AKA: Lady's bedstraw, Maid’s hair, Yellow Bedstraw, Petty Mugget, Cheese Renning, curd wort

The legend behind the name

This hardy perennial native to Europe (including Britain), is believed to have been one of the cradle herbs that Mary used to prepare the bed of the messiah (where he presumably lain down his sweet head). It is said that before this event, the flowers were white, but then turned golden. The flowers being densely paniculated, were said to make very soft bedding and were actually used for this purpose during the Middle Ages, so there does happen to be a bit of truth behind the legend.

The bright yellow blossoms associated with the legend also are responsible for its second name of Maid's hair which is derived from the desired hair color for ladies during the reign of Henry VIII. Petty Mugget, derived from the French Petit Muguet (little dandy), is also thought to be attributed to the bright yellow flowers.

As for the final two names, they are attributed to the plants milk curdling properties. It was found to be useful in the process of making cheese before rennet became more widespread. It was also used to give cheese that nice yellow color before annatto became popular.

Used as/for:
• A Diuretic
• Skin conditions
• Epilepsy
• Urinary Disorders
• Milk Curdling

Other Benefits
Aside from is cheese making and bed stuffing properties, bedstraw has also been used as folk treatment for skin conditions and urinary tract problems. Mainly used for it diuretic properties the leaves, stems, and shoots of bedstraw are also believed to be help control epileptic spasms, clean out the urinary tract and even help dissolve kidney stones. It has also been used in poultices to help treat wounds and as a powder to help soothe inflammation and speed the healing of wounds and cuts.

The plant is harvested after the flowers appear and then dried for later use. It can be made into a powder or extract and then used in an infusion (one table spoon per half a cup of water) and then taken as a morning dose of one cup. It can also be made into a juice (one teaspoon per half a cup) and then taken throughout the day. This is the perfect way to help cleanse the body, clear the skin and help deal with any stones, gravel or other urinary disorders.

To make a poultice to treat small wounds and inflamed areas, mix some finely chopped bed straw with just a tad of hot water, wrap it in a gauze, then press over area you intend to treat. Refresh with hot water as necessary. 

coming soon....