Important: Be careful when harvest wild plants. You need to be extremely careful and sure of your identification of the plants you intend to harvest for consumption. If you are not absolutely certain, do not harvest from the wild!
Sweet woodruff herb was originally grown for the fresh smell the leaves give off and was used as a kind of air freshener. It also has some medicinal uses, though as always you should check with a doctor before using any medical herb. It is also an edible plant that is said to taste somewhat of vanilla.
Growing Sweet Woodruff
Sweet woodruff should be planted in a shady area in moist, well-drained soil, rich in organic material. It will grow in zones 4 through 8. Sweet woodruff grows 6" to 12" tall and spreads by runners. It can quickly get out of control in the right environment. Care should be taken when planting to choose a location that you would not mind seeing naturalized by sweet woodruff.
Sweet woodruff is most often propagated by division. You can dig up clumps from an established patch and transplant them. Sweet woodruff can also be propagated by seed. Sweet woodruff seeds can be planted directly into the soil in the spring or can be started indoors up to 10 weeks before your area’s last frost date.
To direct sow sweet woodruff, in early spring simply spread the seeds over the area that you wish to grow them and lightly cover the area with sifted soil or peat moss. Then water the area.
Benefits
It acts as an anodyne for migraine and neuralgia, and as a calmative for nervous conditions such as restlessness, depression, insomnia, and hysteria. The tea relieves stomach pain, improves appetite, regulates heart activity, and is a diuretic. Old timers state it was used against the plague.It is sometimes used to improve the taste of mixed herb teas. Externally, helps heal wounds.
Formulas or Dosages: Infusion: Use 2 tsp. dried herb or 2 tea bags to 1 cup boiling water; take 1/2 to 1 cup per day.
Warning: Consumption of large quantities can produce symptoms of poisoning, including dizziness and vomiting. Do not use this remedy if you are taking conventional medicine for circulatory problems or if you are pregnant.
Harvesting, Drying and Storing
The aromatic intensity of woodruff intensifies when it is dried, making it a popular addition to sachets and potpourris. The leaves are used to flavor teas and cold fruit drinks. The flowers (usually fresh) are used in the preparation of May wine (called "Maiwein" or "Maibowle" in German), which is a punch made from white wine flavored with woodruff, orange and pineapple and sweetened with a little sugar.
Harvest the flowers at their peak for making May wine. Harvest the leaves and dry on racks or in your dehydrator. Store in an air tight container in a cool, dark place until ready to use.
