Betony (Stachys officinalis), also known as wood betony, has a long-standing tradition in European herbal medicine, particularly for supporting the senses, most notably vision and hearing. Historically, medieval and Renaissance herbalists, such as Culpeper and Gerard, recommended betony for ailments of the head, including headaches, neuralgia, and conditions affecting the eyes and ears. It was commonly believed to sharpen the mind and senses and was used for complaints such as tinnitus and poor eyesight.

The traditional use of betony in supporting sensory health is largely based on its reputation as a general nervine and tonic for the head. Preparations of betony were taken internally as teas or tinctures, or applied externally as poultices for eye and ear issues. However, while this traditional evidence is robust across various European traditions, modern clinical studies validating these uses are lacking. There is little to no scientific research specifically examining betony’s effects on the sensory organs or their function.

In summary, betony’s role in supporting the senses is rooted in a rich tradition of herbal practice, but it does not currently have strong scientific validation for these specific effects. Its use in this context is best understood as a part of historical herbalism rather than evidence-based medicine.