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Safety Overview
1.Woundwort — Overview
Woundwort is scientifically known as Stachys palustris. It is a resilient perennial herb in the expansive Lamiaceae family, commonly called the mint family. This species typically reaches a height of 30 to 70 centimeters, though it can sometimes reach up to 80 cm. Its characteristic quadrangular stems are notably pubescent, which gives them a slightly hairy texture. The leaves are arranged oppositely along the stem. They are ovate to triangular in shape with serrated edges, and they measure between 4 to 12 centimeters long. They have a rough texture and a deep green coloration, occasionally with purplish hints toward their margins.
The inflorescences emerge as distinctive whorled clusters, mainly at the apex of the stems. They feature small, tubular, two-lipped flowers. These delicate blooms measure about 2 to 3 centimeters. They range in color from pale pink to a soft violet and often carry unique markings that effectively attract various pollinators. Stachys palustris is inherently a wetland plant. It thrives in moist, nutrient-rich, pH-neutral to slightly acidic soils. Its preferred habitats include damp meadows, the banks of rivers and streams, and marshy environments.
These habitats span a wide Eurasian distribution that reaches from Europe into the northern regions of Asia. The plant can spread through stoloniferous roots, which lets it form extensive colonies. This makes it a prominent feature of temperate wetlands. Taxonomically, it is classified within the tribe Stachydeae, a subgroup of the mint subfamily. This places it alongside other species recognized for their potential therapeutic attributes.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Stachys palustris:
Woundwort should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed medicinal plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Woundwort — Key Features
- ✓Perennial herbaceous plant — Perennial herbaceous plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae).
- ✓Distinctive quadrangular stems — Distinctive quadrangular stems and opposite, serrated leaves.
- ✓Produces whorled clusters — Produces whorled clusters of pale pink to violet tubular flowers.
- ✓Thrives in moist, — Thrives in moist, marshy environments across temperate Eurasia.
- ✓Rich in rosmarinic — Rich in rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid derivatives, and various flavonoids.
- ✓Historically valued for — Historically valued for its exceptional wound healing properties.
- ✓Exhibits significant antimicrobial and anti — inflammatory activities.
- ✓Used traditionally for — Used traditionally for digestive support and respiratory relief.
- ✓Spreads effectively via — Spreads effectively via underground stolons, forming colonies.
- ✓Considered a minor — Considered a minor wound herb but gaining renewed scientific interest.
1.2.Woundwort — Snapshot Summary
- ✓Stachys palustris, or Woundwort, is a Lamiaceae perennial.
- ✓Renowned for potent wound healing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- ✓Rich in rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, and triterpenoids.
- ✓Traditionally used for cuts, bruises, digestive and respiratory support.
- ✓Thrives in moist, temperate habitats across Eurasia.
- ✓Generally safe, but contraindicated in pregnancy and with anticoagulants.
2.Woundwort — Scientific Identity
3.Woundwort — Categories & Tags
4.Woundwort — Structural Profile
5.Woundwort — Cultural & Traditional Roles
6.Woundwort — Secondary Metabolites
- ✓Rosmarinic Acid — A prominent phenolic acid known for potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, actively inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
- ✓Ursolic Acid Derivatives — Triterpenoids that play a crucial role in promoting wound healing by stimulating collagen synthesis and exhibiting antimicrobial properties against pathogens at wound sites.
- ✓Diterpenoids (e.g., Stachyspic Acid) — Unique to certain Stachys species, these compounds demonstrate moderate antibacterial activity, particularly against Gram-positive bacterial strains like Staphylococcus aureus.
- ✓Flavonoids (e.g., Quercetin, Kaempferol, Apigenin, Luteolin) — These powerful antioxidants scavenge free radicals, support healthy microcirculation, and possess anti-inflammatory actions beneficial for bruising and edema.
- ✓Tannins — Polyphenolic compounds responsible for the plant’s astringent qualities, contributing to its efficacy in wound healing and skin health by tightening tissues and reducing fluid loss.
- ✓Phenolic Acids (other than rosmarinic acid) — Contribute to the overall antioxidant capacity and may offer additional anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits.
- ✓Glycosides — Various glycosides may be present, influencing diverse biological activities and contributing to the plant’s overall therapeutic profile.
- ✓Saponins — While not explicitly detailed, saponins are common in many medicinal plants and could contribute to expectorant or anti-inflammatory actions.
7.Woundwort — Research Insights
- ✓Wound Healing & Skin Care — Topical extracts of Woundwort significantly accelerate fibroblast proliferation and enhance wound closure, proving effective for cuts, minor burns, and ulcers by up to 25% faster.
- ✓Antimicrobial Activity — Hydro-ethanolic extracts demonstrate inhibitory effects against pathogenic bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, supporting its traditional use as an antiseptic.
- ✓Anti-Inflammatory Action — Rich in rosmarinic acid, leaf decoctions have been shown to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, offering relief from joint pain and muscle soreness.
- ✓Digestive Support — Traditional Baltic teas made from Stachys palustris alleviate spasmodic cramps and mild diarrhea by modulating smooth muscle activity within the gastrointestinal tract.
- ✓Respiratory Relief (Adjunct) — While not a primary treatment, it can be combined with other herbs to soothe mild bronchial irritation, potentially exhibiting mucolytic and mild bronchodilatory effects.
- ✓Antioxidant Protection — The presence of flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol, along with rosmarinic acid, provides robust antioxidant activity, scavenging free radicals and protecting cellular integrity.
- ✓Astringent Properties — Tannins in the plant contribute to its astringent qualities, which are beneficial for tightening tissues and reducing bleeding in wounds.
- ✓Immune System Support — Its array of phytochemicals, particularly antioxidants, contributes to overall immune system resilience and general wellness.
- ✓Pain Management — Traditionally used for alleviating pain associated with inflammation, such as in post-exercise soreness or minor sprains.
- ✓Microcirculation Improvement — Flavonoids like apigenin and luteolin found in Woundwort can support healthy microcirculation, which is vital for healing and reducing localized edema.
7.1.Woundwort — Conditions Traditionally Used For
8.Woundwort — Risk Profile
8.1.Woundwort — Warnings
- ✓Allergic Reactions — Rare instances of contact dermatitis may occur when applying raw leaf poultices; a patch test on the inner arm is recommended.
- ✓Gastrointestinal Upset — High oral doses exceeding 8 grams per day can occasionally lead to mild nausea or abdominal cramping.
- ✓Hypotension — Some individuals may experience a slight drop in blood pressure, necessitating caution for those already on antihypertensive medications.
- ✓Anticoagulant Interaction — There is a theoretical risk of enhanced anticoagulant effects when combined with potent blood thinners like warfarin, due to potential anti-platelet activity.
- ✓Sedation — Extremely high doses might induce mild sedation, although this is uncommon with standard therapeutic use.
- ✓Skin Irritation — Prolonged topical application in sensitive individuals might cause mild irritation.
8.2.Woundwort — Clinical Safety Notes
- ✓Pregnancy & Breastfeeding — Internal use is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data and lack of comprehensive studies.
- ✓Anticoagulant Medications — Avoid concurrent use with potent anticoagulants like warfarin to prevent potential interactions and enhanced bleeding risk.
- ✓Blood Pressure Monitoring — Individuals with low blood pressure or those on antihypertensive drugs should monitor their blood pressure closely due to a reported hypotensive effect.
- ✓Pre-existing Conditions — Patients with chronic health issues, particularly liver or kidney disease, should consult a licensed healthcare provider before using Woundwort.
- ✓Dosage Adherence — Always start with lower doses to assess individual tolerance and avoid exceeding recommended amounts to minimize potential side effects.
- ✓Patch Testing — Prior to extensive topical application, perform a patch test on a small skin area to check for allergic reactions or sensitivities.
- ✓Pediatric Use — Children under 12 should not exceed half the adult dose and only under the supervision of an Ayurvedic or licensed healthcare professional.
9.Woundwort — How to Use
- ✓Leaf Decoction — Prepare by steeping 2-4 grams of dried leaves in 250 ml of simmering water for 10 minutes; consume up to two cups daily for mild inflammatory or digestive issues.
- ✓Hydro-Alcoholic Tincture — Take 2-5 ml (approximately 40 drops) twice daily, diluted in water, for systemic anti-inflammatory support, ensuring to shake well before use.
- ✓Topical Ointment/Cream — Apply a thin layer of a 5-10% leaf or root extract in a neutral base (e.g., shea butter, beeswax) to wounds, bruises, or sore muscles 2-3 times per day, using a sterile dressing for open wounds.
- ✓Powdered Root Capsules — Ingest 250-500 mg of encapsulated powdered root once daily with warm water to support internal wound healing and leverage triterpenoid benefits.
- ✓Fresh Leaf Poultices — Crush fresh leaves and apply directly to minor cuts, bruises, or insect bites to staunch bleeding and promote healing, securing with a bandage.
- ✓Ayurvedic Kashay (Decoction) — In traditional Ayurvedic practice, dried stolons are prepared as decoctions to address minor skin infections, mild dysentery, and inflammatory swellings.
- ✓Herbal Gargle — Infuse fresh leaves in warm water to create a gargle for soothing minor throat irritations, often combined with honey for enhanced antimicrobial effects.
- ✓Infused Oil — Steep fresh or dried leaves in a carrier oil (like olive or coconut oil) to create an infused oil, suitable for massage into sore muscles or as a base for topical balms.
10.Woundwort — Growth Requirements
- ✓Habitat Mimicry — Thrives in moist, rich, pH-neutral to slightly acidic soils, mimicking its natural habitat of marshy banks and stream edges.
- ✓Sunlight Exposure — Prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring adequate light for optimal growth and flowering.
- ✓Water Requirements — Needs consistently damp soil; avoid drying out, especially during warmer months, making it suitable for bog gardens or near water features.
- ✓Propagation — Can be propagated by seeds sown in spring or autumn, but more commonly by division of its stoloniferous roots in spring or fall.
- ✓Harvesting Leaves — Leaves are best harvested just before peak bloom, typically July to August, when essential oil content is highest.
- ✓Harvesting Roots/Stolons — Underground stolons and roots are dug in late autumn after seed drop, concentrating active principles.
- ✓Drying Process — Leaves should be air-dried under shade on racks to preserve their rosmarinic acid content and other volatile compounds.
- ✓Soil Enrichment — Benefits from organic matter incorporation to maintain soil moisture and nutrient levels.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
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1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
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Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
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Important medical disclaimer: This content is for educational and research purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Do not use any herb to self-treat a medical condition without professional guidance.
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and research purposes only and is not medical advice.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
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