Verbena, also known as Verbena, is an herb with a long and storied history. This perennial plant has been used in medicine since ancient times and is also considered to have magical properties. It is believed to be strongly linked to the Druids and other pre-Christian Celtic cultures. If you’ve never heard of verbena, or just want to learn more about this fascinating plant, read on to discover eight facts about it that you probably don’t know!
Reality #1.
Verbena is an herbaceous plant that has been used for centuries in various cultures to treat various ailments. It has a long history in Europe and the Americas, but its origin dates back to ancient Egypt where it was used as a remedy for fever, headaches and even snakebites. In traditional European medicine, verbena was believed to be able to ward off evil spirits and other supernatural beings. It was also used to purify the house and protect against pathogenic entities.
Reality #2.
Verbena contains a variety of compounds that have been shown to have medicinal properties, including flavonoids, tannins, saponins, volatile oils, coumarins and alkaloids. The most active constituents are found in its aerial parts such as stems, leaves and flowers.
Reality #3.
Verbena has been widely used by herbalists throughout history to treat digestive issues. such as diarrhea and upset stomach due to its ability to stimulate digestion while calming intestinal inflammation. Additionally, it is used to treat skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, as it helps reduce the inflammation associated with these conditions.
Reality #4.
Verbena is also known for its diuretic activity which helps reduce water retention in the body, thus decreasing bloating or swelling in certain areas like the legs or face. It also helps detoxify toxins from your system by increasing urination or sweating.
Reality #5.
The herb may thus be effective against headaches due to increased blood circulation when consumed orally or applied to the forehead area. Thus reducing tension around the muscles of the head resulting from stress or anxiety related issues like migraine attacks or general fatigue after long hours of work.
Reality #6:
Verbena is traditionally used to calm the nerves due to its sedative action on the nervous system, which helps to combat restlessness, insomnia, depression or anxiety. It works by increasing levels of serotonin – a feel-good hormone produced by your brain that helps you relax mentally and physically after a stressful day at work, school, home, etc.
Reality #7:
Verbena can be infused into herbal teas with a pleasant aroma and taste, making it the perfect companion for studying, working late at night, meditating and practicing yoga. Drinking a few cups a day can provide a slight boost of energy, a clear mind and relaxed muscles. Which leads to a feeling of absolute well-being.
Reality #8:
Verbena has long been associated with fertility, as it is used in traditional medicine as a female tonic. In fact, it was thought that ingesting this plant could increase the chances of conception! Additionally, verbena was also thought to help reduce miscarriages by protecting against pregnancy-related complications, such as preterm labor or premature birth.
In recent years, there has been some evidence that verbena can positively impact fertility in women, especially for those affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In a 2017 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers noted improved metabolic factors and PCOS-related pregnancy rates when taking verbena extract by mouth or intramuscular injection. This promising result suggests that verbena could be a useful supplement for those looking to improve their fertility.
