The festival (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 spells.

Official verbena and other similar species are regularly used in gardening for their resistance to lack of water, fragrance and ability to attract butterflieswhich 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 fieldsgrasslands, lawns, banks 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 high. It has 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 thin 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.

Properties of verbena

Verbena contains small doses of essential oil, with limonene, cineole and other volatile substances, mucilageiridoid heterosides such as verbenaloside –which by hydrolysis is decomposed 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.
• Emmenagogue properties (promoting 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, verbena is used to relieve a wide variety of common or non-serious conditions.

It had always been a plant that has been kept 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 mucilage and its anti-inflammatory action explain its usefulness as a remedy to combat throat irritation, to reduce coughing fitsand to help clear upper airways. It is intended to provide relief in cases 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, embarrassment or mild poisoning. Relieves the gastrointestinal spasms the gastritis and can help regulate intestinal transit, preventing episodes of constipation.

For headache

Verbena 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, verbena is usually combined with other herbs that complement it, such as mint, feverfew or ginkgo.

For the nerves

Verbena 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 the pain

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties are attributed to verbena. It is indicated as a natural relief to mitigate pain. spasmodic pain in the premenstrual periodfor him backache, discomfort for 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 skin and mouth

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

in mouthwash It also allows you to treat mouth sores, toothache, gum inflammation and pharyngitis.

How to take verbena

The verbena is taken fresh or dried. It has a somewhat citric flavor, smooth, pleasantso it is often added to more difficult flavor infusions to improve it.

• The most common way to take verbena is as an infusion.usually 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 is included in pain relieving ointments and inflammation caused by the sting of wasps, bees and other insects.
• The purified decoction is used in eye washes in case of eye irritation, allergies, conjunctivitis.
• As a mouthwash, rinsethe purified decoction is taken to relieve toothache, gingivitis and mouth sores or ulcers.
• Finally, it is incorporated into inhalations or mists to clear the airways in bronchitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis or rhinitis.

Verbena infusion

You can prepare a soft and pleasant infusion with verbena, but the usual thing is 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 verbena 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:

• Verbena
• Ginkgo
• Feverfew
• milk thistle
• Balm
• Linden
• Mint

Preparation:

1. Mix all the herbs in equal parts (for example, 15 g of each) on a flat surface.
2. Separate one tablespoon from the mixture for each glass of water you are going to prepare.
3. Boil for 2 minutes and let it rest for 10 more minutes.
4. Once strained, to mitigate 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 relieve some of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, such as fatigue, lower back pain or nervous irritability, among others.

Ingredients:

• Verbena
• chasteberry
• Hawthorn
• Sagebrush
• Borage
• Mint.

Preparation:

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

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

Contraindications

The festival should not be taken during pregnancy. A slight oxytocic action had been attributed to it, which could accelerate childbirth. It should not be taken either if acute menstrual disorderswith metrorrhagia, or in any case with the consensus of your gynecologist.

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

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

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