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.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- 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.
Is it Safe?
It is thought that the chemicals in betony may decrease blood pressure, and this suggests it might be useful for treating headache and anxiety.
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.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
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.
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Betony 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.
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure: Betony might lower blood pressure. Combining betony with other herbs or supplements that have this same effect might make blood pressure drop too low. Some of these herbs and supplements include andrographis, casein peptides, cat's claw, coenzyme Q-10, fish oil, L-arginine, lycium, stinging nettle, theanine, and others.
There are no known interactions with foods.
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.
Bétoine, Betónica, Betonica officinalis, Bishopswort, Bishop Wort, Épiaire Officinale, Épiaire Vulgaire, Hedge Nettles, Stachys betonica, Stachys officinalis, Tabac des Gardes, Wood Betony.
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