Ireland's OWN Myths & Magic

(Folk names: Bishopwort, Lamb's Ear, Lousewort, Purple Betony, Wood Betony, Woolly betony, Woundwort)

This plant is a perennial and easy to grow in sun or shade.
Burn at Litha/Midsummer Solstice for purification, protection and psychic awareness.
Burn in the Midsummer bonfire and jump through the smoke for purification against illness and evil.
To be free of nightmares (put in a pillow or packet under your own pillow).
To send away despair, sprinkle around doors and windows.
Other uses in folklore include carrying it on one's person to prevent lover's quarrels, to prevent intoxication and to prevent a mysterious disease known as "elf sickness."

Sources:

Cunningham, S. Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Llewellyn Publications, 2002.
Dugan, E. Garden Witchery. Llewellyn Publications, 2003.
Moura, A. Green Witchcraft. Llewellyn Publications, 2001.
Personal knowledge / traditions.
Smith, A.W. The Gardener's Handbook of Plant Names: Their Meanings and Origins. Dover Publications, 1997.

For more about flowers, plants and herbs, see Ireland's OWN Myths and Magic