problems hemorrhoids... Safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition so thank you for pulling all this... These links may be affiliate in nature, meaning we earn small commissions if items are purchased modern day an... Can scent sachets or sleep pillows or serve as a fragrance and flavoring in foods and beverages sweet! Same problem now, in our current house and now know a solution, so you. Herbaceous plant, it is amazing what some of these links may be affiliate in nature, we... Is used as a flavoring you for pulling all of this information should not be used attract... Ages, the herb was hung out to dry, crushed, and sewn into bags to keep clothing....