Verbena: properties, uses and contraindications

Vervain (Verbena officinalis L.) is a plant closely linked to popular tradition, which has been used for various purposes, for its digestive properties, for nerves and lack of sleep, colds and menstrual disorders. Traditionally it had even been used in spells, magical rituals and incantations.

Officinal verbena and other similar species are regularly used in gardens for their resistance to lack of water, fragrance and ability to attract butterflies, which are also responsible for pollinating them. It is also a plant that you can harvest yourself in the field, as it is very abundant, and not missing in any herbalistas it is part of numerous medicinal formulations.

If it is so common and abundant, it is partly because it is a ruderal plant that grows comfortably in open fields, grasslands, lawns, riverbanks and next to crops. In fact, it is common throughout Europe except in colder regionssuch as Scandinavia, Iceland and Scotland.

The plant is about 70-80 cm tall. It presents a strain with very segmented leaves, with smaller upper leaves, the stem is quadrangular and the very tiny flowers are light lilac in color and appear in elongated and fine inflorescences.

These flowers begin to appear towards the end of spring. and flowering can last well into autumn. They are very attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects.

Vervain properties

vervain contains small doses of essential oil, with limonene, cineole and other volatile substances, mucilagesiridoid heterosides such as verbenaloside -which by hydrolysis breaks down into verbalin and verbanin-, cardiotonic heterosides, caffeic acid, tannins and bitter beginnings. It also contains vitamins and traces of alkaloids (vincamine). However, its composition does not seem to be fully studied.

Many medicinal properties are attributed to it, including:

Tranquilizing properties Digestive properties Tonic properties Anti-inflammatory properties Analgesic and antispasmodic properties Emenagogue properties (favoring menstruation) Choleretic and hepatoprotective properties Mucilaginous, balsamic, antitussive and astringent properties Diuretic properties Demulcent properties.

What is vervain used for?

Both in popular tradition and in herbal remedies, vervain is used to alleviate a wide variety of common or non-serious conditions.

It had always been a plant that had been very close at hand, and that in adjusted doses and in combination with other herbs, provided healing remedies for the whole family.

For rhinitis and throat irritation

The presence of mucilages and their anti-inflammatory action explain its usefulness as a remedy to combat throat irritation, to reduce coughing fitsand to help clear the upper airways. It is intended to provide relief in case of sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, mild or incipient bronchitis and in allergic processes with rhinitis and conjunctivitis.

To improve digestion

Verbena is incorporated into digestive and tonic formulas to restore liver functions after an indisposition, intoxication or mild intoxication. relieves gastrointestinal spasms the gastritis and can help regulate intestinal transit, preventing episodes of constipation.

For the headache

Vervain is a classic and traditional herbal remedy to try to reduce headaches, including nervous migraine or that linked to digestive or liver disorders.

In this case, vervain is usually combined with other herbs with which it is complemented, such as mint, feverfew or ginkgo.

for the nerves

Vervain has a slight sedative and even hypnotic actionand has been widely used to calm the nerves, to induce sleep, and to reduce states of irritability, tachycardia, and nervous fatigue.

For pain

Vervain is attributed analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. It is indicated as a natural relief to mitigate the spasmodic pain in the premenstrual periodfor him Back pain, inconvenience by non-acute neuralgia and rheumatism.

to debug

Finally, as a diuretic plant, verbena is used, again associated with other herbs, as a purifier and to combat edema and the fluid retention.

For the skin and mouth

Vervain has traditionally been used as an ointment and in washes on insect bites, minor wounds, sores and eczema. Also in formulas for cellulite.

in mouthwash It can also treat mouth sores, toothache, inflammation of the gums and pharyngitis.

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How to take vervain

Vervain is taken fresh or dry. Have a somewhat citric flavor, smooth, pleasantwhich is why it is often added to more difficult-tasting infusions to improve it.

The most common way to take vervain is as an infusionusually in combination with other plants, two or three glasses a day.It is also found in the form of drops of liquid extract, in tincture and capsules.The decoction applies externally in compresses or washesto relieve rheumatic pain and migraines. And it is included in pain relieving ointments and the inflammation caused by the sting of wasps, bees and other insects. The purified decoction it’s used in eye washes in case of eye irritation, allergies, conjunctivitis. As a mouthwash, rinsethe purified decoction is taken to relieve toothache, gingivitis and sores or mouth ulcers. Finally it is incorporated into inhalations or vapors to clear the airways in bronchitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis or rhinitis.

vervain infusion

With verbena a smooth and pleasant infusion can be prepared, but it is usual to combine it with other plants, either to improve the flavor of infusions with related plants or to take advantage of their valuable properties.

Here we leave you two vervain infusion formulas for some of its most common uses:

Tisane for migraine

very suitable for migraines and other headaches associated with liver or digestive disorders.

Ingredients:

VerbenaGinkgoMatricariaMilk ThistleMelissaLindenMint

Preparation:

Mix all the herbs in equal parts (for example, 15 g of each) on a flat surface. Separate from the mixture a tablespoon for each glass of water that you are going to prepare. Boil for 2 minutes and leave to rest for 10 more minutes. Once strained, to reduce the bitterness of the feverfew and thistle, you can add a vegan sweetener, such as syrup or stevia, to taste.

How much to take: Two glasses a day, better on an empty stomach.

Herbal tea for menstrual pain

This verbena infusion is a natural formula to alleviate some of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, such as fatigue, low back pain or nervous irritability, among others.

Ingredients:

Verbena Chasteberry Hawthorn Artemis Borage Mint.

Preparation:

Mix the plants in equal parts and separate a tablespoon of the mixture per cup of water that you are going to prepare. Place the herbs in a teapot, pour in the hot water that has just been boiled and cover to let it rest for a few minutes. After straining, you can add a lemon juice or maple syrup.

How much to take: Two glasses a day, in case of premenstrual syndrome, from 8 days before the arrival of the period.

contraindications

vervain should not be taken in pregnancy. It had been attributed a slight oxytocic action, which could speed up labor. It should not be taken either if they occur acute menstrual disorderswith metrorrhagia, or in any case with the consent of your gynecologist.

Vervain extracts have a certain antithyroid actionhence should be avoided in case of hypothyroidism.

Is It is important to adhere to the recommended dosessince an overconsumption can cause malaise, diarrhea and/or vomiting in some people.

By direct contactwhen harvested, can produce dermatitis or irritation on certain sensitive skins.