Sweet Woodruff Tea – Effect and Preparation
In spring, when nature awakens to new life, the deliciously fragrant Sweet Woodruff grows on the shady floors of European forests. This inconspicuous herb, known for its beguiling aroma that evokes memories of freshly mown hay and delicate vanilla notes, is a true treasure of nature. Sweet Woodruff has not only found its place in the kitchen, but is also deeply rooted in traditional folk medicine. In this article, you can find out how to make Sweet Woodruff tea yourself and why Sweet Woodruff tea also has a variety of health benefits.
What is Sweet Woodruff?
Sweet Woodruff, botanically known as Galium odoratum, is a small but remarkable plant native to the shady deciduous forests of Europe and northern Asia. In the Americas it is rarely known though. The delicate, ground-covering herb is particularly striking for its characteristic leaf shape – a swirl of glossy, dark green leaves arranged in a star shape around the delicate stem. In late spring, Sweet Woodruff adorns itself with small, white flowers that hang in loose clusters and exude a sweet, beguiling fragrance.
Due to its unique aroma, Sweet Woodruff is used in many desserts, lemonades, as a syrup or in alcoholic mixed drinks such as Sweet Woodruff punch. Or you can make a delicious Sweet Woodruff tea from the leaves. There are some fruit tea blends in sachets with Sweet Woodruff flavor, often made from artificial flavors. However, you can also easily make your own Sweet Woodruff tea from fresh or dried leaves.
The fresh leaves of Sweet Woodruff contain coumarin, a chemical compound that is responsible for the plant’s characteristic, sweet aroma. However, the coumarin in fresh leaves is present in a preliminary stage and only develops its full aroma after a drying process. Teas made from fresh Sweet Woodruff leaves therefore have a rather mild taste and a less intense aroma than those made from dried leaves.*
Sweet Woodruff should be used in moderation, as the coumarin can be harmful to health in large quantities. You can find out more about this further down in the article. Moderate use of dried woodruff for tea provides a pleasant aroma and can offer certain health benefits without the risks of excessive coumarin intake.
Sweet Woodruff Tea Recipe
Making Sweet Woodruff tea is a wonderful way to discover the unique flavors and health benefits of this special plant. Here I will show you a simple basic recipe as well as some variations and tips for preparation.
How to Prepare Sweet Woodruff Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 – 2 teaspoons of dried woodruff or a handful of fresh woodruff leaves
- 250 ml boiling water
Preparation:
- Prepare: If you are using fresh Sweet Woodruff leaves, press them lightly or rub them to release the essential oils. You can skip this step if you are using dried Sweet Woodruff.
- Infuse: Put the leaves in a tea strainer or directly into a teapot and pour the boiling water over the leaves.
- Infuse: Put the leaves in a tea strainer or directly into a teapot and pour the boiling water over the leaves.
- Enjoy: Remove the leaves and enjoy your tea hot. You can add honey or another sweetener to taste.
Variations and tips for preparation
- With lemon and honey: Add a slice of lemon and a teaspoon of honey to give your Sweet Woodruff tea a pleasant sweetness and fresh acidity.
- As iced tea: For a cool refreshment in summer, leave the tea to cool and serve with ice cubes. A squeeze of lime juice can make it feel even more refreshing.
- With other herbs: Try mixing Sweet Woodruff with other herbs such as mint or lemon balm to create new flavor experiences.
How Much and When to Consume Sweet Woodruff
Attention: As Sweet Woodruff contains the slightly toxic substance coumarin, it is important to consume it in moderation. As the coumarin content varies naturally, it is difficult to specify a maximum amount to consume. It is recommended to use a maximum of 3 grams.
Time of day: Sweet Woodruff tea is best enjoyed in the afternoon or early evening. Its slightly calming effect can help you wind down after a long day. However, avoid drinking the tea directly before going to bed, as the coumarin could affect your sleep.
Sweet Woodruff Tea Benefits
Sweet Woodruff not only tastes delicious, but is also often regarded as a medicinal plant. The characteristic aroma and taste of Sweet Woodruff is caused by Coumarin. Coumarin is said to have calming properties and could be used in moderate amounts for relaxation and to relieve stress and anxiety (Iurchenko et al., 2015). Woodruff also contains various flavonoids and other phytochemicals that may have antioxidant properties and may protect the body from harmful environmental influences. Studies suggest that these compounds may scavenge free radicals and provide anti-inflammatory benefits, although these effects have not been definitively proven in humans (Bubols et al., 2013).
Sweet Woodruff has traditionally been used in folk medicine to treat headaches, insomnia and digestive problems. Its calming effect has made it a popular household remedy for restlessness, nervousness and sleep problems. It is also used in aromatherapy to create a relaxing atmosphere and promote well-being. However, it should be noted that these effects in humans have so far only been suggested by studies, but not definitively proven.
Scientific studies on the effects of woodruff
Scientific research on woodruff and its effects is still relatively limited, but some studies confirm the plant’s positive effects on health. Studies have shown that coumarin, consumed in small doses, can actually have a calming effect without causing harmful side effects. Further research suggests that the antioxidant components of woodruff may help protect cells from oxidative stress, which is important for preventing chronic disease and promoting overall health.
In an animal experiment, an aqueous woodruff extract (i.e. tea) was applied to wounds. The results showed a significant improvement in wound healing. In addition, the wounds contained fewer inflammatory cells (Link to the study).
Side Effects of Sweet Woodruff Tea
Although the use of Sweet Woodruff tea suggests many health benefits, it is also important to be aware of the potential side effects, particularly in relation to the Coumarin it contains. Coumarin is harmful to health in high doses and can cause certain ailments if consumed in excess:
- Liver damage: One of the best known risks of consuming too much coumarin is the possibility of liver damage. Although small amounts of coumarin are usually considered safe, regular consumption of large amounts can lead to liver problems.
- Headaches and dizziness: In some cases, the consumption of Sweet Woodruff tea, especially in high doses, can cause headaches and dizziness
- Possible interactions with medications: Coumarin can interact with certain medications, especially anticoagulants. If you are taking such medication, you should consult a doctor before drinking woodruff tea regularly.
Pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children should avoid Sweet Woodruff tea or only drink it after consulting a doctor. People with liver disease or those taking blood-thinning medication should also exercise particular caution.
Conclusion
Sweet Woodruff tea, a drink with a centuries-old tradition, fascinates with its unique aroma and multiple health benefits. The gentle effect of Coumarin could help to alleviate stress and promote well-being, while the antioxidant components are thought to protect the body. But with all the benefits, caution is advised. Moderate use of Sweet Woodruff is crucial to avoid side effects.
If you would like to prepare a fresh Sweet Woodruff tea, you can read the article on harvesting Sweet Woodruff . If you prefer to buy your Sweet Woodruff tea ready-dried, you can get dried Sweet Woodruff tea from Amazon*.
FAQ
Woodruff tea has a unique, sweet-tart aroma that is often compared to notes of freshly mown hay and a hint of vanilla. The flavor varies depending on whether you use fresh or dried leaves: Tea made from dried leaves tends to have a more intense flavor, as the drying process concentrates the coumarin, the substance responsible for the flavor.
Woodruff tea is traditionally said to have a calming effect that can help with stress and nervousness. It is also valued for its potential health benefits, including aiding digestion and promoting a good night’s sleep. The antioxidants it contains can also protect the body from free radicals.
Yes, woodruff is considered a medicinal plant due to its various health-promoting properties. It has traditionally been used to relieve headaches, calm the nervous system and improve sleep quality. However, scientific studies on its exact effects are limited and it is recommended to enjoy it in moderate amounts.
Woodruff can be used in many different ways. The best known is certainly the preparation as a tea, for which you can use both fresh and dried leaves. Woodruff is also suitable for making syrup, which serves as a base for lemonades or cocktails, and can also flavor desserts such as jellies or puddings. For most culinary applications, it is advisable to dry the woodruff beforehand in order to develop its full aroma.
Yes, woodruff can be drunk in the form of tea and offers a soothing, calming effect. However, note that woodruff contains coumarin, which can be harmful to health in high doses. It is therefore important to enjoy it in moderation and not to exceed the recommended amount when preparing it. Pregnant women, nursing mothers and small children should avoid woodruff or only consume it after consulting a doctor.
