Verbena: the story of a magical perennial

Botanical description

The stem is slender, erect, tetrahedral. At the top the stem is branched and each shoot ends in a spike-shaped panicle.

Verbena leaves are opposite (2 leaves per node), coarse in texture. Differ from each other depending on location. The lower leaves are pinnately cut, petiolate, the middle ones are tripartite, the upper ones are sessile, entire. The higher up the stem, the smaller and rounder the leaves.

Verbena flowers are tiny, tubular, with five uneven petals. Light purple, they are collected in spike-shaped inflorescences that develop from the axils of the middle and upper leaves. It blooms from June to September.

Fetus. In autumn, the flowers are replaced by small nuts (4 nuts per flower) up to 2 mm in size. The bolls are elongated and reddish-brown. Verbena officinalis seeds are spread by wind and birds.

Brief description, verbena growth, collection, storage rules

Verbena is a rather tall (up to a meter) perennial with an erect stem that branches in the upper part. The leaves are small, oval, covered with thick down.

The flowers are small, collected in dense inflorescences-spikelets. Flowering begins in early summer and lasts 1-2 months. At the end of summer, capsule fruits are formed.

The homeland of the herb is Europe. Thanks to its decorative properties and useful qualities, it quickly spread across continents - America, Africa, Australia. In Russia, the perennial is found throughout the European part. Prefers forest edges, banks of reservoirs, edges of fields, wastelands.

For treatment, traditional medicine recommends using the entire above-ground part of the herb. In some recipes, the main component is the rhizome, which is slightly inferior to the leaves and stem in terms of the number of useful elements.

It is recommended to gather plant materials during flowering time. Dig up the plant completely, cut off the above-ground part, put it in separate baskets. Wash the rhizome thoroughly at home and cut into small pieces.

Dry plant materials under shelters, spreading them in a thin layer on metal trays or special grids. Drying is considered complete when the leaves or root particles squeezed by hand begin to crumble.

Send ready-to-use raw materials into glass or plastic containers. If it is possible to store verbena in a cool, dry place, you can package the valuable component for preparing homemade medicines in canvas bags. The healing qualities remain unchanged for 2-3 years.

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Where does it grow?

There is no exact information about the origin of verbena. Many are inclined to consider Europe to be the birthplace of this ancient plant. For many places, verbena is invasive - it has a high ability to quickly adapt to new conditions. In meadows, fields, pastures, in abandoned places, on dry river banks, near ruins, medicinal verbena grows everywhere - wild plants are extremely unpretentious. It only does not tolerate severe frosts. Loves sun, warmth and slightly moist soil.

It is found from the Mediterranean Sea to Japan and China, in Russia - from the Urals to the Caucasus. The main condition is a temperate or tropical climate.

Chemical composition

Active ingredients of verbena officinalis:

• iridoids, simply put, bitters (aucuban, loganin, verbenaline, gastatoside);
• a large number of flavonoids (apigenin, scutellarein, luteolin);
• phenolic acid derivatives (verbascoside);
• alkaloids (adenosine);
• citral;
• ursolic acid;
• caffeic acid;
• beta-carotene;
• tannins;
• saponins;
• minerals, macro- and microelements (potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, zinc);
• essential oils.

Use in folk medicine

Despite the fact that verbena is endowed with too many magical and symbolic meanings, its therapeutic effectiveness is confirmed by extensive scientific research. Hippocrates also recommended it for the treatment of infertility.

The beneficial properties of verbena were noted by Hildegard of Bingen (St. Hildegard), a German nun, author of works on medicine, who lived in the 12th century. She extolled the virtues of bitter aromas.

The medicinal properties of the herb Verbena officinalis have been known to people for a long time, because its use for medicinal purposes dates back a thousand years. Unlike the intuitive experience of traditional healers, science meticulously studies the composition of each plant. Verbena officinalis, the use of which in folk medicine was previously limited to a narrow list of diseases, today is one of the most powerful medicinal herbs. And the list of ailments it treats has expanded significantly.

Atherosclerosis

Verbena perfectly cleanses blood vessels from low-density cholesterol plaques. Blood circulation is significantly improved and the risk of cardiovascular diseases is reduced.

Insomnia

Verbena herb has a mild sedative effect and is indicated for people suffering from insomnia. Research has shown that the sleep-inducing compound in verbena is verbenaline.

Cough

The components of this herb have secretolytic and expectorant properties and promote mucus production. They loosen phlegm, relieve congestion and soothe pain when coughing. Moreover, citral kills bacteria located on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.

Skin diseases

Tissue restoration is a complex process that can be caused by various factors. Apigenin and other flavonoids present in verbena extract have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. The tincture and decoction are used externally for purulent, infectious and allergic skin diseases - rashes, acne, scabies, ulcers, eczema, neurodermatitis, psoriasis, furunculosis, as well as difficult-to-heal wounds.

Migraine

Thanks to the main active component - a glycoside with a calming effect, discomfort caused by severe headaches and migraines is suppressed.

Menstrual irregularities

Amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome and menopausal mood swings have long been treated with this feminine herb. “The seventh herb of Venus” is one of the many “talking” names of verbena.

Colds and flu

Treatment of infectious diseases is becoming a growing challenge as pathogens rapidly become resistant to existing antibiotics. The antimicrobial potential of verbena stems, leaves and roots against 24 strains of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria was studied. The stems were the most potent against all strains. Their activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was higher than that of the antibiotic amoxicillin.

Fatigue and nervous tension

The use of verbena officinalis for fatigue relaxes the nervous system, reduces the level of stress hormones, and prevents symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Cystitis, urethritis, gout

Due to its diuretic properties, verbena herb is used as a remedy for fluid stagnation in the body and gout. The arbutin it contains acts as an antibacterial agent against cystitis and urethritis.

Stomach upset, heartburn

The herb Verbena officinalis stimulates the secretion of gastric juice, especially bile, which leads to better absorption of food. This beneficial effect on the digestive tract is explained by the presence of bitter glycosides in it.

Lactation, sexual dysfunction

Verbena increases milk production in a nursing mother. This plant is also a powerful natural aphrodisiac.

Alzheimer's disease

When studying aqueous extracts of Verbena officinalis, it turned out that the components of the plant have a neuroprotective effect. This can slow down the progression of the disease and protect neurons from damage.

Verbena officinalis

Verbena officinalis L.

• Verbenaceae
• Parts used: the entire above-ground mass (usually without roots).
• Pharmacy name: verbena herb - Verbenae herba (formerly: Herba Verbenae).

Botanical description

A perennial plant with a rigid, rough stem, 30-50(60) cm in height, branching in the upper part. It bears small pink or pale blue flowers at the ends of the branches, collected in sparse spike-shaped inflorescences. The leaves are opposite, the lower ones are petiolate and slightly dissected, the upper ones are sessile, trifoliate or pinnately lobed with a serrated edge at the tops of the segments. Blooms from June to September. This weed is common in wasteland and heathland, along roadsides, hedges and fences.

Collection and preparation

Collect all the grass during flowering, air dry, hanging tied in bunches.

Active ingredients: iridoid glycoside (verbenaline), essential oil (a little), tannins, soluble silicic acid (a little), bitterness, mucus.

Healing effect and application

Thanks to its tannins, verbena is used for mild stomach diseases, diarrhea and lack of appetite. If you have a cold, you can drink verbena tea or gargle with it, although there are better remedies: centaury, wormwood, cinquefoil erecta, coltsfoot, chamomile. The German State Health Service considers the medicinal value of verbena unproven, although it does not exclude the possibility that it enhances the effect of other medicinal plants for catarrh of the upper respiratory tract.

Use in homeopathy

The original tincture is prepared from fresh flowering plants. The homeopathic remedy Verbena is given for insomnia, nervous disorders, epilepsy and kidney or gallstones. In recent literature, however, this remedy is practically not mentioned.

Use in folk medicine

Much more often, verbena is used in folk medicine, which still relies on the herbalists of the Middle Ages. It is used primarily for the treatment of wounds, but is also used for diseases of other organs. However, do not forget that there are better remedies.

• Verbena tea: pour 2 heaped teaspoons of the herb into 1/4 liter of boiling water, leave for 5 minutes and strain. This tea can be used both internally and externally.

Side effects are unknown.

Note. “Scented verbena tea”, “Real verbena tea”, “Verbena” - everything that is sold under these names is prepared from the leaves of Lippia triphylla (L'Herit.) 0. Kuntze. They contain aromatic essential oil, and in France and Switzerland these teas are readily replaced with regular black tea. The leaves of this plant are credited with strengthening, diuretic, weight-reducing and tonic effects. Lippia trifolia belongs to the verbena family. Its homeland is Argentina, Uruguay and Chile. In Southern Europe it is grown in gardens.

Verbena tea

Traditionally, verbena is used as a medicinal tea. Despite the numerous beneficial properties of verbena tea, the aroma and bitter taste of this drink require some getting used to.

Simple to prepare but effective, verbena tea is prepared by steeping two tablespoons of raw tea in 250 ml of boiling water. Pour boiling water over the herb, leave for 5-7 minutes, filter and drink after meals to improve digestion, and before bed to combat insomnia. Tea with verbena, drunk in the morning, improves mood, calms nerves, and balances mood swings.

Scientists suspect that in combination with other herbs the strength of the active ingredients of verbena is enhanced or the components of other plants are activated. This is not a new, but still unexplored phenomenon in herbal medicine. So combine verbena with other herbs more often.

What does verbena treat and what is it useful for?

The use of verbena is recommended for many painful conditions and general weakening of the immune system. Healing plant:

• improves well-being during flu and colds;
• reduces high temperature;
• promotes expectoration during bronchitis and pneumonia;
• accelerates the flow of bile;
• improves liver function and cleanses the organ of toxins;
• stimulates metabolic processes and prevents the development of constipation;
• relieves toothache and freshens breath;
• accelerates wound healing and promotes the resorption of boils and abscesses;
• soothes and softens the skin with eczema, psoriasis and neurodermatitis;
• helps cope with allergy symptoms;
• prevents the development of anemia and vitamin deficiency.

Medicinal verbena is used in the treatment of gynecological diseases in women. Plant-based products strengthen blood vessels and protect the heart from ailments.

You can use medicinal verbena if you have a poor appetite

Beneficial properties of verbena tea

Medicinal verbena tea has a pleasant aroma and has a calming effect on the nervous system. You can use it for stress and increased anxiety, as part of the fight against insomnia.

Regular use of the drink reduces the risk of developing varicose veins and thrombophlebitis. The herbal remedy thins the blood and speeds up its passage through the vessels. The valuable properties of herbal tea are in demand for colds - the drink helps to cope with a dry cough and relieves fever.

The benefits of verbena for the body of women

Medicinal verbena is beneficial for the female body. The plant can be used in case of cycle disruptions to induce menstruation; the herb is also used to stimulate contractions during insufficient labor. Verbena has calming properties and eliminates irritability due to hormonal imbalances accompanied by mood swings. It is recommended to use the herb for infectious diseases of the reproductive system to relieve itching and burning of the genitals.

During pregnancy, the use of the plant is practiced only immediately before childbirth, if necessary and in consultation with the doctor. In the early stages, you should not use grass, as it can cause miscarriage.

Attention! During lactation, medicinal verbena enhances milk production, but can provoke allergies in infants.

Verbena tincture

The advantage of alcohol tinctures is that they are absorbed into the blood faster and act immediately. To prepare the tincture, pour 50 g of herb into 500 ml of vodka. Soak for 3 weeks in a dark place. Strain and store in a dark glass bottle. Take 1 teaspoon three times a day before meals.

1. Verbena tincture has a diaphoretic, antipyretic, and tonic effect.
2. The tincture can be used for compresses for bruises and sprains.
3. Verbena tincture is used for blood vessels: to cleanse them of deposits on the walls.

Beneficial features

Now let's talk about the benefits and harms of verbena.

This plant owes its beneficial properties to its composition, which includes:

• vitamin C;
• iridoid glycosides;
• flavonoids;
• tannins;
• steroids;
• carotene;
• alkaloids;
• verbaline;
• coumarin.

Due to its composition, verbena has the following properties:

• diuretic;
• sedative.
• antimicrobial;
• expectorant;
• vasodilator;
• disinfectant;

Application:

• It can be used as a tonic.
• In folk medicine it is used for colds.
• The plant helps thin the blood.
• Verbena infusions are used for intestinal colic or headaches.
• It improves appetite and is used for gastritis and cholecystitis.
• Helps with neurodermatitis, cholelithiasis, and hepatitis.
• Calms the nervous system and is used for depression, stress, hysteria, insomnia, chronic fatigue and even epilepsy.
• Helps with female ailments: cystitis or irregular menstrual cycle. Relieves the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopause.
• Relieves inflammation of the gums, eliminates bad breath.

Verbena essential oil

Once extracted, high quality verbena oil has a chemical composition that combines several powerful antioxidant components such as nerol, citral and verbascoside. Like other essential oils, it is extracted from the leaves of the plant through steam distillation.

For massage

1. Apply 2-3 drops of verbena oil to your temples and massage. This will soothe headaches and improve sleep.
2. Massaging the abdominal area will relieve anxiety and improve digestion.
3. Massage with verbena oil of the chest, in particular the area of ​​the thymus gland, relieves fatigue, improves immunity, and fights allergies.

For Bath

Dissolve 5 drops of essential oil and a handful of coarse salt in a bath of water. It helps fight rheumatic pain and muscle spasms.

Application in cosmetology

Verbena is valued in cosmetology for its regenerating and antiseptic properties for the face and body. It can remove toxins, fight oily skin, prevent the formation of stretch marks and counteract cellulite.

The cosmetic industry produces alcohol-glycerin extract of verbena, which restores skin tone and elasticity, cleanses pores, and removes age spots.

You can also prepare a beauty product from verbena at home.

3-4 tbsp. Fill spoons of herbs with water (500 ml) and put on fire. Bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes. Cool and strain. After a shower, gradually pour the verbena decoction over yourself, starting from your head: first onto clean hair, then onto your body. There is no need to wipe yourself off after this.

This procedure has both a cosmetic and therapeutic effect.

Verbena tincture in a pharmacy

At pharmacies you can purchase ready-made verbena tincture - a preparation that contains ether, tannins, flavonoids, a number of vitamins and microelements. Recommended for:

• improving digestive processes;
• stimulation of appetite;
• increasing the body's immune forces;
• production of gastric juice;
• normalization of liver functions;
• activation of metabolic processes;
• stimulation of blood circulation;
• toning the nervous system.

The main advantage of the drug is the cleansing of blood vessels from cholesterol plaques. This helps prevent the development of atherosclerosis, ischemia, varicose veins, rheumatism, and gout.

Take the medicine three times a day, 30 drops a quarter of an hour before eating. The drug is not used in its pure form - the recommended amount of tincture must be diluted with water. The duration of the course is one month. If there are no results, repeat treatment after a break - after 2 weeks.

Verbena officinalis – pharmaceutical preparations

Verbena officinalis can be bought at a pharmacy. Both the herb itself and preparations based on it are available for sale. It is often included in various herbal preparations.

The dietary supplement “Verbena Clean Vessels” is available in the form of capsules that are convenient for use.

Another pharmaceutical preparation based on verbena is an alcohol tincture of the herb with a detailed application diagram.

Verbena essential oil is sold in pharmacies for rubbing, compresses, massage, baths, aromatherapy and enrichment of cosmetic products.

Contraindications to the use of verbena officinalis

The benefits and harms of verbena tea, decoctions and infusions are not always the same. It is necessary to refuse a medicinal plant:

• with individual intolerance;
• for hypertension;
• in early pregnancy;
• with a low level of platelets in the blood.

Medicines based on verbena are not offered to children and adolescents under 14 years of age. Decoctions and infusions should be consumed in limited quantities to avoid irritation of the gastric mucosa.