Sweet Woodruff



asperula odorata L.
galium odoratum
Rubiaceae
Madder family

WARNING
Consumption of large quantities can produce symptoms
of poisoning, including dizziness and vomiting.

USE
Beneficial for jaundice and recommended
where a tendency toward gravel and bladder stones exists.

It acts as an anodyne for migraine and neuralgia.

Calmative for nervous conditions.
restlessness
depression
insomnia
hysteria

Tea relieves stomach pain, improves appetite,
regulates heart activity ans is diuretic.

Old timers state it was used against the plague.

It is sometimes used to improve the taste of mixed herb teas.

Externally, helps heal wounds.

Sweet woodruff is famous for its use with the May Bowl Punch.
Steep the leaves and blossoms
in one quart of white Rhine wine for a few hours.
Add some orange and lemon, strawberries,
ice, and more sweet woodruff.

Freshly cut sweet woodruff has the aroma of newly mown
hay and adds a unique flavor to fresh strawberries.

Sweet woodruff is used to flavor certain fine Swiss candies,
syrup filled chocolates, liqueurs, etc.
A pinch of herb adds a delicate flavor to Oriental black tea.
A teaspoon of the herb steeped in boiling water
from 3-5 minutes, makes a most delicious tisane.

A very old Maibowle recipe into 1 qt. jar, put a small bunch
of dried sweet woodruff, a few lumps of sugar and 2 or 3
slices of lemon or orange, or both.
Then fill up with white wine.
Rhinewine is the proper to use.
Allow to steep several days or strain of lemon,
orange and woodruff when desired flavor is obtained.
(Auf Ihr Wohl!)

Waldmeisterschnaps uses brandy;
Waldmeisterlimonaden uses white wine and lemon-ade.
There are many recipes for Maibowle.

In France champagne is used;
in Switzerland, cognac or Benedictine.
Do not steep the herb too long in order to obtain
only the delicate essence of the herb flavor.

Sweet woodruff Flavored Syrup
Boil sugar in water to make thick syrup and add
enough May wine to flavor.

Formulas or Dosages
Infusion
use 2 tsp. dried herb to 1 cup boiling water;
take 1/2 to 1 cup per day.

Cold extract
soak 2 tsp. dried herb in 1 cup cold water for 8 hours.
The extract can be warmed as desired after straining.


Source(s)
Cherokee Valley
TheWiccanHerbalist


Source(s)



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