Verbena officinalis.

Verbena officinalis: properties and uses

Verbena officinalis (Verbena officinalis) is a perennial plant of the verbena family, which can reach a height of up to 80 cm. The plant has a tetrahedral erect stem, and the leaves are located on short petioles and have an oblong shape. Verbena flowers are pale purple, numerous and collected in a panicle. Verbena officinalis is widespread and grows in clearings, along roadsides and in fields.

The medicinal raw material is the entire above-ground part of the plant with flowers, which is collected during the flowering period and dried in a dryer at a temperature of 50-60°C. The raw material contains verbelin glycoside, carotene, tannins and bitterness. The herb is used as a diaphoretic and antipyretic. In the past, it was considered a good antineuralgic and antifebrile agent, competing with quinine. Currently, the attitude towards its healing properties is more restrained.

A decoction of the aerial part of the plant is prescribed orally for feverish conditions, acute bronchitis and pneumonia. The therapeutic effect develops due to the diaphoretic effect of the substances contained in the raw material. Verbena officinalis is recommended to be included in preparations for the treatment of hypotension.

Externally, the decoction is used in the form of compresses, lotions, and washes for inflammatory skin diseases, rashes, furunculosis and difficult-to-heal wounds. In the form of rinses, it is used for inflammation of the mucous membranes and bad breath. Traditional medicine in European countries has long used verbena decoction to treat colds, tracheitis, rheumatism, toothache and headaches.

To prepare the infusion, pour 1 tablespoon of crushed raw materials into 0.5 liters of water, boil for 5 minutes, filter, squeeze and bring the volume to the original volume with boiled water. Take 1/2 cup 4 times a day before meals. To enhance the diaphoretic effect, the infusion is taken warm with honey or raspberry jam.

For external use and for rinsing, 3 tablespoons of raw material are poured into 0.5 liters of hot water, boiled over low heat for 20 minutes, filtered, squeezed and the volume is brought to the original volume with boiled water. Use warm.

In conclusion, verbena officinalis is a plant with many beneficial properties that can be used for medicinal purposes. It has a diaphoretic and antipyretic effect, and can also be used as an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing agent. A decoction of verbena officinalis can be taken orally to treat febrile conditions, acute bronchitis and pneumonia, and also as a remedy for the treatment of hypotension. Externally, it can be used to treat inflammatory skin diseases, rashes, furunculosis and difficult-to-heal wounds, as well as for rinsing with inflammation of the mucous membranes and bad breath.

It is important to remember that before using verbena officinalis for medical purposes, you should consult a doctor to avoid unwanted side effects and ensure the safety of use in a particular case.