Wood Betony
1 food contains this ingredient
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About Wood Betony
Wood betony is a European mint-family herb added in small amounts to some pet products as a traditional calming and digestive botanical, not a nutrient source.
Wood betony is an herbal botanical occasionally used in pet supplements or functional treats for its traditional role as a mild digestive aid and calming/tonic herb rather than as a nutritional ingredient. Its direct nutrient contribution is negligible, evidence of benefits in dogs and cats is limited, and owners should consult a veterinarian before use because dosing, safety, and potential interactions with medications or in pregnant or nursing animals are not well established.
- Derived from
- leaves and flowering tops of Stachys officinalis, a mint-family perennial
- Primary role
- traditional calming and digestive herb
Why it's used
Herbalists have long classified wood betony as a nervine and mild digestive tonic, and it turns up in some calming chews or herbal blends on that basis. Formal research on the plant is sparse, and reference sources describe its many folk uses as resting on tradition rather than controlled studies in dogs or cats.
Common concerns
- Pregnancy and lactation Herbal references describe wood betony as having emmenagogue and mild uterine-stimulant properties and advise avoiding it during pregnancy and lactation, a caution that would extend to breeding animals.
- Blood pressure medication interaction A clinical drug-interaction reference (RxList/Cerner Multum) lists a moderate interaction between betony and antihypertensive drugs, since the herb may itself lower blood pressure.
- Limited evidence overall Consumer health references such as PeaceHealth's health library rate every traditional use of wood betony as backed by minimal or no clinical evidence, and note that its active compounds are not well characterized.
- Digestive upset The main adverse effect noted in available references is occasional stomach upset, with no dosing standard established for animals.
Also relevant
Historical ethnobotanical records describe wood betony being used in bedding to deter lice in animals, a use unrelated to its role in modern pet food or treats.
3 sources cited
- Traditional classification as a nervine, digestive, and mildly sedative herb with limited experimental support
- Moderate interaction warning with antihypertensive medications and pregnancy/lactation caution
- All traditional uses rated as having minimal or no scientific evidence; occasional digestive upset noted as main side effect
Common Questions
What category is Wood Betony?
Wood Betony is categorized as a herb ingredient in the KibbleLab database.
Is Wood Betony part of an allergen group?
No allergen group is linked to Wood Betony in the KibbleLab database.
Which foods contain Wood Betony?
1 food in the KibbleLab database contain Wood Betony, including Only Natural Pet.
Foods with Wood Betony
Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.
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