Verbena Officinalis: Complete Medicinal Profile
Verbena officinalis, also known as common vervain or verbena, is a perennial herb native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, belonging to the Verbenaceae family.
It has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties, including its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, which can help to soothe wounds, reduce fever, and alleviate respiratory issues.
The health benefits of Verbena officinalis include its ability to calm anxiety and insomnia, improve digestion, and boost the immune system.
The plant can be prepared as a tea, tincture, or infuse in hot water to reap its benefits, and is also used in traditional herbal medicine for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Study of the Day
According to the study, Verbena officinalis has medicinal purposes including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticancer, analgesic, and anticonvulsant properties.
This page analize the most important medicinal aspects of Verbena officinalis.
Table of Contents
Uses and Benefits
Verbena officinalis is used to treat a variety of health issues, from anxiety and insomnia to digestive problems and skin irritations.
The plant has been known to alleviate symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings, while also providing relief from headaches, fever, and coughs.
Its medicinal uses extend to the treatment of wounds, ulcers, and inflammation, showcasing its potential in promoting overall well-being and reducing the risk of infections.
By incorporating Verbena officinalis into one's health regimen, individuals can potentially experience a range of benefits, including improved mood, reduced stress levels, and enhanced immune function.
The health benefits of Verbena officinalis are listed below.
- Antiseptic properties: Verbena officinalis has antiseptic properties that help to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, making it useful for wound care and skin infections.
- Anxiety and stress relief: The plant's essential oil has a calming effect on the mind and body, making it a popular natural remedy for anxiety and stress relief.
- Digestive issues: Verbena officinalis has been traditionally used to treat digestive issues such as indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea, due to its anti-inflammatory and carminative properties.
- Insect repellent: The plant's essential oil is known to repel insects such as mosquitoes and flies, making it a natural insect repellent.
- Menstrual relief: Verbena officinalis has been traditionally used to treat menstrual cramps, bloating, and other symptoms associated with pms, due to its anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic properties.
- Skin issues: The plant's antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties make it useful for treating skin issues such as acne, eczema, and dermatitis.
- Sleep aid: Verbena officinalis has a sedative effect on the body, making it a popular natural remedy for insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Here are the best health benefits of Verbena officinalis.
Actions
Verbena officinalis has been found to possess a range of therapeutic actions, including anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, and nervine properties, which can impact various body systems such as the nervous, cardiovascular, and digestive systems.
Its antioxidant and anti-stress properties can help protect against oxidative stress and cellular damage, while its diaphoretic and expectorant actions can aid in the relief of respiratory issues.
Additionally, Verbena officinalis has been observed to exhibit antimicrobial, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory properties, which can influence the immune system and potentially reduce inflammation.
Furthermore, its sedative and anxiolytic actions can calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.
The therapeutic actions of Verbena officinalis are listed below.
- Antimicrobial: Prevents the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and swelling in the body.
- Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals that can cause oxidative stress and damage to cells.
- Anxiolytic: Helps to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Nervine: Affects the nervous system, often used to calm and soothe nerves.
- Sedative: Helps to induce sleep and reduce restlessness.
- Spasmolytic: Relaxes muscles and helps to reduce spasms and cramps.
Constituents
Verbena officinalis has been found to contain a diverse array of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids such as verbascoside, luteolin, and kaempferol, which possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The plant's tannins, like verbascoside and isoverbascoside, have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial and astringent activities.
Additionally, the phenolic acids present in Verbena officinalis, including ferulic acid and sinapic acid, demonstrate their ability to act as free radical scavengers and anti-inflammatory agents.
Furthermore, the plant's essential oils, rich in citronellal and geraniol, display antimicrobial and antiseptic properties.
The bioactive constituents of Verbena officinalis are listed below.
- Rosmarinic acid: A type of ester, known for its antioxidant properties
- Verbascoside: A glycoside with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
- Tannins: A type of polyphenol with astringent and antimicrobial properties
- Flavonoids: A class of plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Sesquiterpenes: A class of terpenes with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
- Alkaloids: A class of nitrogen-containing compounds with various biological activities
- Coumarins: A class of plant compounds with anticoagulant and antimicrobial properties
Parts
The most commonly used parts of Verbena officinalis are the leaves, flowers, and roots, which have been employed for various health purposes.
The leaves of Verbena officinalis are primarily used for treating respiratory issues such as bronchitis, coughs, and colds, as well as for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
The flowers of this plant are commonly used in teas and infusions to alleviate anxiety, insomnia, and stress, while also exhibiting antispasmodic and sedative effects.
The roots of Verbena officinalis are used for their antiseptic and antimicrobial properties to treat skin conditions, such as wounds, eczema, and acne, as well as for their diuretic and expectorant properties to relieve urinary tract infections and respiratory congestion.
The following table displays the most used parts of of Verbena officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure.
| Parts | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Inflammation, fever, diarrhea |
| Root | Digestive issues, respiratory problems, skin conditions |
| Flowers | Anxiety, insomnia, nervous tension |
| Stem | Pain relief, insect bites, wounds |
Preparations
Verbena officinalis, also known as the common verbena or vervain, is a plant rich in medicinal properties, and its most common herbal preparations are used for a variety of health purposes.
The most popular preparations include infusions, tinctures, and essential oils, which are used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and insomnia, as well as to treat digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcers.
Infusions are often consumed to reduce fever and alleviate symptoms of colds and flu, while tinctures are used to treat skin conditions like acne and eczema, and essential oils are applied topically to relieve pain and inflammation.
Additionally, Verbena officinalis preparations are also used to treat menstrual cramps, reduce stress and anxiety, and support the immune system, making it a versatile and valuable herbal remedy.
The herbal preparations of Verbena officinalis are listed below.
- Verbena infusion: A herbal tea made by steeping the leaves of verbena officinalis in hot water, used to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.
- Verbena tincture: A concentrated liquid extract of verbena officinalis, often used in homeopathy to treat anxiety and insomnia.
- Verbena oil: An essential oil extracted from the leaves of verbena officinalis, used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.
- Verbena salve: A topical cream or ointment made from the leaves of verbena officinalis, used to soothe skin irritations and promote wound healing.
- Verbena poultice: A warm compress made from the leaves of verbena officinalis, used to reduce pain and inflammation in the muscles and joints.
- Verbena capsules: A dietary supplement containing dried and powdered verbena officinalis, used to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
- Verbena decoction: A strong liquid extract made by boiling the roots of verbena officinalis in water, used to treat digestive issues and promote bowel health.
Side Effects
Verbena officinalis side effects are often reported in individuals who consume it in large quantities or for extended periods, and include allergic reactions such as skin irritation, hives, and swelling.
Those who are most likely to experience these side effects are people with sensitive skin or allergies, especially pregnant women and children under the age of 12.
Common side effects also include dizziness, headaches, and nausea, as well as interactions with medications such as blood thinners, diabetes medications, and sedatives.
Precautions should be taken to avoid potential side effects such as liver damage, stomach ulcers, and irregular heartbeat, especially in individuals with pre-existing medical conditions like high blood pressure or kidney disease.
The possible side effects of Verbena officinalis are listed below.
- Skin irritation: Contact dermatitis or skin irritation can occur with verbena officinalis due to allergic reactions to its essential oil.
- Allergic reactions: Verbena officinalis can cause allergic reactions, such as hives, itching, and difficulty breathing, in some individuals.
- Phototoxicity: The plant's essential oil can cause phototoxicity, leading to skin irritation or burns when exposed to sunlight.
- Gastrointestinal upset: Ingesting verbena officinalis can cause gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially in large doses.
- Headaches: Some individuals may experience headaches when using verbena officinalis, possibly due to its essential oil or other compounds.
- Dizziness: Verbena officinalis can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when ingested in large amounts or combined with other substances.
- Interactions with medications: Verbena officinalis may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and diabetes medications, leading to adverse effects.