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Verbena officinalis is a plant that has a positive effect on various organ systems (genitourinary, cardiovascular, respiratory, and others). It is used both externally and internally in the form of infusions or decoctions.
What medicinal vervain looks like
Verbena is a perennial herb that belongs to the genus of the same name and the Verbena family. Along with the scientific name, other (folk) options are also common:
- witch plant;
- holy grass;
- iron ore;
- tear of Juno.
The height of medicinal vervain (pictured) is small – an average of 10-60 cm. The stem is erect, the root is very powerful. Flowers begin to form in mid-summer. They gather in inflorescences like an ear, and the upper ones – in a panicle. The fruits are formed in early autumn, they are brown dry nuts, from which seeds spill out.
Verbena officinalis produces numerous small flowers of blue and lilac hue
Where does verbena officinalis grow?
Medicinal verbena is a very unpretentious herb, so it is found in regions with different climates:
- Eurasia;
- America – northern and central regions;
- Africa and Australia – in separate areas.
In Our Country, verbena is mainly harvested in the Caucasus and the Urals, sometimes it can be found in Siberia. The culture is not specially grown – the grass is considered a weed and is often weeded from the beds, but it has useful properties. In order not to accidentally remove useful grass from the garden, you need to learn how to identify it by external signs.
The composition and value of medicinal vervain
The beneficial properties of verbena officinalis are associated with essential oil, which is concentrated in almost all parts of the plant: in roots, stems and leaves. The composition of the oil contains various compounds:
- tannins;
- flavonoids;
- steroids;
- vitamin C;
- carotenoids;
- triterpenoid;
- bitterness (glycosides).
The essential oil also contains silicic acid and various trace elements. They normalize metabolism and have a beneficial effect on all organ systems.
What parts of the plant are used to treat
Medicinal raw materials include the entire above-ground (green) and underground part of the plant:
- leaves;
- stem;
- flowers;
- roots.
Medicinal properties of verbena
Due to its rich chemical composition, verbena provides tangible benefits to the body. It helps in the treatment of various diseases:
- skin disorders (eczema, psoriasis, scabies);
- skin damage (wounds, furunculosis, scratches, pustules);
- allergic reactions, rash, itching;
- SARS, cough, runny nose, tonsillitis;
- insomnia, chronic fatigue;
- cystitis, urethritis and other kidney pathologies;
- bronchitis and bronchial asthma;
- joint diseases (arthritis, rheumatism, gout).
The herb has a positive effect on all organs
Useful properties of verbena tea
Verbena tea also has beneficial properties. It provides:
- strengthening immunity;
- fever reduction;
- expectoration of sputum;
- help in the treatment of ulcers and gastritis;
- improvement of liver and kidney function;
- diuretic effect.
Tea can be taken on the basis of a single herb or a mixture. At the same time, it is not sold in pharmacy fees, so you need to make such blends yourself.
Benefits of verbena essential oil
The benefits of verbena essential oil are associated with vitamins, minerals, glycosides, steroids and other biologically active substances of plant origin. The mixture is applied externally to rejuvenate the skin, improve hair growth, as well as for inhalation.
The aroma of essential oil improves mood, increases concentration and performance
It is noted that it also has useful aphrodisiac properties – it attracts the attention of the opposite sex and awakens desires. Therefore, the oil can be used for aromatherapy both at home and at work.
Benefits of verbena herb
The components of medicinal vervain stimulate metabolism, give a diaphoretic effect, due to which the body is cleansed of toxins, fatty substances and other metabolic products. Verbena also has other beneficial properties. It causes an expectorant, diuretic, immunomodulatory effect.
Biologically active ingredients stimulate appetite and improve digestion. With regular external use (baths, lotions), decoctions rejuvenate the skin and make it more attractive.
The benefits of verbena for a woman’s body
The use of medicinal vervain gives particular benefits to women’s health:
- there is a normalization of the menstrual cycle;
- with its help, disorders associated with menopause are treated;
- the herb has a tonic effect at reduced pressure;
- the condition of women with vegetovascular dystonia improves.
What does vervain treat?
The composition of medicinal vervain includes several groups of organic substances and minerals, so it has benefits for various body systems. Most often it is used in the treatment of blood vessels and skin problems, but it is effective for many other disorders.
Verbena – medicine for blood vessels
The systematic use of herbs allows you to cleanse the vessels of bad cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Also, the components of medicinal raw materials slightly increase the pressure, which is important for hypotensive patients.
Treatment of skin diseases with vervain
The herb is used as a natural antiseptic. Compresses and lotions produce a wound-healing effect, stimulate healing of the skin with various injuries – scratches, abrasions, small hematomas (bruises).
Decoctions help to cope with acne, boils, various rashes, eczema, furunculosis and other skin diseases.
The infusion promotes skin rejuvenation and wound healing.
Benefits of vervain for colds and flu
It is advisable to use decoctions in late autumn and winter to increase immunity and prevent respiratory diseases. During a cold, it is necessary to take a glass of decoction during the day along with honey or raspberry jam. Verbena has a diaphoretic effect – the body warms up quickly, toxins and other harmful substances leave the body.
For insomnia and migraine
The benefits of internal use of infusions or decoctions are also manifested in the normalization of hormonal levels, which is especially important after pregnancy, with PMS and menstrual irregularities. It is easier for the body to enter the correct rhythm – sleep becomes healthy, problems with insomnia disappear.
Taking the remedy allows you to cope with migraines and chronic headaches. It also leads to improved mood and quality sleep.
For menstrual irregularities
The infusion exhibits useful properties for short-term menstruation, violation of the deadline, delay. Also, the use of the drug allows you to cope with itching in the vagina.
Overstress and physical fatigue
Verbena is also beneficial for constant fatigue caused by hard work, stress, physical activity. It stimulates metabolism and tones blood vessels. The aroma of the essential oil is uplifting.
The use of verbena officinalis
Medicinal verbena almost always benefits the body. The agent is used only in the form of aqueous infusions or decoctions (inside and outward). It is not prepared in large quantities: it is better to insist 1-2 glasses every day.
For treatment, raw materials are steamed in boiling water.
The use of verbena in folk medicine
The healing properties of verbena have long been known in folk medicine. The medicine is used in the form of water infusion and decoction. For external use, use this option:
- verbena officinalis – 3 tbsp. l.;
- boiling water – 500 ml.
The mixture is infused for three hours, and it is better to do this in a thermos so that the liquid remains hot. Then it is filtered and applied externally in the form of compresses and baths for accelerated healing of scratches, wounds, ulcers and other injuries.
Another option for water infusion:
- verbena officinalis – 1 tablespoon;
- boiling water – 1 cup (200-250 ml).
Insist hour and filter. Then apply inside a third of a glass 3 times a day for 20-30 minutes before meals.
Every day in the morning prepare a fresh broth and repeat the cycle
This tool has useful properties for raising immunity, increasing appetite, improving digestion. It can also be used to rinse the mouth with stomatitis or sore throat. The decoction is used externally for the treatment of:
- blackheads;
- rashes;
- eczema;
- neurodermatitis;
- allergic diseases;
- psoriasis;
- burns;
- wounds;
- purulent
Another option is a water decoction:
- verbena officinalis – 1 tbsp. l.;
- boiling water – 500 ml.
The water is brought to a boil, after which crushed raw materials are added to it, the mixture is boiled for 5 minutes on low heat and filtered. Then add warm boiled water to bring the volume to the original (500 ml). The decoction benefits in the form of strengthening immunity. It can be used during a cold along with raspberry jam or honey (a quarter cup 4 times a day 20-30 minutes before meals).
A glass of the finished liquid is added to a hot bath and taken for 30-60 minutes every day. This allows you to cleanse the pores – along with sweat, salts, processed products and other slags leave the body.
Using verbena in cooking
In cooking, verbena officinalis is not widely used. It is mainly used as a spice that goes into marinades and pickles along with dill, anise and other herbs with a bright aroma.
Verbena officinalis is used to brew tea
Cut off both the aerial part of the plant and the roots.
The use of the properties of verbena in cosmetology
Verbena officinalis has beneficial properties for the skin, so it is used in cosmetology. Baths and compresses give a healing effect:
- the skin becomes more elastic and looks younger;
- small wrinkles are smoothed out;
- the secretion of skin fats is normalized, due to which the face and body seem more attractive;
- dandruff is eliminated;
- hair begins to grow better;
- acne, rashes and other unpleasant symptoms disappear.
To rejuvenate the skin, it is recommended to regularly wash your face with warm infusion of verbena officinalis:
- chopped grass – 1 tbsp. l.;
- boiling water – 1 cup.
Leave for 1 hour, strain, divide into 2 parts and wash your face. The same decoction (prepare 1 more glass) has a beneficial effect on the entire skin. It can be added to an evening bath.
For hair, a mask of the following components will be useful:
- oil: verbena – 10 tbsp. l., castor – 2 tbsp. l.;
- aloe extract – 2 tsp;
- honey – 1 tsp.
All components are mixed and rubbed into the skin, and then distributed through the hair. Leave for one hour and wash off.
Limitations and contraindications
Uncontrolled use of verbena officinalis, like other drugs, is quite dangerous, especially for people with chronic diseases, as well as after surgery.
Verbena should be used with caution:
- pregnant women;
- nursing mothers;
- children up to 12-14 years old.
During pregnancy and lactation, you should consult a doctor about herbal medicine. The fact is that decoctions and teas from this herb in large quantities can even lead to premature birth. Children under 5 years of age should not take verbena.
Grass is contraindicated for people:
- suffering from hypertension;
- after a stroke or heart attack;
- allergy sufferers with individual intolerance to individual components of raw materials.
Taking any medicine for too long has an effect on metabolic processes and on the body as a whole. In this case, the beneficial properties of vervain may not be so noticeable compared to the negative consequences.
For example, uncontrolled intake can lead to irritation of the intestinal mucosa. Thus, it is better for patients with digestive disorders to consult a doctor first and only then start a course of treatment under supervision.
If extraneous symptoms occur (heaviness in the abdomen, indigestion, allergic reactions), verbena is immediately stopped.
Preparation and storage of leaves of medicinal vervain
All parts of the plant, including flowers, are used for treatment.
Collection of medicinal vervain is carried out during the flowering period, which occurs in the second half of summer and early autumn (until the end of September)
It is at this moment that plant tissues produce the maximum amount of valuable essential oil. Further, the stems, leaves and flowers are dried, crushed and harvested for further storage in a dry, dark place.
The only exception is roots. They are best harvested in spring or autumn. The roots are also dried in the fresh air, after which they are crushed and stored. The whole process can be automated using special dryers for this.
Conclusion
Verbena officinalis has a healing effect on the body. Regular use improves mood, tones, improves sleep and appetite. But this tool is not a panacea (like all the others). Therefore, along with its intake, physical activity, dietary adjustments and the rejection of bad habits are necessary.
