Betony (Stachys officinalis), also known as wood betony, has a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine for a variety of ailments, including digestive complaints. Historical sources such as Nicholas Culpeper’s 17th-century herbal and various medieval texts mention betony as a remedy for conditions like headaches, anxiety, and digestive disturbances. Specifically, it has been cited for use in relieving symptoms such as stomach pain, indigestion, and general gastrointestinal discomfort, which may overlap with symptoms seen in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). However, these recommendations are based on empirical use over centuries rather than formal clinical investigation.

Scientific evidence for betony’s use in IBS is lacking. There are no robust clinical trials or systematic reviews evaluating betony for IBS specifically. Some phytochemical analyses indicate that betony contains compounds with mild antispasmodic or anti-inflammatory properties, but these findings are preliminary and not directly linked to IBS management in human subjects. In summary, the use of betony for IBS is justified mainly by traditional practice, with very limited modern evidence supporting its efficacy for this condition.