Aug 2, 2023
Betonica officinalis - Wood betony
An ancient magical and medicinal plant. The Romans believed it was effective agains sorcery and planted it in graveyards to prevent ghost activity.
The Anglo-Saxons used it against bad dreams and "frightful nocturnal goblins" (sleep paralysis).
It is also part of the 9th century Old English "Nine Herbs Charm" agains poison and sickness, where it is refered to as attorlaðe (adder-loath / anti-snake). It says "Now you, attorlaðe, put to flight the lesser and greater, the greater and lesser, until the cure for both be with him"
In the middle ages it was put inside amulets worn on a red string to protect from witchcraft.
