Deep green crinkled leaves and spikes of purple flowers make this one of the more attractive herbs. Once viewed as something of a panacea it is still considered to have value as a nervine, astringent and in treating headaches. It was commonly planted in churchyards to ward off evil and stifle ghostly activity. An old Spanish compliment is "He has as many virtues as Betony". A yellow dye is obtained from the leaves.