Content
- 1 What does medicinal verbena look like?
- 2 Composition and value of medicinal verbena
- 3 Medicinal properties of verbena
- 4 Beneficial properties of verbena herb
- 5 What does verbena treat?
- 6 Uses of verbena officinalis
- 7 Restrictions and contraindications
- 8 Preparation and storage of medicinal verbena leaves
- 9 Conclusion
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 does medicinal verbena look like?
Verbena is a perennial herb that belongs to the same genus and family Verbena. Along with the scientific name, other (folk) variants are also common:
- witchcraft plant;
- holy grass;
- iron ore;
- Juno's tear.
The height of medicinal verbena (pictured) is small - on average 10-60 cm. The stem is erect, the root is very powerful. Flowers begin to form in mid-summer. They are collected into spike-type inflorescences, and the upper ones - into a panicle. The fruits are formed in early autumn; they are brown dry nuts from which seeds fall out.
Verbena officinalis produces numerous small flowers of blue and lilac shades
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 certain areas.
In Russia, verbena is mainly collected in the Caucasus and the Urals, and can sometimes be found in Siberia. The crop is not specially grown - the grass is considered a weed and is often pulled out from the beds, but it has beneficial properties. In order not to accidentally remove useful grass from the garden, you need to learn to identify it by its external signs.
Composition and value of medicinal verbena
The beneficial properties of verbena officinalis are associated with the essential oil, which is concentrated in almost all parts of the plant: in the roots, stems and leaves. The oil contains various compounds:
- tannins;
- flavonoids;
- steroids;
- vitamin C;
- carotenoids;
- triterpenoids;
- 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 for treatment?
Medicinal raw materials include the entire aboveground (green) and underground part of the plant:
- leaves;
- stem;
- flowers;
- roots.
Medicinal properties of verbena
Thanks 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;
- ARVI, cough, runny nose, sore throat;
- 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
Beneficial properties of verbena tea
Verbena tea also has beneficial properties. It provides:
- strengthening the immune system;
- reduction in fever;
- expectoration of sputum;
- assistance in the treatment of ulcers and gastritis;
- improvement of liver and kidney functions;
- diuretic effect.
The tea can be taken as a single herb or a mixture. At the same time, it is not sold in pharmacy preparations, so you need to make such blends yourself.
What are the 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 used externally to rejuvenate the skin, improve hair growth, and also for inhalation.
The aroma of essential oil improves mood, increases concentration and performance
It is noted that it also has beneficial 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.
Beneficial properties of verbena herb
The components of medicinal verbena stimulate metabolism and 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 components 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 verbena provides particular benefits for women's health:
- the menstrual cycle normalizes;
- with its help, disorders associated with menopause are treated;
- the herb has a tonic effect on low blood pressure;
- the condition of women with vegetative-vascular dystonia improves.
What does verbena treat?
Medicinal verbena contains several groups of organic substances and minerals, so it has benefits for different body systems. It is most often used to treat blood vessels and skin problems, but it is also effective for many other disorders.
Verbena - a medicine for blood vessels
Systematic use of the herb allows you to cleanse blood vessels of bad cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Also, the components of medicinal raw materials slightly increase blood pressure, which is important for hypotensive patients.
Treatment of skin diseases with verbena
The herb is used as a natural antiseptic. Compresses and lotions produce a wound-healing effect, stimulate healing of the skin for various injuries - scratches, abrasions, small hematomas (bruises).
Decoctions help cope with acne, boils, various rashes, eczema, furunculosis and other skin diseases
Infusions promote skin rejuvenation and wound healing.
Benefits of verbena 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, you need to take a glass of decoction along with honey or raspberry jam during the day. Verbena has a diaphoretic effect - the body quickly warms up, toxins and other harmful substances leave the body.
For insomnia and migraines
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 get into the right rhythm - sleep becomes healthy, problems with insomnia go away.
Taking the drug allows you to cope with migraines and chronic headaches. It also leads to improved mood and ensures quality sleep.
For menstrual irregularities
The infusion exhibits beneficial properties for short-term menstruation, delays, and delays. Also, the use of the medicine helps to cope with vaginal itching.
For overexertion and physical fatigue
Verbena is also beneficial for constant fatigue caused by hard work, stress, and physical activity. It stimulates metabolism and tones blood vessels. The aroma of essential oil uplifts your mood.
Uses of verbena officinalis
Medicinal verbena almost always benefits the body. The product is used only in the form of aqueous infusions or decoctions (internally and externally). It is not prepared in large quantities: it is better to infuse 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 a 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 to accelerate the healing of scratches, wounds, ulcers and other damage.
Another option for water infusion:
- verbena officinalis – 1 tablespoon;
- boiling water – 1 cup (200-250 ml).
Leave for an hour and filter. Then apply a third of a glass orally 3 times a day 20-30 minutes before meals.
Every day in the morning prepare a fresh decoction and repeat the cycle
This remedy has beneficial properties for boosting immunity, increasing appetite, and improving digestion. It can also be used as a mouth rinse for stomatitis or sore throat. The decoction is used externally to treat:
- acne;
- rash;
- eczema;
- neurodermatitis;
- allergic diseases;
- psoriasis;
- burns;
- wounds;
- pustules.
Another option is a water decoction:
- verbena officinalis – 1 tbsp. l.;
- boiling water – 500 ml.
The water is brought to a boil, after which the crushed raw materials are added to it, the mixture is boiled for 5 minutes over low heat and filtered. Then add warm boiled water to bring the volume to the original (500 ml). The decoction provides benefits in the form of strengthening the immune system.It can be used during colds along with raspberry jam or honey (a quarter glass 4 times a day 20-30 minutes before meals).
A glass of the prepared liquid is added to a hot bath and taken for 30-60 minutes every day. This allows you to cleanse the pores - salts, processed products and other waste come out of the body along with sweat.
Use of verbena in cooking
Verbena officinalis is not widely used in cooking. It is mainly used as a spice, which is used in marinades and pickles along with dill, anise and other herbs with a bright aroma.
Verbena officinalis is used to brew tea
Both the above-ground part of the plant and the roots are cut off.
Application of the properties of verbena in cosmetology
Verbena officinalis has beneficial properties for the skin, which is why it is used in cosmetology. Baths and compresses provide a healing effect:
- the skin becomes more elastic and looks younger;
- small wrinkles are smoothed out;
- the secretion of sebum is normalized, making the face and body appear 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 a warm infusion of verbena officinalis:
- chopped herb - 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 your evening bath.
A mask made from the following components will be useful for hair:
- oil: verbena – 10 tbsp. l., castor oil - 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.
Restrictions and contraindications
Uncontrolled use of verbena officinalis, as well as other drugs, is quite dangerous, especially for people with chronic diseases, as well as after operations.
Verbena should be used with caution:
- pregnant women;
- nursing mothers;
- children under 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.
The herb is contraindicated for people:
- those suffering from hypertension;
- after a stroke or heart attack;
- allergy sufferers with individual intolerance to individual components of raw materials.
Taking any medication for too long has an impact on metabolic processes and the body as a whole. In this case, the beneficial properties of verbena may not be so noticeable compared to the negative consequences.
For example, uncontrolled use can lead to irritation of the intestinal mucosa. Thus, it is better for patients with digestive disorders to first consult with a doctor and only then begin a course of treatment under supervision.
If extraneous symptoms occur (heaviness in the abdomen, indigestion, allergic reactions), verbena should be stopped immediately.
Preparation and storage of medicinal verbena leaves
All parts of the plant, including flowers, are used for treatment.
Medicinal verbena is collected 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 the plant tissue produces the maximum amount of valuable essential oil. Next, the stems, leaves and flowers are dried, crushed and prepared for further storage in a dry, dark place.
The only exception is roots. It is better to harvest them 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.
Conclusion
Verbena officinalis has a healing effect on the body. Regular use improves mood, tones, improves sleep and appetite. But this remedy is not a panacea (like all the others). Therefore, along with its intake, physical activity, dietary adjustments and giving up bad habits are necessary.
