The healing power of Verbena or verbena

1. Vervain or Vervain was already a sacred plant among the Egyptians. The fame of this plant rose to unprecedented heights with the Romans. Pliny the Elder called Verbena the most famous herb in Rome. It was also a sacred plant for the Celts, Greeks and Gauls. So much has been written about verbena in history that you can easily fill a complete book with information about it.

2. Vervain or Vervain was already a sacred plant among the Egyptians. The fame of this plant rose to unprecedented heights with the Romans. Pliny the Elder called Verbena the most famous herb in Rome. It was also a sacred plant for the Celts, Greeks and Gauls. So much has been written about verbena in history that you can easily fill a complete book with facts about it.

Naming verbena

1. In science we use Latin names because then everyone knows for sure that we are talking about the same plant. The Latin name of verbena is Verbena Officinalis. 'Verbena' actually means 'venus herb'. It is a combination of 'Veneris' which means 'of Venus' and 'herba' which means herb. Officinalis means: "From the place where the pharmacist works". In the past, all medicinal herbs were given this addition if they were on the official medicinal plant list. In Dutch

Vervain in the Romans

1. The ancient Romans used the verbena as a sacred sacrificial herb to make treaties. Verbena was a symbol of peace and tolerance. There is a legend that Jesus

Vervain in the 17th century

1. In the 17th century, the English botanist and herbalist Nicholas Culpeper recommended the use of the Venus-derived herb for uterine problems; it was a tonic herb for the womb. The Englishman also recommended verbena for edema, liver ailments, gout, stomach diseases, spleen disorders, cough and shortness of breath. In Chinese medicine, verbena has been used in diseases related to disruption of the meridians of the liver, spleen and bladder and menstrual problems, flu, fever, gum disease, abscesses, difficulty urinating, malaria

2. In the 17th century, the English botanist and herbalist Nicholas Culpeper recommended the use of the Venus-derived herb for uterine problems; it was a tonic herb for the womb. The Englishman also recommended verbena for edema, liver ailments, gout, stomach diseases, spleen disorders, cough and shortness of breath. In Chinese medicine, verbena has been used in diseases related to disruption of the meridians of the liver, spleen and bladder and menstrual problems, flu, fever, gingivitis, abscesses, difficulty urinating, malaria

Vervain active ingredients

1. Verbena is the entire above-ground herb used for its medicinal activity. This is harvested when the plant flowers. Verbena contains the iridoid glycosides verbaline or cornine, verbenine, hastatoside and aucubine. It also contains bitter substances, the phenylpropane derivatives rosmarinic acid and verbascoside, tannins, mucus, the essential oils citral, terpenes and terpene alcohols, vitamin C and - how could it be otherwise - iron

Vervain as painkiller

1. Vervain is an anti-inflammatory herb due to the iridoid glycosides it contains. In addition, it works both analgesic and nerve analgesic. Rheumatic diseases are accompanied by edema or fluid retention. Vervain is a diuretic that removes the edemas that cause gout and arthritis. In this way, verbena is not only responsible for inflammation and pain relief, but also removes the causes of arthritis and gout. For these reasons Vervain / Image source: H. Zell, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA-3.0)

2. Vervain is an anti-inflammatory herb due to the iridoid glycosides it contains. In addition, it works both analgesic and nerve analgesic. Rheumatic diseases are accompanied by edema or fluid retention. Vervain is a diuretic that removes the edemas that cause gout and arthritis. In this way, verbena is not only responsible for inflammation and pain relief, but also removes the causes of arthritis and gout. For these reasons Vervain / Source: H. Zell, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA-3.0)

Other medicinal properties of verbena

1. Because verbenine promotes the formation of lactation, it is given to mothers who produce too little breast milk, Vervain is a mild diuretic; and promotes the dissolution of kidney stones. For these reasons, it is recommended for edema, weak kidney function and for kidney stone prevention. Vervain helps to normalize the thyroid gland because verbena components attach to TSH receptors, making it a natural remedy for both exaggerated thyroid function and reduced thyroid function and Graves' disease. Because of its antihypertensive effect, it is prescribed for high blood pressure.

2. Because verbenine promotes the formation of lactation, it is given to mothers who produce too little breast milk, Vervain is a mild diuretic; and promotes the dissolution of kidney stones. For these reasons, it is recommended for edema, weak kidney function and for kidney stone prevention. Verbena helps to normalize the thyroid gland because verbena components attach to TSH receptors, making it a natural remedy for exaggerated thyroid function as well as reduced thyroid function and Graves' disease. Because of its antihypertensive effect it is prescribed for high blood pressure.

External use of verbena

1. Vervain has an astringent or astringent effect which makes wounds heal faster. In addition, it is a haemostatic agent so that wounds can start the recovery process more quickly. In addition, it promotes local blood circulation. For the use of verbena, an infusion is made of 120 grams of dried herb in a liter of water. The Vervain / Source: H. Zell, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA-3.0)

Consult a herbalist

1. Anyone who wants to use Vervain as a medicinal product is recommended to take a consultation with a herbalist. Verbena extracts and medicines in the form of mother tincture, powder, dried herb, liquid extract and decoction should only be used on prescription by authorized persons. A phytotherapist can tell you more about this, as well as about any side effects and interactions with other medicines or herbs. There are also beneficial combinations with herbs. Some herbs can enhance each other's effects; this is called synergy. All medicinal effects of this medicinal herb mentioned in this article are based on scientific research and come from Geert Verhelst's Large Handbook of Medicinal Plants, a standard work in the field of healing plants. The book is used in phytotherapy.