Sweet Woodruff

This cosmopolitan genus includes about 400 species of annuals and perennials. A few species are grown as garden plants, notably Galium odoratum, which makes a good deciduous groundcover in shady areas. Bedstraws contain asperuloside, which produces coumarin, giving the sweet smell of new-mown hay as the foliage dries. Asperuloside can be converted to prostaglandins (hormone-like compounds that stimulate the uterus and affect the blood vessels), making Galium species of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry. Roots of some species contain a red dye, similar to that produced by the closely related Rubia tinctorum (See, madder). The roots of G. verum were once gathered on a large scale in Scotland for dyeing tartans, a practice banned in 1695 due to extensive erosion of sandy grasslands. In England, the foliage was once used to color cheese (notably Cheshire cheese) and butter. Galium comes from the Greek gala, "milk", because several species are used to curdle milk in cheese-making. The common name "bedstraw" refers to the former use of these plants in stuffing mattresses.

Rhizomatous perennial with 4-angled stems and whorls or lanceolate leaves, to 4cm (1½in) long. Star-shaped, white, fragrant, to 6mm (¼in) across, are produced in clusters in late spring.

Dried herb is an ingredient of potpourris.

Common Name:	Sweet Woodruff
Botanical Name:	Galium odoratum syn. Asperula odorata
Genus:	Galium
Family:	Rubiaceae
Native Location:	Europe, N Africa, Russia
Cultivation:	Moist, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in shade. G. verum prefers drier, sunny conditions.
Propagation:	By seed sown when ripe; by division in autumn or early spring.
Harvest:	Plants are cut when flowering and dried for infusions, liquid extracts, and tablets. Galium aparine is usually used fresh, either juiced or in oil for external use. Seeds are collected when ripe.
Height:	45cm (18in)
Width:	Indefinite
Hardiness:	Z3-9
Parts Used:	Whole plant
Properties:	An astringent, slightly bitter herb, aromatic when dried, with tonic, diuretic, and sedative effects. It improves liver function, relaxes spasms, strengthens capillaries, and reduces blood clotting.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, biliary obstruction, hepatitis, jaundice, and insomnia in children. Used in homeopathy for inflammation of the uterus.
Culinary Uses:	Sprigs are soaked in white wine to make Maitrank or Maibowle (Alsace), and added to fruit cups.
Economic Uses:
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 219