Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs - Scott Cunningham 1985

Betony, Wood
The Herbs

(Stachys betonica, Stachys officinalis, Betonica officinalis) G

Folk Names: Bishopwort, Lousewort, Purple Betony

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Jupiter

Element: Fire

Powers: Protection, Purification, Love

Magical Uses: Betony has long been celebrated as a protective and purificatory herb. The pseudo-Apuleius said that the plant protected the wearer’s soul as well as the body, and that when placed beneath the pillow it shielded the sleeper from visions and dreams. Betony is added to purification and protection mixtures and incenses, and it is traditional on Midsummer to burn it on a bonfire and then jump through the smoke to purify the body of ills and evil.

Betony is also grown in gardens to protect the home, and is scattered near doors and windows. This forms a kind of protective wall around the property through which no evil can pass.

Betony is also a good plant to carry when making love advances, and is said to reunite quarelling couples if the plant is added to food.

Additionally, betony prevents intoxication if carried, strengthens the body when worn, and is a cure for the mysterious disease known as “elf-sickness.”