Family Name: Rubiaceae
Botanical Name(s): Galium odoratum (L.) Scop
Popular Name(s): Sweet Woodruff, Wild Baby's Breath, Cudweed (G.
triflorum), Ladies Bedstraw
Parts Used: Leaves
Habitat: Woodruff is native to Europe, western Asia and North
Africa.
Description: Woodruff is an herbaceous perennial and it grows to
height of 30-50 cm. Its leaves are 2-5 cm long, lanceolate and occur in
whorls of 6-9. Flowers are small with a diameter of 4-7 mm, white in
colour and are joined together at the base. Its seeds are 2-4 mm in
diameter.
Uses: Fresh leaves of Woodruff are used as flavouring agents in
nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages. It has antispasmodic, diaphoretic,
diuretic and stomachic properties. The essential oil of woodruff is used
as a carminative and mild expectorant. Its leaves are widely used as
insect repellent.
