Sweet woodruff herb -Galium odoratum 100g

What is Sweet woodruff

Sweet woodruff is a low-growing herb with light green and decorative foliage that quickly forms even and dense mats. Thrives in shady and slightly moist locations. Blooms with small white flowers in early summer. When the leaves wither, they smell like freshly cut hay or toffee, and the herb is an excellent spice in desserts.

What is Sweet woodruff for?

The herb contains many valuable active substances such as: flavonoids, vitamin C, iridoid glycosides, tannins, coumarin and polyphenolic acids.Sweet woodruff has a bitter taste and a pleasant aroma. These properties meant that it was initially used to flavor alcohol – beer, wine, vodka and liqueur.

Currently,Sweet woodruff is used in phytotherapy. Infusion from the plant has interesting properties and it is said that herbal tea has a calming effect on the nervous system. In the form of compresses applied to the skin, the herb has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Sweet woodruff properties have been appreciated not only in phytotherapy but also in the kitchen. Puddings, compotes, ice cream, fruit and cakes are flavored with the herb. All you have to do is put slightly wilted shoots with leaves in the bowl for a while and then remove it. Sweet woodruff has also been used in industry, especially in the production of liqueurs and vodka.

It is worth putting fragrant sprigs of the Sweet woodruff in the wardrobe to give a pleasant smell to clothes and underwear.

Sweet woodruff side effects

Sweet woodruff contains large amounts of coumarin (about 1% of the dry weight), therefore it is considered a poisonous herb. Excessive consumption of Sweet woodruff herb can cause side effects in the form of nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blood clotting problems, headaches and liver damage.

The herb should not be used by people who are hypersensitive to any of the substances found in the plant. Pregnant and nursing mothers should not use this herb.