Verbena herb: medicinal properties. Lemon verbena - cultivation, collection and storage

Verbena medicinal has been known for its powerful beneficial properties since time immemorial, as soon as this herb was called: tear of Juno, vein of Venus, holy herb, dove herb, witchcraft herb, etc. This plant was widely used by healers and healers, they advised to treat it with thrombosis, liver diseases , scrofula, scabies. What is the power and benefit of verbena? What beneficial properties does this herb have?

About the benefits of verbena

It has been proven that verbena has the ability to reduce body temperature (during heat and fever), increase the secretion of bile and sweat. This plant also has antibacterial properties and can relieve muscle spasms.

When consuming verbena, the healing process is significantly accelerated various wounds and damage to the skin, this plant is used externally in the form of lotions for many skin diseases: ulcers, rashes, eczema, furunculosis, scabies, psoriasis, neurodermatitis, acne, boils, etc. For inflammation of the gums and bad breath, use verbena decoction as a mouthwash.

Many problems with the psyche and nervous system can be eliminated by using verbena officinalis preparations. With strong emotional experiences and stress, with nervous disorders and severe stress, insomnia, hysteria, depression and even epilepsy, use verbena.

This herb, which the Celtic Druids called “holy,” will help fight chronic fatigue, exhaustion and loss of strength. In ancient times, they believed that a child who carried verbena herb with him would study “excellently.”

Women can use this plant for many problems with genitourinary system. Significantly reduce PMS symptoms ( premenstrual syndrome) and menopause, verbena will help eliminate itching in the vagina, and normalize the menstrual cycle.

In ancient times, this herb was classified as the strongest aphrodisiacs, this grass was used to cover the newlyweds’ bed. Women used this herb to maintain their beauty, youth and seductiveness, this herb was also used in rituals love magic. Men are also recommended to take vervain to normalize sexual function.

One of the most pronounced beneficial properties of verbena is its anti-atherosclerotic property. Verbena remarkably cleanses blood vessels of low-density cholesterol plaques, which significantly improves blood circulation and reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Verbena is used in the treatment of thrombophlebitis and thrombosis, rheumatism and gout.

Has verbena and astringent property, it is used for digestive disorders, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. This plant also helps with allergies and anemia.

For colds (ARVI, bronchitis, pharyngitis, etc.), verbena not only helps reduce body temperature to normal, but also greatly facilitates the cleansing process respiratory tract from mucus (expectorant property).

In Tibetan, Chinese and Korean medicine, verbena officinalis is used for eczema and ulcers, as well as as a diaphoretic and for tumors. Indian women use it as a contraceptive. Decoction with verbena European countries ah is considered useful for colds, headaches, and toothaches.

In folk medicine, verbena is included in herbal infusions in the treatment of many diseases:

chronic hepatitis,
cholecystitis,
laryngitis,
bronchitis,
hypotension,
with thrombosis,
anemia,
with atherosclerosis.

A decoction of verbena leaves and flowers is useful for inflammation of the mucous membranes and is used for rinsing. The essential oil of the plant is an excellent antiseptic, anti-inflammatory agent, beneficial in the treatment of eye diseases.

Cooking recipes

Healing verbena tea

Method of preparation: 20 g of crushed verbena flowers, 1 cup of boiling water. The mixture should brew and cool. It is recommended to drink at one time.

Verbena tea improves blood circulation, eliminates headaches and fever, restores the menstrual cycle, and lowers temperature.

Verbena infusion

10 g of raw material is poured into 300 ml of boiling water. The mixture must be heated in a water bath for about 30 minutes. Wait until it cools down and drink 1/4 glass before lunch for colds, furunculosis, scrofula.

2 tsp. herbs and flowers pour 400 ml of boiling water. Infuse the mixture for several hours. For thrombosis, it is recommended to use 5 grams of infusion every two hours.

Verbena decoction

10 g of raw material is poured with 500 ml of water and put on fire. Just bring the mixture to a boil and let it cool. Strain through a strainer and restore the original volume by adding boiled water. For diseases of the liver and spleen, sclerosis and thrombosis, it is recommended to take about 300 ml of this decoction per day, divided into 4 doses.

Calming Verbena Infusion

Brew 20 g of herb with 200 ml of water. Insist. Drink the resulting infusion, dividing it into two doses during the day.

Infusion for rinsing

1 tbsp. l. Brew 300 ml of boiling water for raw materials. After a couple of hours, when the mixture has infused, you can gargle with it, oral cavity to get rid of inflammation.

The smell of verbena essential oil helps with dizziness, nausea and other symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia, it helps eliminate spasms of cerebral vessels, stabilizes arterial pressure.

If you use it externally, you can enjoy its regenerating, absorbable, and warming properties for bruises, bruises, and sprains. Verbena oil is used one day after the injury (since on the first day ice is applied for resorption, and after 24 hours - heat and warming procedures can be used).

It will help you come to your senses after difficult times. physical activity, will relieve swelling, muscle spasm and seizures.

Adding oil to cosmetical tools skin care helps fight acne, small wrinkles, and swelling of the face. It is especially useful for aging skin, it fights sagging and unhealthy color by increasing blood circulation in all layers of the skin.

But mosquitoes, flies and wasps do not like this smell, so the anti-repellent properties of verbena essential oil are obvious.

Plasters are made from the roots to treat mumps, scrofula and ulcers. The root with its astringent property helps fight dysentery.

Collection and storage of verbena

All parts of verbena collected in August (during the entire flowering period), when it contains a maximum of essential oils containing citral, are used in the practice of traditional medicine. Verbena oil treats eye diseases, it normalizes blood pressure in case of vegetative-vascular dystonia, etc.

Verbena herb is dried in a dryer (50-60 degrees), under canopies, in rooms with good ventilation. Dried verbena officinalis is stored in a dry place (you can use boxes lined with paper).

Used in medicine medications, decoctions, teas, oils, infusions and tinctures, compresses, drops.

Contraindications to the use of verbena

Verbena preparations are strictly contraindicated during pregnancy; this herb causes muscle tone in the uterus, which can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. During lactation, verbena can be taken only after consultation with your doctor.

Verbena propagates vegetatively - by cuttings and sowing seeds. The time interval between germination and flowering is from 50 to 70 days. Because of this, seedling method cultivation is preferable.

Timing for planting seeds for seedlings

Plants sown at the beginning of the month will need lighting. If you sow in the second ten days of March, the seedlings will get by with natural light.

Preparing soil and containers for growing

Verbena is grown with obligatory picking, so any container with a height of no more than 8 cm is suitable for sowing. Holes must be made in its bottom for water drainage.

The soil for verbena must meet the following requirements:

allows water and air to pass through well;
have a neutral soil reaction;
be loose.

Fertility in in this case not necessary. You can use ready-made store-bought soil, adding well-washed sand for looseness. To ensure that the acidity corresponds to the norm, add half a glass of ash for every 2 liters of soil mixture. After this, the soil is sifted. You can prepare the soil yourself.

It should have the following composition:

2 parts peat;
1 part garden soil;
0.5 parts sand.

To destroy weed seeds and pathogens, the soil is steamed for about an hour. To ensure good moisture retention and breathability, add half a glass of perlite to each liter of seed mixture. It would be a good idea to disinfect the soil with a fungicide solution. "Maxim" or "Fundazol" will do. The solution is poured onto the soil already placed in the container.

How to sow verbena seeds correctly?

Verbena seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years. U different types their germination rate is not the same. In hybrid verbena, only a third of the sown seeds will sprout, and in some plant species the dense shell prevents seed germination. They require stratification.

To awaken the seeds, they need to be wrapped in a damp cotton cloth, placed in an opaque plastic bag and kept on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.

How to sow seeds:

fill the container with soil, level it and lightly compact it;
take a piece of paper, bend it, pour the seeds into the hole and carefully move them, distribute them over the surface of the soil (you can do this simply with your hands);
verbena is sown superficially, so there is no need to sprinkle the seeds with soil, just moisten them with water from a spray bottle;
We mark the crops with a label and place the container in a mini greenhouse;
You can cover it with glass or put a plastic bag on the container.

Caring for seedlings at home

During seed germination, light is not required for the crops. But to speed up the process, you can keep the container near the heating radiator for several days - this way the shoots will appear faster.

The container with the seeds should be placed on a well-lit windowsill. The temperature at this time is required from 15 to 17 degrees. Seedlings need to be watered moderately.

Picking seedlings

Picking begins when the young seedlings grow 3 to 4 true leaves. Verbena tolerates replanting well, but in order for the plants to quickly take root and start growing, you should try to preserve the root system as much as possible.

After picking, young verbenas require more fertile soil of the following composition:

two parts each of garden soil and peat;
0.5 parts sand.

The soil will be made fertile by adding a glass of ash and a tablespoon of complete fertilizer per 3 liters of mixture.

When picking, plants need to be deepened to the level cotyledon leaves. In the future, seedlings need watering as needed, and fertilizing once every 14 days with a special fertilizer for seedlings.

If the variety is ampelous, it needs to be pinched by removing the top above the fourth pair of leaves.

Before planting, plants need to be hardened off. Hardened seedlings are not afraid of frosts down to -3 degrees.

Verbena can be planted in a flower garden after May 15, as it is a cold-resistant plant. For it you need to choose a well-lit place with fertile soil that has a neutral reaction. The distance between plants is maintained in accordance with varietal characteristics. Typically, a distance of 30 to 40 cm is maintained between bushes.

Before planting, the soil is dug up, adding square meter one and a half spoons of complete mineral fertilizer.
Plant the plants in holes well watered.
After planting, the soil is mulched with peat.

Caring for verbena in open ground

Growing verbena is not difficult. Caring for it is quite simple. You just need to take into account the requirements that the plant makes to environmental conditions.

The nuances of watering verbena

Verbena is a drought-resistant plant. It requires moderate watering. If there is excess moisture, the verbena flower may be affected by fungal diseases. Lack of moisture is also undesirable. The plant perceives it as a signal to stop flowering and set seeds. Therefore, when watering, you need to follow the golden mean.

Feeding and fertilizer

With an excess amount of fertilizers, especially nitrogen, the bushes grow rapidly, but bloom poorly. Organic fertilizers they are not suitable for verbena for the same reason.

In the first half of the growing season, the bushes are fed with solutions of complete mineral fertilizers.
Starting from mid-July, fertilizing should not contain nitrogen, but only phosphorus and potassium fertilizers.

During the season, verbenas should receive 3 to 4 feedings.

Care during and after flowering

To ensure abundant flowering, shoots that have spread out and lay on the ground can be pinned. They sprout roots very quickly, which makes the bushes even more magnificent.

An important point is the removal of inflorescences from which the petals have fallen off. If this is not done, seeds will begin to form. Flowering will not be as abundant. If you want to collect your own seeds, some of the inflorescences are not removed.

Diseases and pests of verbena

If the plant is properly cared for, verbena will not get sick - it is extremely resistant to diseases.

If wet weather is added to errors in care, an outbreak is possible. powdery mildew. Verbena is treated with fungicides: colloidal sulfur, Fundazol.
When infested by aphids or spider mites, the use of insecticides or insectoacaricides will be required.
To prevent various rots from appearing on verbena, you must strictly observe the regime of water supply to the plants and do not flood the bushes.

Collection and storage of verbena seeds

The vast majority of verbena species cannot survive our winter. But you can collect seeds from faded plants. They will not retain the varietal characteristics of their parents, but this will make the plants obtained from them no less interesting.

To do this, we follow the following algorithm:

We collect the boxes when they turn brown.
Lay them out on paper to dry thoroughly. The layer of boxes should not be thick so that they do not mold.
Mix the seed material frequently.
We remove the seeds from the dry pods and put them in a paper bag.

In order not to guess in the spring about what is in it, the package must be signed.

Syn.: iron ore, iron ore, red zirka, dry nephrosh, witchcraft plant, holy grass, tear of Juno, etc.

Perennial herbaceous plant. It has valuable medicinal properties: antimicrobial, regenerating, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, etc.

Ask the experts a question

In medicine

Currently, the attitude towards the medicinal properties of verbena officinalis is more restrained, although in the past it was considered a good anti-neuralgic and anti-fever remedy. At the same time, verbena officinalis has a number of recommendations for use: for example, it can be used for lethargy and general exhaustion of the body, treatment of atherosclerosis of the blood vessels of the brain and heart, coronary atherosclerosis, for the prevention and treatment of stomach ulcers and duodenum, chronic gastritis, colitis and other diseases gastrointestinal tract. In addition, the herb Verbena officinalis is recommended as a diaphoretic and antipyretic for feverish conditions, acute bronchitis and pneumonia, and the oil of this plant is used for cerebral vascular spasms, dizziness, headaches and vegetative-vascular dystonia. A decoction of the aerial part of verbena officinalis is recommended for gargling and mouthwash for inflammation of the mucous membranes and unpleasant odor.

Verbena officinalis essential oil is a source of citral, an antiseptic and an excellent anti-inflammatory agent used in the treatment of eye diseases(conjunctivitis).

Contraindications and side effects

The use of verbena officinalis is contraindicated for patients with hypertension, children under 14 years of age, during pregnancy and individual intolerance to substances that make up the plant. It is important to know that when using verbena oil externally, skin may experience slight tingling and warmth, and in some cases redness. If the redness does not go away and the tingling turns into itching, then you should stop using verbena oil. The duration of the course of treatment should be determined by the doctor, since long-term use may cause irritation of the intestinal mucosa.

In dermatology

The medicinal properties of verbena officinalis are recommended for use in dermatology (in the form of compresses, lotions, washes) for infectious-allergic and pustular diseases skin, acne, eczema, scabies, psoriasis, scrofula, neurodermatitis, red lichen planus, furunculosis and difficult-to-heal wounds.

In cooking

Verbena officinalis is used in cooking; it is added to pickles and marinades to impart strength and a special spicy aroma. The aerial part of verbena during the flowering period is used as a substitute for tea.

Classification

Verbena officinalis (lat. Verbena officinalis) is a European ruderal species, belongs to the genus Verbena (lat. Verbena) of the Verbena family (lat. Verbenaceae). The genus contains more than 124 (200) species of herbaceous plants, distributed mainly in the Northern Hemisphere, Africa and Australia.

Botanical description

A perennial herbaceous plant 25-100 cm high. The whole plant is rough-bristly. The stem is erect or ascending, tetrahedral, branched in the upper part. The leaves are opposite, without stipules with wide petioles, ovate-oblong or oblong, deeply thrice-separated, the upper ones are pinnately incised, also covered with simple and glandular hairs. The flowers are small, more or less zygomorphic, fused-petalled, two-lipped, collected in long spike-shaped inflorescences at the top of the stem and in its branches. Double perianth. The corolla is pale lilac; the calyx sometimes retains an almost actinomorphic structure. There are usually 4 stamens. The gynoecium is formed by 2 carpels. The fruit - when ripe, splits into 4 dry nut-like lobes. It blooms in June-July, bears fruit in August-September.

Spreading

The homeland of verbena officinalis is Europe, as an imported plant it is found in temperate and tropical regions of Asia and Africa, Australia, North and Central America.

In Russia it is found in the European part, the Caucasus, and the Urals. Grows everywhere: in meadows, forest edges, along the banks of streams, rivers and seas, along gorges, ravines, along roads, on old ruins, along the edges of fields, in weedy places, near fences, in vacant lots, among crops, but not in large numbers quantity. In the Caucasus it grows as a ruderal (weed) plant in gardens and fields cereals and vegetable gardens. Enough unpretentious plant, often rises to 1200 meters above sea level.

Regions of distribution on the map of Russia.

Procurement of raw materials

Medicinal raw materials is the entire aerial part, as well as the root. Verbena officinalis is collected during flowering, when the plant contains maximum amount essential oil. The grass is dried in air or in dryers at temperatures of 50 - 60 o C. The raw materials are preferably stored in a dry place.

Chemical composition

Verbena officinalis contains essential oil, silicic acid, bitterness, tannins, mucus, glycoside (verbenamine, verbenin, aucubin, hastatoside), steroids (sitosterol), triterpenoids (lupeol, urosolic acid), flavonoids (artemetin), vitamins and trace elements.

Pharmacological properties

Verbena officinalis is not a pharmacopoeial plant and in the domestic official medicine not used, but the plant is quite popular in folk medical practices different countries Europe and Asia.

Range therapeutic actions Verbena officinalis is quite wide: blood purifying, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, restorative, antiviral. In addition, verbena officinalis increases appetite, improves digestion and liver activity, increases secretion gastric juice, normalizes metabolism, promotes the regeneration of body cells. Verbena preparations help reduce temperature during fever, increase the secretion of bile and sweat, and relieve muscle spasms. The substance citral, obtained from verbena essential oil, helps reduce blood pressure, has a hypotensive and reserpine-like effect.

Use in folk medicine

Verbena officinalis is widely used as a remedy in traditional medicine in many countries. ethnoscience European countries have long used a decoction of verbena officinalis for treatment colds, tracheitis, rheumatism, toothache and headache. In Chinese, Korean and Tibetan medicine verbena officinalis is used as a diaphoretic and antitumor agent (especially for tumors of the genital organs), as well as for ulcers and eczema; in India, verbena preparations are used as a contraceptive. In folk medicine, verbena is used in the treatment of many diseases, in particular acute respiratory diseases, bronchitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, chronic hepatitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, chronic gastritis With reduced content gastric juice, rheumatism, toothache and headache, pneumonia, hypotension, fever, liver and spleen diseases, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, as well as metabolic disorders, anemia.

Verbena officinalis is recommended for various women's diseases, during menopause, vaginal itching, scanty menstruation in women of asthenic physique, disorders menstrual cycle, to stimulate lactation and uterine contraction, and also as a means of normalizing sexual function men. Verbena herb is included in preparations used for pustular skin diseases. Fresh crushed verbena leaves are used as wound healing agent, they are applied to non-healing wounds, bruises, hematomas. An infusion of verbena herb is used for skin diseases (rashes, boils, scrofula, scabies), disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and as an analgesic for inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth, pharynx and pharynx, as well as for toothache. Verbena tea is used for fever caused by colds. A decoction of verbena herb is used for baths allergic diseases skin, psoriasis, scabies, as well as for compresses, lotions, washes for inflammatory diseases skin, rashes, hard-to-heal boils, wounds, ulcers, fistulas. Verbena root is used for scrofula, mumps and abscesses. The herb Verbena officinalis, crushed and cooked in wine, is used against snake bites and rabies. A decoction of verbena herb is used for gum inflammation and to eliminate bad breath. For baldness, verbena oil is used as an anti-inflammatory, tonic to normalize function sebaceous glands heads.

Historical reference

Healing properties verbena has been known for a long time; our ancestors used it from various ailments and illnesses. In the Middle Ages, verbena officinalis was a real panacea; it not only treated many diseases (epilepsy, fever, sore throat, scrofula, skin diseases, leprosy, bruises), it protected against any infection, which made this herb a precious remedy especially during epidemics. Among the Gauls, Persians, Ancient Greece and in Rome, verbena was a sacred herb, it was called: “Tears of Isis”, “Blood of Mercury”, “Grass of Hercules”. In Gaul, verbena was also called “Devil’s Poison”, as it was used against witchcraft, used to cleanse houses, and made a drink of love. According to tradition, verbena was kept in the house to drive out evil spirits, the altar was cleansed with its branches, and a bouquet of it was given to anyone who wished all the best. Verbena was considered a herb astrologically subordinate to Venus, that it was capable of fulfilling any desire, for which it was enough to rub it with it.

Verbena officinalis has a number folk names: iron ore, iron ore, red zirka, dry nephrosh, witchcraft plant, holy grass, tear of Juno, etc.

Literature

1. Gubanov I. A. et al. Determinant higher plants central zone of the European part of the USSR: A manual for teachers / I. A. Gubanov, V. S. Novikov, V. N. Tikhomirov. M.: Education, 1981. S. 237, 250.

2. Gubanov I. A. et al. 1074. Verbena officinalis L. - Verbena officinalis // Illustrated plant guide Central Russia. In 3 vols. M.: Scientific T. ed. KMK, Institute of Technology. issl., 2004. T. 3. Angiosperms (dicots: dioecytes). — P. 107.

3. Dudchenko L.G., Kozyakov A.S., Krivenko V.V. Spicy-aromatic and spicy-flavoring plants: Handbook / Responsible. ed. K. M. Sytnik. K.: Naukova Dumka, 1989. 304 p.

4. Plant life (edited by A.L. Takhtadzhyan). M. Education, 1981. T.5 (2). 508 pp.

5. Illustrated guide to plants of the Leningrad region / Ed. A. L. Budantseva and G. P. Yakovleva. M.: Partnership of scientific publications KMK, 2006. P. 521, 548-549.

6. Peshkova G.I., Shreter A.I. Plants in home cosmetics and dermatology. M. Ed. House of SMEs, 2001. 680 p.

Verbena officinalis contains the following: useful material such as: tannins, ascorbic acid, trace elements, flavonoids, vitamins, essential oil. Used in medicine: stems, flowers, leaves and roots. In cooking: roots, flowers, leaves, they give food a special aroma.

Verbena herb: medicinal properties. What does verbena help with?

The beneficial properties of verbena lie in its extensive effect on the human body. Verbena is used as a medicine for diseases:

1. Gallbladder, facilitates the excretion of bile.
2.Increases appetite and improves intestinal motility.
3. Restores the liver and has diuretic properties, which has a beneficial effect on the kidneys and bladder.
4. Increases immunity and helps with bronchitis.
5. Restores metabolism in the body.
6. Has analgesic and sedative effects.
7. Thins the blood, cleanses veins and arteries, reduces cholesterol.
8. Improves blood circulation, affects the elasticity of blood vessels and veins, reduces thrombus formation.
9. Reduces headaches and toothaches.
10. Reduces inflammatory processes on mucous membranes.
11. Restores missing vitamins and microelements in the body.
12. Normalizes irregularities in the menstrual cycle.
13. Used as a healing, anti-inflammatory and restorative agent for the skin.

Useful recipes from verbena

For oral administration:

1. Tea

Tea made from verbena flowers and leaves is simple, pour boiling water over verbena and drink with meals.

2. Decoction

The decoction uses leaves, stems, roots and flowers, brew them and leave for a couple of hours, drink 100 ml during meals.

3. Essential oil

Essential oil - 2 - 3 drops, no more, a glass warm water, a spoonful of honey and a spoon lemon juice, drink once a day.

For external use:

1. Vodka tincture

Take a good harvest of verbena leaves and flowers in 150 ml of vodka and infuse for 3 weeks in a cool place.

2. Water tincture

Take good cornmeal and verbena flowers in 150 ml of water and leave for 3 weeks in a cool place.

3. Ointment

3 g verbena essential oil, 3 g. sea buckthorn oil, cocoa butter 3 g, wax 5 g, a pinch of ground verbena. Mix all the oils with wax and melt in the microwave (20 - 30 seconds), mix with ground herbs. Let cool. Keep refrigerated.

A fairly common and familiar plant is verbena officinalis. Where does it grow? What is it used for? Verbena is found throughout Russia and Europe, from the Arctic Circle to the coast Mediterranean Sea. It grows along roadsides, next to fields and forest belts, and is therefore considered a weed. But at the same time it is considered remedy from many diseases. In ancient times, it was credited with healing and magical properties, it was believed that it was possible to heal any disease with medicinal verbena. It was used as a talisman in battle and to protect the home from evil spirits, it was given to those whom they wished well, and it was placed on the altar, making unbreakable vows. Verbena officinalis, the photo of which you see in the article, has not gone unnoticed in modern medicine.

Description of verbena officinalis

Verbena officinalis (verbena officinalis) is a perennial herbaceous plant. The stem is erect, the height can reach 80 cm, sometimes branches, has a tetrahedral shape, and along the edges is covered with thin hairs pressed to the stem. The leaves are arranged oppositely (in pairs on opposite sides) along the entire stem, their shape changing depending on their location on the stem.

Verbena inflorescences look like spikelets, are located at the ends of the branches, and consist of small light purple (less often purple) flowers. The fruits are dark brown in color and look like small nuts. Verbena flowering in middle lane In Russia, fruiting occurs in July-August, fruiting occurs in August-September; in other climatic regions, these dates may vary.

The roots are yellowish, spindle-shaped, branched (fibrous root system).

Dried grass is greenish-gray, with a weak odor (the later the grass is collected, the weaker the odor, but at the same time the higher the content of useful substances).

Verbena officinalis: scientific research

Research has shown that in different parts Verbena contains various active substances, which have a diverse effect on the body, among them:

Bitters are substances that stimulate appetite, salivation, increase acidity and the amount of gastric juice.
Essential oil with a stimulating effect on nervous system, painkiller, antispasmodic effect, it is also a choleretic, expectorant, diuretic and laxative.
Sitosterol - plant analogue steroid hormones human, has an anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and absorbable effect.
Carotene, flavonoids, trace elements.
Glycosides that have a contractile effect on smooth muscles.

Verbena also contains salicylic acid, vitamin C and other vitamins, on which its general strengthening and tonic effect is based. It has a beneficial effect on mental condition a person, harmonizing mood, reducing feelings of fatigue and tension, improving sleep.

Verbena officinalis: application

The range of diseases for which drugs are used is quite wide:

Nervous system - relieves headache, overwork, facilitates the course of the syndrome chronic fatigue, helps improve sleep in case of insomnia.
Gastrointestinal tract - increases secretion in hypacid gastritis, has choleretic effect, prevents the formation of stones during cholelithiasis and cholecystitis, enhances intestinal motility during constipation.
Respiratory system - expectorant effect for colds, laryngitis, bronchitis, slight bronchodilator effect for chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma.
Cardiovascular system - increases blood pressure during hypotension, alleviates the condition of anemia. Verbena officinalis is effective for atherosclerosis. Sometimes it can be used as a weak drug for heart failure.
Joints - relieves pain and reduces the intensity of inflammation in rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, pain in muscles and joints of various origins.
Immune system - has an antiallergic effect.
Kidneys and urinary system - diuretic effect at urolithiasis. The plant prevents the formation of stones. Verbena officinalis treats cystitis and urethritis.
Skin - relieves the condition with furunculosis, relieves irritation and itching with neurodermatitis, promotes speedy healing bruises, cuts, abrasions and bruises.

Verbena officinalis also has positive action on male sexual function and enhances lactation in women. But it should be remembered that vervain should be used with caution during breastfeeding. Traditional medicine recommends lotions from this plant for psoriasis, erysipelas, and also as an antitumor agent.

It is important to clarify that treatment with verbena will bring a positive effect only in complex therapy in combination with other, more strong drugs. Treatment attempts are exclusively traditional methods with such serious illnesses, How erysipelas, heart failure and especially tumors are dangerous to health and are strictly unacceptable.

Dosage forms

Decoctions, infusions, and alcohol tinctures and hoods. Essential oils obtained from it can be used internally, externally as lotions, be part of tablets, cough drops, sprays for sore throat and other throat diseases, ointments, creams, eye drops. They are also used for inhalation using a special inhaler or aroma lamp.

Recipes for folk remedies based on verbena

Verbena tea. Take 12.0-15.0 g of dried grass, pour 180.0-200.0 g of boiling water over them. Take 1 tablespoon every hour for a month for arteriosclerosis and thrombosis.

Lotions with verbena officinalis for skin diseases. Brew the following mixture: verbena - 10.0g, chamomile - 5.0g, rose petals - 10.0g, oak bark- 10.0 g., sage leaves - 5.0 g. and horsetail herbs - 10.0 g. Use twice a day as a means to reduce inflammation and alleviate skin diseases.

Infusion for thrombosis and atherosclerosis. Pour 2-3 teaspoons of verbena herb with a glass of boiling water, leave for an hour, strain. Take 1 tablespoon every hour. The same infusion helps with blocked veins.

Contraindications

Despite its antiallergic effect, verbena officinalis can itself be quite strong allergen. When using ointments and lotions that contain the oil of this plant, redness and itching of the skin and the formation of blisters are possible.

Taking medications containing this medicinal plant, taken internally can irritate the intestinal mucosa and cause enteritis, sometimes severe.

Pregnant women should use vervain with caution.

If there are signs of an allergy, you should immediately stop using drugs based on it, in case severe pathology- consult a doctor.

Remember, before starting treatment with any drug, even an ordinary medicinal plant, you must consult a doctor, since by neglecting to see a specialist, we can seriously harm our health!

Non-medical uses of verbena

Verbena officinalis is not only used for treatment. The roots of the plant are used in cooking - they are part of pickles and marinades, giving them a characteristic tart and spicy taste. The above-ground part, collected during flowering, is added to tea or brewed independently as a substitute.

There are many decorative varieties of verbena used to decorate garden plots, flower beds and lawns.

Collection and storage

Verbena is harvested during its flowering period in July-September. Cut off top part shoots with leaves and inflorescences and lower leaves, which are collected separately. The collected grass is dried on fresh air in the shade or at a temperature of about 30º if artificial heat is used.

Verbena roots are harvested in spring and autumn, earlier or later than flowering.

The use of individual parts of verbena officinalis

Most often in medical purposes Verbena inflorescences, leaves and grass are used, from which essential oil is obtained, which is included in ointments for external use, tablets and lozenges, and infusions, tinctures and decoctions are also made from it, which are taken orally.

The roots are mainly used in cooking for adding to marinades - they give the preparations a characteristic spicy taste.

Verbena fruits are poisonous.

Verbena seeds are used for its cultivation. They have a dense shell and, to increase germination, are placed in the refrigerator for 4-5 days before planting in the ground.

Growing Verbena

Verbena is an unpretentious plant that can be grown in the garden. Most often it is planted in decorative purposes, but also their own medicinal properties it preserves fully.

How is verbena officinalis planted? Seeds, having previously been subjected to cold treatment, are planted in the ground in early spring, seedlings - only after warm weather has established.

Verbena is undemanding to the soil, but it is best to plant it in fertile loam. It grows well in brightly lit open areas. It tolerates drought easily, but does not tolerate excessive watering.

Ornamental types of verbena are grown as annual flowers, and the shoots are destroyed in the fall. Collecting seeds for the purpose of sowing next year is not recommended - they do not retain the varietal characteristics of the mother plant.

Verbena belongs to the group of herbaceous perennial plants. In cold climates it grows as an annual. The appearance is expressed by a straight, high stem, paired arrangement of leaves, and voluminous inflorescences.

The shape of the leaves varies depending on their location on the main stem. In central Russia, flowering begins no earlier than August.

REFERENCE! Verbena is distinguished by its unpretentiousness and adaptability. It grows both in well-kept flower beds and among weeds in the field.

Peculiarities

Main distinctive features– the unobtrusive beauty of the inflorescences and the proven medicinal properties of the verbena herb. Several hundred years ago, no one could pass without this plant. magic ritual, it was used to prepare love and love spells.

It was previously believed that a leaf that a person carries with him constantly protects against the evil eye and infectious diseases.

Today, few people believe in the mystical capabilities of the plant. But officially registered drugs are successfully manufactured and actively used on its basis. For home use flowers and stems are used.

Chemical composition

Each part of verbena (aboveground and underground) is rich in various useful elements. These include essential oils, vitamins, tannins, and silicic acid. The leaves of the plant contain a high percentage ascorbic acid. How do the active elements in the composition affect human health?

Glycosides. The effect is vasodilation, expectoration, disinfection and antimicrobial action.
Verbena. The elements relieve allergy symptoms, help reduce fever, and accelerate wound healing. They also have a sedative, antibacterial, astringent and antispasmodic effect.
Tannin. Under its action, a protective film is formed, and microbes die.
Carotene– an essential component for maintaining immunity. The substance also normalizes metabolic processes, regulates protein synthesis, slows down aging.
Steroids protect the walls of blood vessels from the formation of plaques and toxic deposits.
Flavonoids increase tissue elasticity.

Benefits and harms

The benefits of verbena, as well as the harm, are officially confirmed in medical field. Products based on it help with many pathologies: from low blood pressure to liver diseases. External use eliminates the symptoms of stomatitis and rash. Gargle with a decoction of flowers for a sore throat until complete recovery.

The plant can cause harm only if medical recommendations are not followed. Individual intolerance and allergies are a reason to stop treatment. Contains essential oils with high photo toxicity - cannot be used before tanning.

ATTENTION! During pregnancy, the herb increases the tone of the uterus, which negatively affects the condition of the fetus.

List of medicinal properties of verbena

List of beneficial properties of verbena and its healing qualities extensive Preparations containing verbena help eliminate fever, increase sweat production, and remove muscle spasms. The plant also provides other assistance:

blood purification;
general strengthening of the immune system;
improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
assistance in the treatment of thrombosis, gout;
effective cleansing of blood vessels.

After the birth of a child, the extract should be taken to enhance uterine contractions and stimulate the lactation process. The plant also helps eliminate bad smell from mouth. Verbena is good for men's health: normalizes sexual function and activates desire.

Detailed instructions for use

Home use, given the medicinal properties of verbena herb, is allowed only after consultation with a doctor. At various diseases appropriate complex therapy: connections between folk and conservative methods treatment.

The list of popular recipes for their effectiveness and ease of preparation includes the following recipes.

IMPORTANT! Tincture is an effective helper for scabies. It needs to be added to medicinal baths. It is recommended to apply the crushed root of the plant to purulent pimples to break through an abscess.

Use for hair

Verbena essential oil is used to maintain healthy curls. A few drops of ether can be added to store-bought hair cosmetics - as a result, your hair will gain healthy shine, fullness and volume thanks to beneficial features m verbena. The herb is useful for hair by improving blood circulation and activating growth, cleansing the hair follicles of impurities and softening curls (a soft cascade is formed).