Sweet woodruff, cut aerial part – Asperula odorata

Woodruff grows naturally in the shade of temperate forests. It is harvested before or at the very beginning of flowering, then carefully dried. As it dries, it develops a distinctive scent due to coumarin, highly sought after in herbal teas and natural cosmetics.

Description

The cut aerial parts consist of slender leaves and flower stems, ranging from pale green to gray-green in color. The dry fragrance evokes vanilla and fresh hay. The dried plant retains its flexibility, making it an excellent base for aromatic sachets or soothing infusions.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Sweet woodruff, sweet woodruff, sweet bedstraw
• Latin name: Asperula odorata
• Family: Rubiaceae
• Part used: Aerial part
• Form: Cut, dried
• Origin: Temperate Europe
• English name: Sweet woodruff
• Name in German: Waldmeister
• Name in Spanish: Asperilla olorosa
• Name in Italian: Asperula odorosa
• Name in Arabic: الغاليت العطريّة (al-Ghaylit al-ʿItriyya)

Main virtues

Used for its soothing and aromatic properties, sweet woodruff is ideal as an evening infusion, in room fragrances or in artisanal cosmetic and decorative preparations.

Main constituents

Coumarins (including odorin), flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, essential oils.

Use and dosage

• Infusion: 1 teaspoon per cup, infuse for 5 to 10 minutes covered.
• Herbal sachet: used to scent wardrobes, pillows or linens.
• Cosmetics: aromatic bath base or homemade floral water.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Contains coumarin: avoid if taking anticoagulants.
• Not recommended for prolonged use or at high doses.
• Keep out of reach of children.

History and origin

Used since the Middle Ages in Central Europe to perfume homes and drinks, sweet woodruff was renowned in folk traditions for promoting rest and harmony. It also appears in certain liqueur recipes such as Belgian Maitrank or May wines.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: kraft bag or glass jar, away from light and humidity.
• Packaging: bulk, resealable bag, metal box.
• Appearance: Soft green fragments with small dried flowers.
• Smell: sweet, vanilla, typical of dry hay.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Corpus of European ethnobotany
• Ancient recipes for floral drinks
• Popular and medieval herbalism texts

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