The scientific Latin name for betony, a plant with purple flowers historically used in herbal medicine.
Latin name, possibly derived from Betone, an ancient region, or from Latin praecordia (heart-related), as betony was believed to treat heart conditions. The Latin scientific nomenclature became standard in botany.
Medieval Europeans believed betonica could cure 47 different diseases—modern science hasn't confirmed that, but the plant IS used medicinally today, showing ancient herbalists weren't entirely wrong!
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