Betony (Stachys officinalis), also known as wood betony, has a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine, particularly for head and neurological complaints. In historical herbal texts dating from Roman to medieval times, betony was frequently recommended for ailments of the head, including headaches and earaches. Notably, Nicholas Culpeper and other early herbalists suggested the use of betony for conditions such as tinnitus, ear infections, and general ear discomfort, typically as an infusion or poultice applied near the ear. The rationale was based on the doctrine of signatures and the plant's perceived ability to "draw out" illness from the head region.

However, there is minimal modern scientific research directly supporting betony's efficacy for ear health or specific ear-related conditions. Contemporary studies on betony have focused more on its potential anxiolytic or anti-inflammatory effects, rather than direct action on the ear or auditory system. Thus, while its use for the ear is rooted in tradition and historical practice, this application is not substantiated by modern clinical evidence. The overall evidence supporting betony for the ears is therefore weak, relying primarily on traditional use without robust scientific validation.