© Jerzy Opioła · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Galium odoratum
CautionWaldmeister · (Galium odoratum)
Madder family (Rubiaceae)
Description
Galium odoratum, the sweet woodruff or sweetscented bedstraw, is a flowering perennial plant in the family Rubiaceae, native to much of Europe. It is widely cultivated for its flowers and its sweet-smelling foliage.
CONTRAINDICATED during pregnancy
Do not use during pregnancy; coumarin and iridoid glycosides may stimulate the uterus.
Critical drug interactions with:
Antikoagulanzien (Warfarin, Phenprocoumon)
- TeaAerial partsInternalFolk medicine
Infusion of dried herb (1–2 g per cup) for nervousness, sleep disturbances, and tension headaches. Iridoid glycosides (asperuloside) and coumarin (formed from coumarin glycosides) exert mildly sedative and antispasmodic effects.
Preparation & dosage
- Dry amount
- 1–2 g
- Doses per day
- 2×
- Max duration
- 4 weeks
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- TeaAerial partsInternalFolk medicine
Used in folk medicine for liver complaints, biliary obstruction, and jaundice. The antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties of iridoid glycosides (asperuloside, monotropein) support this application.
Preparation & dosage
- Dry amount
- 1–2 g
- Doses per day
- 2×
- Max duration
- 3 weeks
- TeaAerial partsInternalFolk medicine
Used as a mild diuretic for mild urinary tract irritation and as supportive flushing therapy. Coumarin derivatives have vasodilatory effects and promote renal perfusion.
Preparation & dosage
- Dry amount
- 1–2 g
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 2 weeks
- CompressAerial partsExternalFolk medicine
Cooled infusion or freshly crushed herb as a moist compress for small wounds, skin irritation, and minor burns. In vitro studies confirm antioxidant and wound-healing properties of the polyphenols.
- SpiceAerial partsInternalTraditional use
Briefly wilted or max. 2–24 h pre-dried fresh herb as aromatic flavouring in May wine and herbal liqueurs. Maximum 3–3.5 g fresh herb per litre (BfR recommendation, coumarin ≤ 0.1 mg/kg body weight/day). Dried herb loses some coumarin through sublimation.
- TeaAerial partsInternalFolk medicine
Used in folk medicine for venous insufficiency and varicose veins. Coumarin and rutin stabilise capillary walls and mildly inhibit coagulation; contraindicated when taking anticoagulants.