Rubiaceae
Sweet Woodruff
Galium odoratum
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, North Africa, Western Asia
Also known as: Woodruff, Master of the Woods, Wild Baby's Breath
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Aerial parts
Therapeutic Uses
Insomnia, restlessness, nervous tension, headaches, venous insufficiency, liver complaints, stomach complaints. Traditional May wine (Maibowl) herb — small amounts.
Herbal Actions
Antispasmodic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, sedative (mild), anticoagulant (coumarin)
Active Constituents
Coumarins (coumarin — anticoagulant, up to 1%), asperuloside (iridoid), tannins, flavonoids, organic acids
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp dried herb per 250ml, steep 10 min, 2x daily |
| Tincture | 1–2 ml (1:5, 25% ethanol), 2–3x daily |
| Notes | Low dose — coumarin content limits use. Should not be used in large quantities. Traditional May Day beverage (May wine) with fresh herb. Coumarin hepatotoxic in large amounts. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
⚠ Known interactions
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy. Avoid with anticoagulants (coumarin content). Do not use large amounts. Liver disease — caution.
Side Effects: Hepatotoxicity with large doses. Headache with high doses. Anticoagulant effects. Vomiting.