Galium Verum
Lady's Bedstraw Herb / Galium Verum / Ladies Bedstraw Herb / %100 Organic Dried Bulk Herb / Yellow Bedstraw / Bedstraw Tea
Origin: Bulgaria
Botanical Name: Galium Verum
Other Names: Our Ladys Bedstraw, yellow bedstraw, maids hair, petty mugget, cheese renning, cheese rennet
Galium verum (lady's bedstraw or yellow bedstraw) is a herbaceous perennial plant of the family Rubiaceae. It is widespread across most of Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia from Israel, Lebanon and Turkey to Japan and Kamchatka. Galium verum is a low scrambling plant, with the stems growing to 60–120 centimetres (24–47 in) long, frequently rooting where they touch the ground. In medieval Europe, the dried plants were used to stuff mattresses, as the coumarin scent of the plants acts as a flea repellant. The flowers were also used to coagulate milk in cheese manufacture (which gives the plant its name, from the Greek word, gala 'milk') and, in Gloucestershire, to colour the cheese double Gloucester. The plant is also used to make red madder-like and yellow dyes.
Using: Pour a cup of boiled water over 1 teaspoon of Lady’s Bedstraw tea. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes.
Lady’s Bedstraw Herb can be added as a spice to dishes with sea fish, rabbit, goose, duck, horsemeat, pork, lamb, liver and kidneys.
Traditional Use
Lady's bedstraw is a honey-scented, golden-flowered meadow herb, gathered on Midsummer's Day (Enyovden) in Bulgarian folk tradition. It is traditionally used:
- To support healthy thyroid function as part of a balanced lifestyle
- To support the body's natural elimination of fluids
- As a calming tea, and in herbal pillows to support restful sleep
- Externally, in washes and compresses for the skin
Harvest & Character
Harvested May to August during flowering, in dry, sunny weather: the flowering tops are cut 20–30 cm from the tip. Fine, narrow leaves in whorls and clouds of tiny golden flowers with a sweet, honey-like scent.
Also known as: Yellow bedstraw, Enyovche
Please note: Not for pregnancy, breastfeeding or children.
Disclaimer: These statements and products have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health concern or condition, consult you doctor. Always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet or using any new product.
