Galium Odoratum
Sweet Woodruff Herb / Galium Odoratum / Asperula Odorata / Herbal Tea / Organic Dried Herb
ORIGIN OF BULGARIA
Botanical Name: Galium Odoratum / Asperula Odorata
Other Names: Woodruff, Wild Baby's Breath, Master of the Woods, Sweet-Scented Bedstraw, Waldmeister, Mayflower, Our Lady's Lace
Galium odoratum, the sweet woodruff or sweetscented bedstraw, is a flowering perennial plant in the family Rubiaceae, native to much of Europe from Spain and Ireland to Russia, as well as Western Siberia, Turkey, Iran, the Caucasus, China and Japan. It is widely cultivated for its flowers and its sweet-smelling foliage. Sweet Woodruff has whorled leaves, usually in groups of six to eight, and small, white, star-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The plant typically grows to about 8-12 inches tall. When dried, Sweet Woodruff emits a sweet, hay-like fragrance, which intensifies as the plant dries. Sweet woodruff herb tea has a mild, sweet, and somewhat grassy flavor, with a hint of vanilla-like aroma.
Usage: Boil 1 cup water. Add the 1-2 teaspoons sweet woodruff herb to the water. Let the herb steep in the hot water for about 5-10 minutes. Strain.
Traditional Use
Sweet woodruff (Waldmeister) is a woodland herb of Central and Eastern Europe, famous for the sweet, hay-and-vanilla scent it develops as it dries. It is traditionally used:
- As a gentle, calming evening tea to help you unwind
- To support comfortable digestion after meals
- In the kitchen: the classic flavouring of German May wine (Maibowle), punches, syrups and jellies
- Tucked among linen and clothes in small bundles for its sweet scent
Harvest & Character
Harvested in spring, just before or at flowering. Dried stems with whorled leaves; the characteristic sweet aroma comes from natural coumarin and grows stronger as the herb dries.
Please note: Contains natural coumarin: use small amounts for short periods. Consult your doctor first if you take blood-thinning medication. 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.
