Steinmetz:Asperula

Asperula arvensis

Also known as (or relevant to) Asperula arvensis Asperula cynanchica Family Rubiaceae English Names Field Woodruff Quinsywort Shephard's Bedstraw Madwort Squinancywort Natural Habitat Europe (including Great Britain) Part(s) Used Herba Asperulae arvensis

Action astringent; the herb is used to cure quinsies of all kinds; in Sweden a dye is made from the root

Asperula odorata

Also known as (or relevant to) Asperula odorata Family Rubiaceae English Names Woodruff Woodward Natural Habitat Europe (including Great Britain) Siberia North-Western Asia North Africa Part(s) Used Herba Asperulae odoratae = Herba Matrisilvae

Constituent(s) cumarin tannin asperlicin fatty oil essential oil bitter principle Action aromatic antispasmodic slightly sedative cordial diuretic stomachic depurative. - In Germany the herb is infused in a special May Day drink ("Maitrank" = "Mai-Wein")