Sweet woodruff
Scientific names: Galium odoratum, Asperula odorata
Family: Rubiaceae
Alternate names: Aspérula, Aspérule, Aspérule Odorante, Galii Odorati Herba, Master of the Wood, Petit Muguet, Reine des Bois, Thé Suisse, Waldmeister, Woodruff, Wordward
Background
Sweet woodruff is an herb. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.
People sometimes take sweet woodruff by mouth to prevent and treat lung, heart, stomach, liver, gallbladder, and urinary disorders, among many others. Some people apply sweet woodruff directly to the skin for wounds and hemorrhoids. But there is no good scientific research to support the use of sweet woodruff for any of these or other uses.
In foods and beverages, sweet woodruff is used as a flavoring.
In manufacturing, the extracts of sweet woodruff are used as fragrance in perfumes.
People sometimes take sweet woodruff by mouth to prevent and treat lung, heart, stomach, liver, gallbladder, and urinary disorders, among many others. Some people apply sweet woodruff directly to the skin for wounds and hemorrhoids. But there is no good scientific research to support the use of sweet woodruff for any of these or other uses.
In foods and beverages, sweet woodruff is used as a flavoring.
In manufacturing, the extracts of sweet woodruff are used as fragrance in perfumes.
Safety Safety definitions
Sweet woodruff is LIKELY SAFE in when consumed in amounts normally found in food. It is POSSIBLY SAFE when used in medicinal amounts, short-term. Sweet woodruff can cause headaches, dizziness, blackouts, and possibly liver damage when used long-term or in large amounts.
Not enough is known about the safety of putting sweet woodruff on the skin.
Bleeding disorders: Sweet woodruff contains certain chemicals that might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
Surgery: Sweet woodruff contains certain chemicals that might slow blood clotting. It might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using sweet woodruff at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Not enough is known about the safety of putting sweet woodruff on the skin.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking sweet woodruff if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Bleeding disorders: Sweet woodruff contains certain chemicals that might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
Surgery: Sweet woodruff contains certain chemicals that might slow blood clotting. It might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using sweet woodruff at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- Lung disorders.
- Stomach problems.
- Liver and gallbladder ailments.
- Urinary tract disorders.
- Heart problems.
- Nervousness.
- Hemorrhoids.
- Sleeplessness.
- Migraines.
- Water retention.
- Skin problems.
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate dose of sweet woodruff depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for sweet woodruff. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Sweet woodruff contains chemicals that might slow blood clotting. Using sweet woodruff with medications that slow clotting may increase the risk of bleeding.
Some of these drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), dipyridamole (Persantine), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Sweet woodruff contains certain chemicals that might slow blood clotting. Taking sweet woodruff with other herbs that slow clotting might cause bleeding in some people. These herbs include angelica, clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, Panax ginseng, red clover, turmeric, willow, and others.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
Sweet woodruff contains ingredients that can help decrease swelling (inflammation) and kill germs.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 17/10/2023 11:00:00 and last updated on 26/09/2014 20:54:12. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
