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WATER BETONY BETONICA AQUATICA The distilled water of the leaves is used to bathe the face and hands spotted or blemished or discoloured by sun burning. The Water Betony is also known as Water Figwort with the botanical name of Scrophularia auriculata. It is not related to the Wood Betony, although it resernbles it. It is also called Brown-wort and, in Yorkshire, Bishop's-leaves. It rises up with square, hard stalks set with dark green leaves. The flowers are many, set at the tops of stalks and branches, and are reddish-purple. Where to find it: By the sides of ditches, brooks and other water courses. Flowering time: It flowers in midsummer and the seed is ripe towards the end of the summer. Astrology: It is a herb of Jupiter in Cancer. Medicinal virtues: It is appropriated more to wounds and hurts in breasts than Wood Betony. The leaves bruised and applied are effectual for old and filthy ulcers, especially if the juice of the leaves be boiled with a little honey and dipped therein and sores dressed therewith; also for bruises or hurts, whether inward or outward. Modern uses: The leaves are used externally in the form of a poultice for haemorrhoids, ulcers and wounds. |