Related Terms

• Asperula odorata, Galium odoratum, herb walter, kiss-me-quick, master of the forest, master of the woods, our lady's lace, sweet scented bedstraw, Waldmeister, wood rove, wuderove.

Background

• Sweet woodruff was widely used in herbal medicine during the Middle Ages, gaining a reputation as an external application to wounds and cuts and also taken internally in the treatment of digestive and liver problems. Today, it is valued mainly for its tonic, diuretic and anti-inflammatory affects.

• It is native to Europe where it can be found from the Scandinavian countries to Britain. It is very popular in Germany where it is called Waldmeister or Master of the Forest. Sweet woodruff leaves are commonly used to flavor May wine in Germany and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers sweet woodruff safe when taken in alcoholic beverages.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, biliary/gall bladder disease (biliary obstructions), bladder disorders (obstructions), blood purifier, diaphoretic (promotes sweating), digestive aid, diuretic, galactagogue (promotes lactation), gynecologic disorders (inflammation of the uterus), heart disorders (regulating heart activity), hepatitis, insomnia, jaundice, kidney cleanser, liver disorders, nervousness, sedative, stomachache, tonic (blood), varicose veins, wound care.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose of sweet woodruff. Nonetheless, a tea of sweet woodruff made by pouring 3 cups of boiled water over herb (1 ounce of dry herb or 1½ ounce of fresh herb) and letting the tea steep for 10 minutes has been used.

• Tinctures of sweet woodruff made by using 8 ounces of dried herb mixed with 1½ cups of alcohol and 4 cups of water have also been taken.

Children (younger than 18 years):

• There is no proven safe or effective dose of sweet woodruff in children, and use is not recommended.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to sweet woodruff.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Sweet woodruff is likely safe when consumed in amounts that are commonly used to flavor alcoholic beverages such as May wine.

• Although not well documented in the scientific literature, sweet woodruff may cause headaches, mind-altering effects, vertigo, somnolence, central paralysis apnea (to stop breathing), or coma when consumed in high doses. Sweet woodruff may also increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. Also, use cautiously in patients who have psychiatric disorders due to potential side effects.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Sweet woodruff is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Sweet woodruff contains coumarin derivatives. Sweet woodruff may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Sweet woodruff contains coumarin derivatives. Sweet woodruff may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

1. Kovac-Besovic EE, Duric K. Thin layer chromatography-application in qualitative analysis on presence of coumarins and flavonoids in plant material. Bosn J Basic Med Sci 2003;3(3):19-26. View Abstract

2. Sulma T, Wierzchowska K. [Studies on the content of coumarin in the herbs of the woodruff (Herba Asperulae odoratae) throughout the vegetative period of the plant.]. Acta Pol Pharm 1963;20:77-82. View Abstract

3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Flavoring Agents and Related Substances. 2005; View Abstract

4. Wierzchowska-Renke K. [Study of the content of 1-ascorbic acid in the herb Asperulae odoratae L. depending on the stage of its development in the period of vegetation]. Acta Pol Pharm 1969;26(2):181-185. View Abstract