Verbena: Properties, Benefits, and Uses

The verbena It grows along roadsides, in uncultivated land up to 1500 meters above sea level. If you want to grow it, it requires rich, well-drained soil, and you can plant it either in the ground or in pots on terraces and balconies. The important thing is that it can grow in a sunny spot. It prefers sunny locations and during flowering, it must be watered regularly and abundantly, without soaking the soil and avoiding waterlogging.

Index of topics

Types of verbena

The most widespread species is the verbena officinalis, which is used as a natural remedy. Then there are other species that are used as ornamental plantsAnd among these the most widespread are:

Examples of ornamental verbenas are:

Peruvian verbena, with a prostrate posture
verbena bonariensis or Buenos Aires verbena, which produces small purple flowers
Verbena canadiensis, annual species with small flowers ranging in colour from white to purple;
hybrid verbena, very resistant, it is used to create thick lawns that do not require maintenance.

History of verbena

In ancient times, verbena was considered a sacred plant by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Since the Middle Ages, however, it has been used by Christians for religious purposes, as a remedy against witches' spells. In the modern era, it has entered the catalog of Bach flowers.

When to harvest

The harvest takes place from June to October, and mainly concerns the flowering tops, that is, the used parts of the plant.

Property

Verbena is:

Anti-inflammatory
Antirheumatic
Febrifuge
Astringent
Toned physique
Expectorant
Draining
Diuretic
Healing

Benefits of verbena

Among the benefits of verbena, its qualities are noted for:

Inflammations of the respiratory system
La cough
Il headache
Joint pain
Neuralgic pains
Skin problems
Rheumatic diseases

Verbena is also suggested during pregnancy, for its ability to promote the production of breast milk.

How it is preserved

Verbena flowers are dried in the shade and then stored in cloth bags.

How to Use

The most effective internal use of verbena is as an infusion; its external use is as a poultice. Verbena-based infusions are also used in cases of canker sores or inflamed gums. Poultices are effective for scars, boils, bruises, and eczema.

Infusion for lumbago

This simple and quick recipe is very suitable for using verbena as a natural remedy in the case of lumbago.

Boil the verbena leaves in a glass of vinegar.
Wet 2 cloths with the warm decoction and apply to the painful area.

Verbena: benefits, properties and uses