Lady's Bedstraw Galium verum

Names

• Family

  Rubiaceae.

• Synonyms

  Lady's Bedstraw, Yellow Bedstraw, Cheese Rennet, Goosegrass, Maid's Hair, Our Lady's Bedstraw.

• Common names

  Galium verum var. asiaticum, Galium vernum, Galium hercynicum, Galium anglicum, Asterophyllum galium, Rubia verum.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Lady's Bedstraw (Galium verum) is not generally considered toxic to humans when ingested in moderate amounts, and it has been used traditionally in various cultures for food and medicinal purposes. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, so it should be consumed with caution, especially when trying it for the first time or consuming large quantities. Ingesting large amounts of any plant can cause gastrointestinal upset or other adverse effects, but there are no widespread reports of serious toxicity from Lady's Bedstraw.

• To pets

  Lady's Bedstraw (Galium verum) is not commonly known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. It's not listed among the plants that are frequently associated with poisonings in animals. Nonetheless, some animals may have individual sensitivities or allergies to this plant. If a pet consumes a significant amount of Lady's Bedstraw, it might experience mild gastrointestinal upset. As with any non-food plant, it's generally a good idea to prevent pets from ingesting it, but there is no specific toxin in Lady's Bedstraw known to cause serious harm to pets.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Yellow

• Height

  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

• Spread

  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  4-8

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Culinary uses: Galium verum, commonly known as Lady's Bedstraw, is utilized for its flavoring properties, being used to coagulate milk in cheese production and as a natural rennet substitute.
• Agricultural applications: It is employed as a forage plant for livestock, attracting beneficial insects and serving as a nutritious food source for grazing animals.
• Dye production: Lady's Bedstraw can be used to produce a natural red dye for coloring fabrics and textiles.
• Ecosystem support: It provides habitat and food for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are crucial for maintaining ecological balance.
• Landscape value: With its vibrant yellow flowers, Lady's Bedstraw is a decorative plant that contributes to the visual appeal of natural and landscaped environments.
• Soil improvement: The plant can help improve soil structure and fertility, making it beneficial in garden beds and as a cover crop.

Medical Properties

• Diuretic: Galium verum has traditionally been used to promote urine production.
• Lymphatic system support: The plant is believed to assist in the functioning of the lymphatic system.
• Anti-inflammatory: Contains compounds that are thought to reduce inflammation.
• Wound healing: Used in traditional medicine to aid in the healing of wounds.
• Sedative: Has been used to induce calmness and help with sleep.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Galium verum, also known as Lady's Bedstraw, has historically been used to curdle milk for cheese making due to its rennet-like properties.
• The plant can be used as a natural yellow dye for fabrics and textiles, derived from its flowers which contain the yellow carotenoid pigment luteolin.
• Lady's Bedstraw was once used to stuff mattresses as the coumarin scent of the dried plant acts as a flea repellent.
• The dried plant has been used to scent linens and wardrobes, similar to the use of lavender sachets.
• In the past, the stems of Lady's Bedstraw have been woven into baskets and other small items due to their pliability and strength when dried.
• The juice extracted from the plant has been used as a natural red pigment for art and food coloring, although not as commonly as other sources.
• The dried flowers and leaves are sometimes used in potpourris and air fresheners for their pleasant fragrance.
• Lady's Bedstraw may be used in natural landscaping and garden designs focused on attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• In some regions, the plant is used in traditional Christmas decorations, due to its bright yellow flowers and evergreen appearance in winter.
• The stems and leaves can be applied to leather as a tanning agent, providing a light yellowish hue to the leather goods.

Feng Shui

Lady's bedstraw is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

Lady's bedstraw is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Protection: Galium verum, commonly known as Lady's Bedstraw, was historically used to stuff mattresses to keep away fleas and other pests, symbolizing protection and safety.
• Purity: Its small, white, and yellow flowers suggest purity and innocence, and it was once used to coagulate milk, which could represent purity and cleanliness.
• Fertility: In some traditions, Lady's Bedstraw was associated with fertility, perhaps owing to its use in childbirth as a mattress filling, providing comfort and support.
• Love: With its connection to the Virgin Mary in Christian tradition, the plant symbolizes undying love and compassion.