This late flowering member of the nettle family used to be found in hundreds on this meadow but now only a few are to be found at this time of year. I suspect a change in the grazing patterns of the local cattle. It is necessary of course to keep animals grazing on ancient unimproved meadows if that is what has been done for decades - that is how the smaller plants are able to continue to compete with taller herbs.
Betony was regarded as a powerful herb by the ancients and capable of curing forty seven diseases. It was even regarded as being good for one's soul as well as body. Whether disease, poison, wicked spirits or witchcraft struck at you Betony was the cure. It was even a cure for elf-sickness - a most useful piece of knowledge for the followers of The Ring.
Meadow near River weaver, Kingsley, Cheshire 30th August 2005
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Added on 30th August 2005