| |
Verbena officinalis Vervain (1 Page of 5) The Verbena officinalis plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Verbenaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Vervain. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Verbena officinalis Common Name: Vervain Family: Verbenaceae Author: L. Known Hazards: None known Mature Height: 0.6 Mature Width: 0.5 Habitat: Waste ground and roadsides, avoiding acid soils and shady positions[4, 7, 17].
Medicinal Information: Vervain, which has tonic and restorative properties, is sometimes used as a domestic herbal remedy. It is useful when taken internally in the treatment of headaches, fevers, nervous exhaustion, depession, gall bladder problems, insufficient lactation etc[4, 238]. It should not be given to pregnant women, though it can be used to assist contractions during labour[238]. Externally, it is used to treat minor injuries, eczema, sores, neuralgia and gum disease[238].
The leaves and flowering stems are analgesic, antibacterial, anticoagulant, antispasmodic, astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, mildly diuretic, emmenagogue, galactogogue, stimulant, tonic and vulnerary[4, 9, 21, 147, 165, 176, 218, 238]. The plant is harvested as flowering begins in the summer and dried for later use[7, 238].
Some remarkable results have been obtained when using this plant in the treatment of certain tumours, but further research needs to be carried out before definite claims can be made[7].
The root is astringent, it is used in the treatment of dysentery[218].
This species was ranked 12th in a Chinese survey of 250 potential antifertility plants[218].
The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for prescribing it are 'Strain', 'Stress', 'Tension' and 'Over-enthusiasm'[209].
For further Verbena officinalis gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

| |