Sweet Woodruff: What It Does, How to Use It, and What to Watch For

That sweet, hay-like scent in some May wines and old-fashioned desserts? That’s sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum). People use it for flavor, mild relaxation, and as a traditional digestive aid. Before you try it, know the simple ways to use it and the safety limits—this herb smells nice but contains coumarin, which matters.

How to use sweet woodruff

Use small amounts. For flavoring, a few fresh sprigs added to a bottle of white wine or a pitcher of lemonade for 12–24 hours gives a pleasant aroma—then remove the herb. For tea, steep 1/2–1 teaspoon (about 0.5–1 g) of dried leaves in a cup of hot water for 5–10 minutes. Drink no more than one cup a day when trying it for the first time.

People also make syrups, jams, and light custards with sweet woodruff. If you cook it, add the herb near the end to preserve its scent. Avoid prolonged high-heat cooking that can reduce the aroma and change the chemistry.

Safety, interactions, and buying tips

Quick safety facts: sweet woodruff contains coumarin. In small culinary amounts it’s usually fine for healthy adults, but high doses or long-term daily use can stress the liver and increase bleeding risk. Don’t use it if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, have liver disease, or take blood thinners (warfarin, dabigatran, apixaban, etc.). Also check with your doctor before combining it with other herbs or medicines that affect the liver or clotting.

How to buy it: choose culinary-grade or food-safe suppliers. Look for organic or lab-tested sources when possible, and avoid mixes that don’t list exact herb amounts. If a product promises strong medical effects, be cautious—sweet woodruff is mostly a traditional flavoring and mild relaxant, not a replacement for prescribed treatments.

Storage is simple: keep dried leaves in an airtight container, away from light and heat. Fresh sprigs keep a few days in the fridge wrapped in a damp paper towel.

Practical tips: start small, test for allergies (rub a leaf on your skin first), and taste before adding more. If you notice unusual bruising, persistent nausea, yellowing of the skin, or dark urine after using the herb, stop and see a healthcare provider.

Want a quick recipe? For a simple May wine: place a handful of washed fresh sprigs in 1 liter of chilled white wine, steep in the fridge 12–24 hours, then strain. Sip slowly and enjoy one small glass—don’t treat it as medicine.

If you’re unsure about interactions with your medications or health conditions, ask your pharmacist or doctor. Sweet woodruff can be lovely in tiny amounts; just respect its chemistry and don’t overdo it.