Lamiaceae
Woundwort
Stachys palustris
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Asia, North America
Also known as: Marsh Woundwort, Clown's Woundwort, Marsh Hedge Nettle
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Parts Used
Aerial parts
Therapeutic Uses
Wound healing (topical — historical battlefield herb), cramps and spasms, bleeding, sore throat. Traditional 'woundwort' — applied directly to battlefield wounds.
Herbal Actions
Vulnerary (wound healing), antimicrobial, astringent, antispasmodic, nervine
Active Constituents
Alkaloids (betonicine, stachydrine, turicine), iridoids, flavonoids, tannins, betaine
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture🧴 Salve/Balm☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp dried herb per 250ml, steep 10 min, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 25% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Primarily topical wound herb. Fresh plant poultice traditional. Combine with comfrey and calendula for wound formula. Stachyrdine (betaine) improves cellular repair mechanisms. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Avoid high doses in pregnancy. No significant drug interactions.
Side Effects: Mild GI upset. Generally very well tolerated.