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| Stachys sylvatica |
As the herb
stops bleeding & promotes the
healing of tissues so splendidly, it would make a safe & excellent first aid ointment.
It was used in traditional herbal medicine to treat kidney problems.In earlier times, this herb was mainly used to cure
cuts &
injuries & generally used in the form of a poultice prepared with the fresh leaves.
Woundwort possesses
antispasmodic properties & since long, the herb has been traditionally used as a medication to treat
gout,
cramps &
aching joints.
It is also effective in stopping
hemorrhages as well as healing
wounds.
The entire woundwort plant has several medicinal properties, including
antipyretic ,
antiseptic,
antibacterial,
astringent,
antispasmodic,
carminative &
febrifuge ,
diuretic,
stomachic ,
hypotensive &
tonic,
styptic,
vulnerary &
vermifuge. While an infusion prepared with cold water & freshly sliced or dried as well as powdered leaves is said to be a
revitalizing drink, a weak infusion of the herb may also be used as
therapeutic eyewash for sties & pinkeye.
In addition, woundwort is also ingested as a remedial tea to treat
diarrhea,
fevers,
internal hemorrhage,
tender mouth & throat as well as the
debility of the heart & liver. Woundwort plant also yields a yellow dye or pigment.
RECIPES:Woundwort, especially its tuberous roots, are edible & eaten both raw & cooked. It is considered to be a healthy & nourishing food having a pleasing gentle nutty taste. One may also prepare bread & other items by using the dried & pounded powder of the tuberous woundwort roots.
The tubers of this plant are formed during autumn. While they are somewhat small in size, the tuberous roots are moderately smooth & formed in reasonable amounts & hence, they are not very difficult to use.
The young shoots of the herb can also be consumed after cooking much in the same way as asparagus. Hence, these shoots are often used as a substitute for asparagus.
Although the shoots have a pleasing flavor, their smell is disgusting.