Sweet Woodruff (Galium Odoratum)

The word "Woodruff" is derived from the Anglo-Saxon wudurofe, from wudu, or woods, referring to the herb's natural habitat deep in the dark forests of Europe. In Germany's Black Forest, where sweet woodruff grows prolifically, the herb is known as "Waldmeister", or "Master of the Forest". The designation "sweet" refers to the vanilla-like, new mown hay fragrance the leaves and flowers impart when dried. This is due to the presence of Coumarin, which like patchouli has the ability to be a fixative to other fragrances in addition to its own aromatic contribution to perfumes and potpourris. "Ruff" derives from the French rovelle, meaning wheel, describing the arrangement of the leaves around the stem. In Old French, it was known as muge-de-boys or "musk of the woods."

In the garden, sweet woodruff makes an attractive perennial ground cover especially for shaded areas. Indeed, sweet woodruff's leaves will yellow and its pretty white-flowering will lessen if exposed to too much sun. Although it will grow with abandon through self-seeding and underground rhizomes once established, the seed can be difficult to germinate so it's best to buy your initial plants from a commercial grower or garden center. If starting from seed, make sure they're fresh and they must be stratified to germinate. The plant grows to six inches in both height and width. It is a perennial to zone 3 and flowers from May to June developing a bristly seed that is dispersed by attaching itself to the fur of passing animals.

Dried Flower Arrangements

Sweet woodruff is considered a tonic, along with being anti-spasmodic and diuretic. The herb is regarded as a mild sedative, especially to counteract nervous tension in the very young and elderly. It is supposed to benefit digestion and be helpful with liver obstructions and hepatitis. For these reasons the herb was, and still is, added to early wine in addition to sweetening the harsh flavor of the immature libation. In Germany, Maibowle or Maiwein (May wine) is still drunk as a spring tonic and to mark the passage of winter, along with other May Day celebrations, many of which date back to the time of the Druids. The herb's association with springtime and newness has led to its being carried in sachets to aid in the fulfillment of fresh plans and "new starts". Woodruff is also carried to attract wealth and to bring victory to athletes and soldiers. When carried in a leather pouch, it will guard against all evil. Woodruff was strewn on the floors of medieval churches. Garlands of the leaves decorated statues, especially those of the Blessed Virgin, on St. Barnabas's Day (June 11) and St. Peter's Day (June 20).

Although sweet woodruff makes a pleasant addition to some herbal tea blends and may be safely added to desserts and some drinks - such as wine and cider - the herb can be toxic and may cause internal bleeding if taken to excess. Avoid the herb completely if pregnant or if taking general medication, even aspirin. The active ingredient, Coumarin, is used to produce anticoagulant drugs.

As a fragrant herb and a fixative, sweet woodruff makes an perfect addition to potpourris. Its sedative qualities also make it the ideal partner for hops in a sleep pillow. Sweet Woodruff was tied around the calves of women in labor and stuffed into their pillow to bring restful sleep and strengthen the nerves.

Here's a simple recipe for an herbal sleep pillow, the moss acting as both a cushion and to quieten the rustling of the other herbs:

Sweet Woodruff Sleep Pillow

· 1 part dried sweet woodruff

· 2 parts dried hops

· 4 parts dried forest moss.

Just stuff the mixture into a pillow.

Some May wine is simply the fresh leaves and flowers of sweet woodruff added to white wine. Other recipes can be more complex, such as the following:

May Wine

· 1 gallon dry white wine

· 1 handful of fresh sweet woodruff leaves and flowers, chopped

· 1 cup of sugar

· 6oz. of brandy

· 1 bottle of champagne, chilled

· 1 whole orange, quartered

· 12 fresh strawberries

· Several sprigs of fresh woodruff with flowers for garnish.

Mix the wine, the chopped sweet woodruff, the brandy and the fruit in a large bowl and allow it to sit for at least 12 hours. Strain and remove the woodruff. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Pour in the chilled champagne and stir. Serve with the fresh woodruff as a garnish.

For those who would like a lower alcohol content, omit the brandy and substitute ginger ale for the champagne.

Sweet woodruff, especially in combination with other herbs, can alleviate even the most severe headache, including migraine. Try the following tea next time your head is pounding. The herbs may be fresh or dried; the ration remains the same.

Herbal Headache Tea Blend

· 2 parts sweet woodruff

· 1 part lavender flowers

· 1 part thyme

· 2 parts cowslip flowers

Pour one cup of boiling water over two teaspoons of the herbal tea blend. Let the tea steep covered for 5-10 minutes then strain and pour. Sweeten with honey if desired.

Sweet Woodruff (Galium Odoratum)

Dried Flower Arrangements