Medicinal Monday - Woodruff
Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Folk Names: Herb Walter, ladies in the hay, muge-de-boys, sweet grass, waldmeister, woodderowffe, wood-rovam, wood rowan, wuderove.
Woodruff Galium odoratum is a perennial plant from the Madder family. Native to Europe and the Middle East, it grows 4-8 inches tall.
Woodruff’s scent increases when wilting, once dried it can be used as potpourri. It used to be sewn into cotton bags and hung in closets as a moth deterrent. Mixed with white wine it is thought to strengthen the heart. (Only the above-ground portion of the plant is used) It contains coumarin glucosides that acts as an anticoagulants and can be used to counteract excessive blood clotting.