Betony
OTHER NAME(S): Bétoine Officinale, Bétoine Pourprée, Bétoine Vulgaire, Betónica, Bishopswort, Bishop Wort, Épiaire Officinale, Épiaire Vulgaire, Hedge Nettles, Tabac des Gardes, Wood Betony, Stachys officinalis, Betonica officinalis, Stachys betonica, Betonía, Bétoine
Overview
Betony is an herb. It grows in Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. The parts that grow above the ground are dried and used to make medicine.
People use betony for asthma, heartburn, diarrhea, bladder and kidney stones, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
It is thought that the chemicals in betony may decrease blood pressure, and this suggests it might be useful for treating headache and anxiety.
It is thought that the chemicals in betony may decrease blood pressure, and this suggests it might be useful for treating headache and anxiety.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Swelling (inflammation) of the main airways in the lung (bronchitis).
- Asthma.
- Anxiety.
- Seizure disorder (epilepsy).
- Heartburn.
- Nerve pain.
- Gout.
- Bladder or kidney stones.
- Bladder pain and swelling (inflammation).
- Headache.
- Tension.
- Facial pain.
- Diarrhea.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of betony for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if betony is safe. It might cause stomach upset in some people, especially when used in larger amounts.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if betony is safe. It might cause stomach upset in some people, especially when used in larger amounts.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if betony is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Low blood pressure (hypotension): Betony might lower blood pressure. It might cause blood pressure to drop too low in people prone to low blood pressure.
Surgery: Betony might affect blood pressure. There is some concern that it might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop using betony at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with BetonyBetony might lower blood pressure. Taking betony along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low. Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of betony depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for betony. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3rd ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1993.
- The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
- Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines. 1st ed. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp., 1999.
- Paun G, Neagu E, Moroeanu V, et al. Phytochemical analysis and in vitro biological activity of Betonica officinalis and Salvia officinalis extracts. Romanian Biotechnol Lett. 2017;22(4):12751-12761.