One of stories that have grown up around it are that it helps clarify deeper meanings of relationship, friendship and sexuality; For those who prefer to be alone but are working on authentic ways to connect with others.

Wood betony has been used in connection with following conditions (refer to individual health concern for complete information): Rating Health, Shingles, Sinusitis Stress,Concerns,Anxiety,Gastritis.

Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Wood betony was used in European folk herbalism as a remedy for respiratory tract inflammation, heartburn, urinary tract inflammation, varicose veins, intestinal worm infestations, and failure to thrive.1

It was considered a calming remedy and was used for headaches as well as some forms of neuralgia, including shingles. The active constituents of wood betony have not been clearly identified. The tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, and volatile oil found in this plant and its cousins may all contribute to its activity.

Almost no research has been conducted on wood betony. Some Russian research in humans apparently suggests it may promote lactation, though details of these studies are not readily available.

How much is usually taken? A tea of wood betony can be made by steeping 1 to 2 tsp dried leaf and flower in a cup of water for 15 minutes. One or two cups of this tea can be drunk per day. Though generally better between meals, it can be taken with food for convenience or if there is any gastrointestinal upset.

Are there any side effects or interactions? There are no known adverse effects from use of wood betony other than occasional mild gastrointestinal upset. Its safety in pregnancy and breast-feeding is generally unknown, though as noted above it has been studied in Russia as a way to increase lactation. References 1. Lust J. The Herb Book. New York: Bantam Books, 1974:116.

2. Mills SY. Out of Earth: The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine.

Middlesex, UK: Viking Arkana, 1991:576.

3. Stegailo EA, Lebedeva IM, Aronova BN, et al. Treatment of

hypogalactia with an extract of betonica hedge nettle. Akush

Ginekol (Mosk) 1980;(2):19–20 [in Russian].

4. Bakhalova NV, Kharmats DA. Effect of milk from mothers receiving

methylergometrine and hedge nettle extract on physical development

of newborn infant. Zdravookhr Kirg 1977;(2):28–31 [in Russian].

5. Lust J. The Herb Book. New York: Bantam Books, 1974:116.

7.Know your strengths.

We recommend taking StrengthsFinder profile ( www.susandunn.cc/assessments.htm ) and having a coach go over it with you. This unique assessment tells you tools you have for dealing with life that are innate to you. An inept manager will have you focusing on your weaknesses and will make you feel inept. It’s part of what they “do”.

8.Life skills.

Always be working on your personal and professional development. Just as you acquire degrees, skills and expertise in your field, you should be developing your emotional intelligence. Such competencies as stress management, leadership, interpersonal skills, quick and accurate reality-testing, communication skills, resilience and flexibility will help you in this situation, as well as any other you face. Learning EQ has long-term positive results.

9.Look out for yourself.

Guard your health – physically, mentally, and emotionally. You’ll be more stressed, more likely to take sick days, and more likely to become negative and pessimistic. Coaching can help bolster you at this time. Use your own social support network as well.

10.Be mindful of patterns in your life.

If this is last in a long series of impossible managers, it’s you. If you transfer to another department or job, and same situation occurs, it’s you. If you also have an impossible spouse, kids, relatives and friends, it’s you. Get coaching!

©Susan Dunn, MA, Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc . I teach individuals emotional intelligence through individual and group coaching, workshops, Internet courses and ebooks – http://www.webstrategies.cc/ebooklibrary.htm. ). A total program for personal and professional development. mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc for FREE ezine. I train and certify emotional intelligence coaches. Email me for information.