Sweet Woodruff as an Herb

(Galium odoratum)

The name Sweet Woodruff appears in the thirteenth century as 'Wuderove,' and later as 'Wood-rove' - the rove being derived, it is said, from the French rovelle, a wheel, in allusion to the spoke-like arrangement of the leaves in whorls. In old French works it appears as Muge-de-boys, musk of the woods.

The agreeable odor of Sweet Woodruff is due to a crystalline chemical principle called Coumarin, which is used in perfumery, not only on account of its own fragrance, but for its property of fixing other odors.

The powdered leaves are mixed with fancy snuffs, because of their enduring fragrance, and also put into potpourri.

Medicinal Uses for Sweet Woodruff

Sweet Woodruff is good for the liver, cuts, wounds, diuretic, antispasmodic, blood purifier and tonic, cleanses kidney and bladder obstructions, also used to flavor German May wine, and for scenting perfume.

The dried herb may be kept among linen, like lavender, to preserve it from insects. In the Middle Ages it used to be hung and strewed in churches, and on St. Barnabas Day and on St. Peter's, bunches of box, Woodruff, lavender and roses found a place there. It was also used for stuffing beds.

There is no proven safe or effective dose of sweet woodruff. Nonetheless, a tea of sweet woodruff made by pouring 3 cups of boiled water over herb (1 ounce of dry herb or 1-1/2 ounce of fresh herb) and letting the tea steep for 10 minutes has been used.

Culinary

In Germany, one of the favorite hockcups is still made by steeping the fresh sprigs in Rhine wine. This forms a specially delightful drink, known as Maibowle, and drunk on the first of May.

Also used as a beverage for wedding nights.

Waldmeisterbowle: Traditionally served on Mayday - the woodruff and lemon help to salvage what would otherwise be a less than perfect and almost at it's sell-by date white wine - the last of the previous season's. Steep a good handful of Woodruff and a sliced lemon in 2 liters of cheap white wine for at least 24 hours. Strain, serve with some sliced strawberries and a few fresh sprigs of woodruff floating in the punch-bowl. Best served chilled.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers sweet woodruff safe when taken in alcoholic beverages.

Caution

There is no proven safe or effective dose of sweet woodruff in children, and use is not recommended.

Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding.

---

DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.