Lady's Bedstraw – Medicinal Properties and Uses of the Herb

Since ancient times, before the break of dawn, grandmothers, women, young maidens, herbalists and healers would set out on the night before 24 June to gather herbs. According to folk belief, herbs picked before sunrise  are the strongest and most healing. The symbol of the Enyovden feast (Midsummer Day) is lady's bedstraw – enyovche. Whether the feast takes its name from this medicinal herb or the other way round will remain a mystery.
What we do know is that its magical powers can be felt not only on this day.

#Lady's bedstraw – "Galium verum L"

Lady's bedstraw – "Galium verum L" , also known in Bulgaria as  "Dragayka" or "Zhalt enyovets" (yellow bedstraw), "Enyovo tsvete", "Slamenitse", "Sashtinsko enyovche", "Lepka", "Gergevka", "Svitak", "Toritsa", is a perennial herbaceous plant of the madder family – "Rubiaceae". 

This remarkable herb – Galium verum L. – is known for its diverse medicinal properties. 

In this blog post we will look at the botanical characteristics of Galium verum L., explore the wide range of health conditions it may help with and reveal the advantages and benefits of using a herbal tincture of Galium verum L. We will also look at specific ailments for which this herb is recommended. Finally, we will discuss the advantages of herbal tinctures over conventional medicines, highlighting why they are an excellent choice for those seeking natural remedies for the general well-being of the body. 

Read to the end to immerse yourself in this enlightening journey, in which we explore the potential of the herb lady's bedstraw for promoting health and well-being.

#Botanical characteristics

Enyovche, better known as "lady's bedstraw" or "yellow bedstraw", is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the  "Rubiaceae" (madder) family. It is characterised by its vivid yellow flowers and whorls of narrow leaves. It is a low (120 cm is not low) plant with a branching growth habit. 

Habitat: Galium verum L. is native to Europe, Asia and parts of North Africa. It thrives in dry, grassy areas, meadows and open woodland.

The stems are upright and reach a height of 60–120 centimetres, and often  root easily where they touch the ground. Their ridges are covered with fine hairs.

The leaves are lanceolate, 1–3 cm long and 2 mm wide, glossy dark green, hairy underneath, and borne in whorls of 8–12. Their tip is very narrow and sharp, and in the middle of the leaf there is a small hairy patch.

The flowers are bright yellow, 2–3 mm in diameter, in dense clusters gathered into umbel-like inflorescences at the tips of the branches or in the axils of the leaves and stems. Flowering usually takes place between July and August. There are also species with white flowers (Galium mollugo – white bedstraw). It flowers from May to September.

The fruit of the herb is a smooth little nutlet about 1.5 mm long. The fruits ripen in August–September. Each fruit contains one brown seed. When ripe, it splits into two halves.

Harvesting: 

The above-ground parts of the plant, including the flowers, leaves and stems, are gathered during the flowering period for medicinal use.

Around 300 species of the bedstraw genus (Galium)have been identified. This species is sometimes confused with Galium odoratum, a species with traditional culinary uses. 

#Distribution of lady's bedstraw

"Galium verum" grows among thickets, along roadsides and fences, in gardens and crop fields. The herb is found throughout the country up to about 1,000 m above sea level. In Bulgaria there are about 20 species of bedstraw. 

It is widespread across most of Europe, North Africa and temperate Asia, from Palestine, Lebanon and Turkey to Japan and Kamchatka. It has become naturalised in Tasmania, New Zealand, Canada and the northern half of the USA. In some places it is considered a harmful weed.

#Part of lady's bedstraw used

The above-ground flowering part of the plant is used – the stems together with the leaves.

#Chemical composition of Galium verum L.

Lady's bedstraw contains:

– rubiadin, saponins, tannins, asperuloside, essential oils, vitamin C, camphene, flavonoids, waxes, resin, fatty and caffeic acids, bitter substances and salts.

As well as:

• enzymes that curdle milk
• dye substances (red-yellow)

The main actions of the herb are linked to its rich content of the trioxyanthraquinone glucoside galiosin, as well as the glucosides rubiadin and asperuloside. The diuretic action of lady's bedstraw is linked to the presence of silicic acid, as well as to certain dyes, which also explains its mild antimicrobial action.

#Main actions of lady's bedstraw:

It is no accident that lady's bedstraw is recorded in grandmothers' notebooks as the flower of health and longevity. 

The plant has pronounced detoxifying properties. It supports the process of cleansing the liver, spleen and pancreas of the toxins that have found their way into them. It is known for its positive effect on the reproductive system of women and men.

Despite its undeniable qualities, the herb is one of nature's remedies that have sunk into oblivion. It is one of the treasures of nature's pharmacyto which we should pay more attention in the age of cancer.

Dragayka is a herb that was, and in some cases still is, widely used not only medicinally but also as part of everyday life. It has been used as a remarkable source of red dye and for flavouring cheese and milk, and is surrounded by various beliefs and folk tales. It has been used for thousands of years. 

Medicinally it is used for the skin, the throat and all the fluid systems of the body. 

The herb is a well-known remedy, lowering temperature and used for rheumatism, cystitis, ulcers, diseased kidneys and even epileptic seizures. 

The benefits of this herb are numerous for various skin problems too, applied topically – for rosacea, psoriasis, boils, rashes and dandruff.

The herb has:

• Antimicrobial
• Diuretic
• Pain-relieving
• Laxative
• Astringent
• Local haemostatic
• Inhibitory action

Lady's bedstraw is used in anticancer therapybecause it helps the drainage of the lymphatic system and does not allow cancer cells to spread through the body via the lymph glands.

#What are the health benefits of lady's bedstraw?

Galium verum L. has a wide range of potential health benefits and may help with various conditions, including but not limited to:

#Supporting the urinary system

Diuretic properties: the diuretic nature of lady's bedstraw helps increase urine production, promoting the elimination of toxins and excess fluids. It is useful in conditions such as oedema, urinary tract infections and kidney stones.

#For inflammatory conditions

Anti-inflammatory action: Galium verum L. contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it valuable in managing inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, skin inflammation and gastrointestinal disorders.

#For menstrual and reproductive health

Relief of menstrual cramps: Galium verum L. helps relieve menstrual cramps and the discomfort associated with menstruation, which makes it a valuable herb for women's health.

Hormonal balance: This herb contributes to hormonal balance, helping to manage irregular menstrual cycles, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and symptoms of the menopause.

#For calming and relaxation

Calming effects: Galium verum L. has mild sedative properties, calms the nervous system, reduces stress and promotes relaxation. It is useful for people experiencing anxiety, restlessness or sleep disorders.

#Health conditions supported by "Galium verum L"

#Lady's bedstraw is a natural diuretic

Tea or a concentrated herbal extract made from this herb helps detoxify the liver, kidneys, spleen and pancreas. People suffering from a disorder of the lymphatic systemare advised to drink this herbal tea or lady's bedstraw herbal tincture every day. It is used as a remedy for stones, cystitis or urination disorders. Its diuretic properties help flush toxins out of the body, and with them uric acid, which is the main cause of pain in gout and arthritis. The herb is widely used in folk medicine to treat swollen ankles.

#For weight loss

The mountain wonder improves lymphatic drainage and stimulates the metabolic processes in the body, which leads to weight loss. It does not allow fluids to be retained in the lymph and drains those that have built up.

As a result, the body is cleansed of waste and the work not only of the lymphatic system but also of the other systems that carry out vital functions improves.

#For fever

Medicinal lady's bedstraw has a fever-reducing action. This effect is due to salicylic acid, which is part of the herb's composition. 

A bath with a strong decoction of the plant added is an excellent remedy for a high temperature.

#Lady's bedstraw for menstrual disorders

Galium verum L. may help regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce menstrual pain and relieve the symptoms associated with PMS.

#Topical use of lady's bedstraw for skin problems

The herb is associated with the treatment of many skin-related conditions. 

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the plant make it useful for dealing with various skin conditions, such as eczema, dermatitis, acne and for resolving complaints of slow-healing wounds. 

When applied topically as a poultice for: 

• Cuts
• Skin infections 
• Ringworm
• Eczema
• Ulcers
• Scabies 
• Boils
• Rashes
• Psoriasis
• Allergies
• And slow-healing wounds

it soothes the skin and reduces inflammation, helping the skin to heal. 

It also helps to reduce bleeding. 

In addition, lady's bedstraw tea is also wonderful for washing the face and helps tone the facial skin, as well as having a beneficial effect on acne and blackheads.

#For a sore throat

Lady's bedstraw is useful for various problems of the throat and the organs close to it. You can use it as a tea or as a gargle. It helps with various types of cancer: of the skin, tongue and larynx. Inflammation of the thyroid gland, goitre and the vocal cords also benefit from this herb.

If you have a painful feeling when swallowing, do not delay – make yourself a warm cup of yellow bedstraw tea. It will not only ease the sore throat but will also kill the germs and stop the infection from passing to the bronchi. You can also try inhalations or gargling with the herb. 

*Tea from the mountain wonder for a sore throat 

Taking dragayka internally works extremely well on the whole body, especially when it has to fight off an infection or an attacking virus. 

The herb owes its general strengthening effect to the high levels of vitamin C it contains.

#Gargle and compress for the thyroid gland in Hashimoto's (with goitre) 

Healers recommend it for Hashimoto's, which is becoming increasingly common among women. Thanks to the herb, within a few months [the goitre] will gradually shrink and disappear if you gargle with the herbal decoction or take a concentrated extract of the herb – a herbal tincture. Compresses on the goitre with an infusion of the medicinal plant would also work well.

Diseases of this delicate organ often require additional treatment too, but the herb can certainly help you heal.

#Lady's bedstraw herbal tincture for kidney stones

One of the main uses of this herb involves improvingas well as maintaining the health of the kidneys. Lady's bedstraw herbal tincture helps dissolve kidney stones and therefore at the same time tends to be effective in cleansing the kidneys of all kinds of toxins. 

You can also make a herbal extract (tincture) of the herb yourself. Pour 200 millilitres of alcohol (ethanol) over a handful of fresh flowers. The liquid should be kept in a sunny place for two weeks and then strained. You can take the finished pure extract at 2 drops dissolved in a glass of water, 2–3 times a day.

#Lady's bedstraw for worms

The yellow medicinal flower is a powerful killer of the parasites that live in the human body – worms. Lady's bedstraw tincture has the strongest action against parasites in the stomach. It is taken two to three times a day, twenty drops dissolved in a glass of water.

#"Galium verum L" for cirrhosis and ascites

Ascites is a condition in which fluid collects in the abdominal cavity. Liver cirrhosis is often accompanied by ascites. The herb can have a positive effect in this case, thanks to its draining and diuretic qualities.

#Lady's bedstraw for urinary tract problems

The plant has been known to be effective in treating diseases related to the urinary tract. Its extract is known to kill bacteria in the intestines and at the same time may eliminate problems such as intestinal ulcers.

It may help relieve symptoms and support the healing process in urinary tract infections, thanks to its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties.

#Lady's bedstraw for arthritis

The anti-inflammatory effects of the herb can provide relief from the symptoms of arthritis, reducing joint pain, swelling and stiffness.

#For rheumatism

Fresh dragayka juice or an extract of it can help you get rid of insidious rheumatism.

#For epilepsy

Folk healers also recommend the plant for epilepsy. It reduces not only the frequency of seizures but also their intensity. 

#Against dandruff

A concentrated infusion of the herb can help deal with dandruff. The white flakes on the scalp, as well as the unpleasant itching, will disappear if the hair is regularly rinsed with a decoction of  "Galium verum L".

#For rinsing the hair

Rinsing the hair with an infusion is used to treat dandruff or a flaking scalp.

The young shoots have long been popular as a spring cleansing tonic, as the plant comes up very early (a remedy long used in Central Europe and the Balkans).

#Culinary use

It is also often used as a vegetable when lightly cooked in a pan, like spinach, and can be picked continuously until autumn.

#Bulgarian folk medicine on lady's bedstraw

About 20 different species of bedstraw grow in Bulgaria. It is advisable to gather only the two species mentioned, as the other species have not been studied.

Lady's bedstraw has a long history of use in herbal medicine, although it is little used in modern medicine.

• Its main use is as a diuretic and as a remedy for skin complaints.
• The leaves, stems and flowering shoots are antispasmodic, astringent and diuretic, and good for foot care.
• The plant is used as a remedy for kidney stones or urinary diseases and is believed to be a remedy for epilepsy.
• Powder from the fresh plant is used to soothe reddened skin and reduce inflammation, while the plant is also used as a poultice for cuts, skin infections, slow-healing wounds and more.
• It is applied externally as a poultice. It is used for indolent tumours, severe swelling and breast tumours.
• Internally it is used as a decoction sweetened with honey for complaints of urinary stones, scurvy, dropsy, hysteria, epilepsy and gout.
• It is also used for bleeding from problems with the nose and stomach, and is said to be especially useful in scorbutic, scrofulous and dropsical complaints.
• The cut and dried above-ground parts have been used for the external treatment of psoriasis or delayed wound healing, or as a tea to treat pyelitis or cystitis.
• The plant is also used in traditional medicine as an anticancer remedy, in most cases applied as a decoction.
• Tea made from the leaves is known to be effective in treating urinary problems.
• Lady's bedstraw is used to treat cancer, epilepsy, hysteria, spasms and tumours, loss of appetite and diseases of the chest and lungs.
• It is also used to increase urine output to relieve water retention, especially swollen ankles.
• People suffering from a disorder of the lymphatic system are advised to drink this herbal tea every day.
• The yellow helper can be used to treat conditions such as hysteria and nervous disorders.
• People suffering from goitre may find this herb helpful if they gargle with the tea throughout the day.
• You can make pillows stuffed with the bedstraw to combat insomnia.
• Tea made with the herb is effective for cleansing the kidneys, liver and pancreas, as well as the spleen, of toxic materials.
• It is also used topically to treat skin complaints, boils, wounds and blackheads.
• This tea is also a wonderful face wash and helps tone the facial skin.
• The herb is highly valued as a remedy for women's problems, especially in treating uterine disorders.

You probably don't know that our ancestors used the herb instead of rennet in milk when making cheese. They added juice from the natural remedy.

In some northern countries the juice of the yellow flower is used to curdle fresh milk. That is why one of its names  is "yellow rennet".

The yellow dye obtained from the flowering stems is used as a food colouring for cheese or butter. A red dye can be made from the roots. The roasted seed is used as a coffee substitute. The plant material is said to have been used in the manger of Jesus Christ.

#How to take  "Galium verum L"

#Lady's bedstraw tea 

– cleanses the liver, kidneys and pancreas of toxins

1 teaspoon of the herb is steeped in 250 ml of hot water, left to infuse for a few minutes and then passed through a strainer. The resulting amount should be divided into four equal parts and drunk over one day. 

*Recipes: 

2 teaspoons of the finely ground herb are covered with 400 ml of boiling water and left to steep. Once the liquid has cooled, the infusion is strained and the resulting amount is drunk over 1 day; 

or 2 tablespoons of the herb are covered with 400 ml of boiling water and left to steep for 1 hour. Drink 1 wine glass of the extract prepared this way before meals, 4 times a day. 

#As an infusion

Infusions are taken for kidney stones, for urinary tract problems and as a cooling drink in fever.

#Ground into powder

The herb, ground into powder, is sprinkled on wounds and provides a preventive action against secondary infection.

#In the form of an ointment

Use a home-made cream from fresh lady's bedstraw juice for psoriasis and rosacea. Mix it with butter (it is best left at room temperature for at least an hour beforehand).

The prepared mixture is used for the local treatment of areas affected by psoriasis and rosacea. It should be stored in a glass jar in the fridge. Cancer-like ulcers can also be treated with the healing balm.

Applying a thin layer of it to the affected skin has a very good effect on skin complaints.

#In the form of a compress

Compressesmade from infusions can be applied to burns, grazes, ulcers or other skin inflammations. And warm compresses with the herb are a wonderful way to firm up sagging skin and preserve your youth and freshness.

#Lady's bedstraw juice

The juice is taken from the fresh plant and is useful in diseases such as cancer and as a strong diuretic that cleanses the body of toxins. It is used for kidney stones, urinary tract problems and prostate problems, and is an effective lymphatic cleanser for a number of conditions.

#Lady's bedstraw lemonade

A unique, refreshing drink for which you need a few sprigs of the yellow flower, half a lemon, 200 ml of water and honey. Put the peel of half a lemon and the herb in a blender, cover with water and blend. Strain the mixture through a sieve, add 2–3 spoonfuls of honey and then stir vigorously.

This drink has a detoxifying action, lifts your energy, relieves headaches and normalises blood sugar.

#Gargle and compress

The healer Maria Treben recommends the use of lady's bedstraw for women with thyroid problems and goitre, including gargling with the herb and taking a herbal tincture (cold extract).

#Herbal extract (herbal tincture) of lady's bedstraw

Tinctures are used for the same conditions as infusions, but always bear in mind that they are more concentrated. They can be combined with other lymph-detoxifying herbs (such as dried pokeweed).

The tincture (1/2–1 teaspoon or 3–5 ml) can be taken 3 times a day.

#Lady's bedstraw contraindications

The medicinal plant has a diuretic action and should be used with care in people with diabetes. It is contraindicated in children and pregnant women. Always follow the prescribed dose. If necessary, always consult a health consultant.

#Combining lady's bedstraw with other herbs

For liver cirrhosis it is combined with another useful plant – milk thistle.

#Customs associated with lady's bedstraw

As we all know, Enyovden (Midsummer Day) is the feast of medicinal herbs.  From the herbs gathered on this day, the first and foremost of which is lady's bedstraw, women make posies that they tie with red thread. In some regions it is the custom to make posies with as many herbs as there are members of the family. Once made, each one is named after someone and left outside overnight. In the morning the posies are used to foretell the health, over the coming year, of the person each was named after. Women place the posies in various places around their homes and use them, or the water they have stood in, to treat the sick during the year.

#Mythology of lady's bedstraw

Frigg was the goddess of married women in Norse mythology. She helped women give birth to children, and because the Scandinavians used the bedstraw "Galium verum" as a sedative, they called it Frigg's grass. 

#Other names for lady's bedstraw

In Bulgaria it is also called "Dragayka", "Sashtinsko enyovche", "Istinsko enyovche"

Latin name – "Galium verum L."

In English – "Lady's bedstraw", "yellow Bedstraw", "Cleavers", "Goosegrass".

In Russian – "Podmarennik tsepkiy", "Lepchitsa". 

In French – "Gratteron".

In German – "Kletten-Labkraut", "Klebkraut"

In Greek – "Gala", "γάλα"

#The remarkable herb lady's bedstraw

In conclusion, Galium verum L., with its botanical characteristics, wide-ranging health benefits and the advantages of its herbal tincture, holds enormous potential for promoting well-being. From supporting urinary health to managing inflammatory conditions and menstrual disorders and promoting relaxation, this herb offers a natural alternative to conventional medicines. 

The concentrated form of Galium verum L. in a herbal tincture provides increased bioavailability, convenience and personalised dosing, allowing people to harness the full potential of this remarkable herb. By choosing herbal tinctures over conventional medicines, people can adopt a natural and holistic approach to treatment, experiencing the benefits of targeted relief and overall well-being. Unlock the power of Galium verum L. and embrace the transformative potential of herbal tinctures for a healthier and more balanced life.

#Called "the flower of longevity" by our grandmothers

Despite its undeniable qualities and medicinal uses, the herb is one of nature's remedies that have sunk into oblivion. The benefits and properties of this herb are numerous, especially in today's fight against cancer. 

It is one of the priceless treasures of nature's pharmacy, to which we should pay exceptionally close attention.