The therapeutic use of verbena officinalis dates back to antiquity. He was also believed to have supernatural powers. Native to southern Europe, it is found in the wild throughout Europe, western Asia, northern Africa. With the scientific name Verbena Officinalis, it belongs to the Verbenaceae family. It contains iridoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, flavonoids, traces of volatile oil, mucilaginous polysaccharides and tannins. Iridoid verbenaline gives it anti-neuralgic properties. Tannins and mucilages act against fever and as anti-inflammatories.
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Therapeutic indications of verbena officinalis
The plant is used for the treatment of many health disorders. It acts as calming, toning and antithermal.
Actions against tensions
Verbena officinalis helps to release various muscular and nervous tensions. It brings a relaxation of the skeletal muscles, particularly those of the shoulder and the neck. It usually produces slow but lasting results. Verbena officinalis relieves the effects of stress and anxiety. It eliminates the headaches associated with these psychological disorders.
Digestive tonic
The bitter components of the plant are stimulants for the secretion of digestive juices. Taken before the meal, it therefore promotes digestion. It reduces the inhibitory action of adrenaline and cortisol, the concentration of which increases in the event of stress.
Verbena for pain relief
In local applications, this plant is used to calm different types of neuralgia. It is also used to reduce rheumatic inflammation.
Withdrawal from addictive substances
Some therapists prescribe verbena officinalis to free their patients from an addiction. On the one hand, it stabilizes the metabolic disturbances linked to weaning. On the other hand, it makes it possible to resist feelings of lack.
Against cough and fever
Some studies have affirmed the emetic power of the plant. By this effect, it irritates the digestive system transmitted to the vagus nerve. This leads to expectoration of mucus.
Verbena is known for its diaphoretic properties. It improves the perspiration function which allows a good circulation of heat. It promotes body cooling. For this virtue, it is also used in case of hot flashes.
Menstruation and Breastfeeding
Verbena officinalis is recommended against premenstrual syndrome. He is suggested an action leading to a drop in progesterone levels.
Its use to increase breast milk production is not recent.
Verbena officinalis remedies
For the preparation of phytotherapeutic substances, the leaves and flowering tops are used. Remove the large stems.
For internal use, an infusion or tincture is made.
The essential oil can be used both in oral solution and in external application. You can also make a poultice with a decoction to relieve bruises.
Contraindications and side effects
I’use of the verbena officinalis is contraindicated in case of hypertension, anemia or hepatic insufficiency. It is also not recommended during pregnancy and anticoagulant treatments.
It can induce allergic reactions, dermatitis. It disrupts the action of liver enzymes and can cause intestinal contraction.
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