Verbena

The vervain got its name because it was once used to treat injuries and wounds caused by iron weapons. Even today, vervain is a useful plant in natural medicine and is popular among many gardeners who cultivate the plant purely for its beauty. We want to examine vervain scientifically and put it to the test.

 

In this country, vervain lines paths and embankments and grows wonderfully in meadows. It is relatively undemanding. Therefore, Verbena officinalis is often classified as a weed. In earlier centuries, however, people valued the herbaceous plant as a medicinal plant.

Vervain originally comes from South America as a genus and is native worldwide, but in Europe, we only have true vervain. The plant prefers sunny and sheltered locations. It thrives best on slightly acidic loam and clay soils and when it receives plenty of water.

You can buy vervain as a plant to grow in the garden or on the balcony, as a dried and cut product, or as ready-made tea. Other varieties of vervain or verbena include:

• Common vervain
• Lemon verbena
• True germander aconite
• Large-flowered vervain

In folk medicine, vervain has a long tradition, and its antibacterial properties are now quite well studied. It is also said to have anti-inflammatory effects and to soothe cough irritation. Today, it is an important ingredient in herbal preparations against sinus infections. The herb is also attributed with diuretic effects. Vervain is also said to help with gastrointestinal complaints and relaxation. Some people still use it for poorly healing wounds to possibly promote wound healing. As mentioned, its effectiveness is not proven, except for its use in preparations against sinus infections.

As a remedy, true vervain is taken both internally and externally. It is prepared as a tea from the dried above-ground parts of the plant. For external use on wounds, it is recommended as a compress, made from an herbal extract prepared with water.

 

Mucilage, tannins, and bitter substances are, alongside verbenalin, from which the healing effect originates, the most important ingredients of vervain. Verbenalin is an iridoid and promotes the production of mucus (secretolytic properties). Also important are the so-called caffeic acid derivatives, which have names like verbascoside. In addition, there are only small amounts of flavonoids and terpenes or essential oils.

 

Vervain is usually prepared as tea. Here is a quick and simple guide:

 

1. Take the herb (leaves, stems, and flowers) and dry it. About 1.5 grams of vervain per cup of tea can be used.
2. Pour boiling water over the dried vervain in a cup and let it steep for 10 minutes.
3. Then strain the plant parts. Up to three such cups can be drunk daily. 

For external use, you can prepare compresses in a similar way. Boil one liter of tea, then soak a compress in it.

For aromatherapy, buy the essential oil from vervain. However, since it is very expensive, you rarely find it in pure form. It is usually mixed with other essential oils. Instead of a fragrance lamp, you can also use the oil for rubs, for example.

Finally, you can rely on ready-made preparations, such as nursing teas, capsules, dragees, or similar products.

Please keep in mind that natural remedies have their limits. If your symptoms persist, please seek medical advice.

 

If you take a combination preparation for sinus infections, gastrointestinal complaints may rarely occur. Otherwise, no other side effects are known. 

There is not enough research to make statements about long-term use or, for example, use during pregnancy. There is suspicion that vervain could induce labor in pregnant women. We also do not yet know about any contraindications. Ideally, you should consult a doctor or naturopath before use. Before external use, please perform the inner arm test.

 

It is important that you know the limits of self-treatment and naturopathy and seek specialist medical advice if necessary. In principle, you should always see a doctor if symptoms cause pain and do not subside or even worsen. That is when the limits of self-treatment are reached, and you should seek medical care. 

For example, if you take vervain for gastrointestinal complaints, you should see a doctor if the symptoms do not subside after one or two days, if diarrhea occurs, or similar issues arise.

 

Vervain probably got its name because it was once used to treat wounds caused by iron weapons. Interestingly, the herb was also used in iron smelting, that is, in the production of weapons. The herb was placed in smelting furnaces to optimize iron extraction. 

The exact mechanisms of action are still not fully understood. However, a catalytic effect is assumed, caused by the active ingredients of vervain. This ultimately resulted in better iron. The transition from medicinal plant to weapon plant to ornamental plant is simply fascinating.

 

True vervain can be recognized by its square stem, which is often woody at the base and branches into fine twigs toward the top. Its leaves have rough indentations, and the flowers, usually pale pink, are arranged in spikes.

 

Vervain originally comes from South America, so it is accustomed to the tropical climate there. It needs a warm and sunny location; vervain rarely suffers from too much heat, wind, or weather. A slightly acidic and moist substrate with some humus is ideal. In pots, vervain should face south.

Vervain must be planted after the Ice Saints. Plant spacing should be between 30 - 50 cm. Some compost and a little mulch will make gardening easier. Small, dense beds of vervain are worthwhile in the garden. 

Vervain needs little more than some water and fertilizer. However, on a hot summer day, it may require more than a liter of water. In a pot, the soil should never dry out or become waterlogged. 

 

Vervain also played an important cultural role in human history. Many cultures used the herb for ceremonial purposes. Some even believed it was a good remedy for healing injuries caused by iron weapons, which also explains its name. Vervain was also used in iron smelting.

 

Yes, Hildegard of Bingen was not only familiar with vervain but also knew its therapeutic properties. She already used it for wound dressings to prevent infections.

Yes, verbena can also be used as a natural insect repellent. Its strong scent can make mosquitoes or flies disappear. Basically, there are three ways to use verbena as an insect repellent:

Planting verbena in the garden: This could help free your garden from mosquitoes. 

Insect repellent spray with verbena: You can buy such a spray or make it yourself. The spray can then be taken along and sprayed on the skin, for example.

Incense sticks or scented candles: This way, you have the scent ready on demand, both outdoors and indoors.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to say exactly how strong the effect will be. However, experience shows that chemical insecticides are often more effective but not as well tolerated.

Yes, there are. For example, there are verbena fairies (Verbenas). They come from Celtic traditions and tell stories about how fairies seek their resting place in the delicate flowers of verbena. They are attracted by the herb’s scent. 

Yes, of course, there are. Such a versatile herb naturally has other areas of application:

1. Cosmetics industry: Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it is added to many skin cosmetics. Many lotions, creams, masks, and acne treatments contain verbena.
2. Food industry: Verbena is also added to drinks and teas. It is mostly used to impart a subtle and pleasant aroma.
3. Aromatherapy: This field can sometimes still be counted as naturopathy. It is used here in bath additives, rubs, or massage oils.
4. Horticulture and landscaping: Verbena is a pretty ornamental plant that is also an ideal ground cover in rock gardens. In a flower bed, verbena attracts numerous butterflies and other beautiful insects.
5. Decoration: Verbena is a feast for the eyes and is often used as decoration. For example, dishes can be garnished with the flowers or the living room table decorated.