BETONY: A genus of the gymnospermia order, belonging to the didynamia class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 42d order, verticillate. The calyx is awned; the upper lip of the corolla is ascending and flattish; and the tube is cylindric.

Species, &c. Of this genus botanical writers enumerate the following species. 1. The officinalis, purple betony or wood betony. 2. The danica, or greater Danish betony. 3. The alpina, or least Alpine betony. 4. The orientalis, or eastern betony, with very long narrow leaves, and a thicker spike of flowers. 5. The incana, or hoary Italian betony, with a flesh-coloured flower. Of these the first species only deserves notice. It is a low plant growing in woods and shady places in several parts both of England and Scotland; the flowers come forth in June and July, of a purplish colour, and stand in spikes on the top of the stalks. The leaves and flowers have an herbaceous, roughish, somewhat bitterish taste, accompanied with a very weak aromatic flavour. This herb has been long a favourite among writers on the materia medica, who have not failed to attribute to it abundance of good qualities. Experience, however, does not discover any other virtue in betony than that of a mild corroborant: as such, an infusion or light decoction of it may be drank as tea; or a saturated tincture in rectified spirits given in suitable doses, in laxity or debility of the visceras, and diseases proceeding from thence. The powder of the leaves snuffed up the nose provokes sneezing; and hence betony is sometimes made an ingredient in irritatory powders: this effect does not seem to be owing, as is generally supposed, to any peculiar stimulating virtues in the herb, but to the rough hairs with which the leaves are covered. The roots of this plant differ greatly in their quality from the other parts: their taste is very bitter and nauseous; taken in a small dose, they vomit and purge violently, and are supposed to have somewhat in common with the roots of hellebore. According to Simon Pauli and Bartholinus, this plant affects those who gather any considerable quantity of it with a disorder resembling drunkenness. Its leaves are sometimes smoked like tobacco.

BETONICA Aquatica. See SCROPHULARIA.

BETONICA Pauli. See VERONICA.