ENGLISH NAME: Woundwort (Hedge
Woundwort)
LATIN NAME: Stachys
sylvatica
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Čistec lesní
Turkey: Orman ballıbaba
/ Yaralı otu (“wound herb”)
Bulgaria: Горски чистец (Gorski
chistets)
Georgia: ჭრილობის ბალახი (Chrilobis
balakhi) (“wound herb”)
COUNTRY: Turkey,
Bulgaria, Czechia, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Forested and
riverine zones
Elevation: 300–1,300 meters
Terrain: Wet deciduous
forests, floodplains, stream banks, and shaded woodlands
DESCRIPTION:
Hedge Woundwort is a herbaceous perennial that grows 60 to 120 cm tall. It
features square stems, opposite, serrated leaves, and whorls of tubular
purplish-red flowers. The plant emits a slightly unpleasant odor when crushed
and typically blooms in summer, attracting bees and other pollinators.
USABLE PARTS: Stem, Leaf
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and diuretic
properties. Applied topically to cuts and bruises and used in teas for internal
support.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
None widely documented; not advised for use during pregnancy without
consultation.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Can be paired with yarrow or plantain for external poultices, or with nettle
and dandelion in detox teas.
PREPARATION:
Leaves are dried for use in herbal teas or applied as poultices in traditional
remedies. Can be infused in oil for topical preparations.
HARVEST TIME:
Summer, just before flowering when the active compounds are most concentrated.
HARVEST METHOD:
Cut stems before flowering, selecting healthy leaves. Avoid harvesting near
polluted or stagnant water areas.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Dry leaves thoroughly in a shaded, ventilated area. Store in airtight
containers in a cool, dark location for medicinal use.