Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a plant native to Europe, Iran, Siberia, and Northern Africa. Its leaves and flowers are used as medicine.
Sweet woodruff contains chemicals that might help heal wounds and burns.
People use sweet woodruff for high blood pressure, insomnia, migraine headache, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Uses & Effectiveness
We currently have no information for SWEET WOODRUFF overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Sweet woodruff is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used in larger amounts as medicine, short-term. It's generally well-tolerated. Side effects might include headache.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if sweet woodruff is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Sweet woodruff is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used in larger amounts as medicine, short-term. It's generally well-tolerated. Side effects might include headache.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if sweet woodruff is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if sweet woodruff is safe to use when 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 chemicals that might slow blood clotting. This might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using sweet woodruff at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with SWEET WOODRUFF
Sweet woodruff might slow blood clotting. Taking sweet woodruff along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of sweet woodruff might be. 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 a healthcare professional before using.
Brown, D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. 1995.
Chevallier, A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. 1996.
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
Kahkeshani N, Farahanikia B, Mahdaviani P, et al. Antioxidant and burn healing potential of Galium odoratum extracts. Res Pharm Sci 2013;8(3):197-203. View abstract.
Sulma, T. and 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.
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.