MEDICINAL PLANTS

The verbena is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Verbenaceae family, which includes approximately eight hundred species, herbaceous or woody. Pharmacologically it is a little studied group of plants, so only the species in question has been investigated more thoroughly. It has an angular stem, branched in its upper part and with opposite leaves and trimmed. It is a widespread species in Europe, Asia and Africa, growing mainly in the rubble, in ditches and abandoned places, provided they are sheltered from the wind.

FLOWERING

La verbena blooms in summer. For medicinal use the flowering plant is harvested before the fruits have formed. After drying in the shade and in well ventilated place, is stored in sealed bottles to prevent moisture that may damage it.

APPLICATIONS

In all parts of the plant found the verbenalina glucoside, which was partially broken during the drying process. It also has abundant mucilage, tannins, a bitter substance and principle. The glycoside gives slightly parasympathetic plant properties, ie it stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the part responsible for the sedation, glandular secretion, control of spasms, etc.. It also stimulates bowel movements, urine output and reduces the frequency and strength of the heartbeat, in addition to analgesic and antirheumatic. All these effects are due to the presence of the glycoside. In connection with the tannins, we find an astringent, for its part, the mucilage will provide emollient and anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, a plant is particularly suitable for treating anxiety states, tachycardia, insomnia, migraines, constipation, gastritis, gastrointestinal spasms, neuralgia, rheumatism and some ocular diseases. It has, however, some contraindications, particularly during pregnancy. In experimental animals revealed a uterotonic action of the glycoside. Such action has not been verified in humans, but one must always use caution. In general, pregnant women should not take any medication without consulting your doctor, including the design of any home-prepared drug, however innocuous it may be. Not the first time a woman of good hope you go to a hospital emergency department with severe poisoning, after taking an herbal tea that, according to his neighbor, went very well for the "left-eyed boy blue. " The medication is a very serious act and should be left to authorized personnel, ie doctors and pharmacists. No other professional has the expertise required to prescribe or dispense medications.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. Prepared from a teaspoon per cup dessert, taking a cup after the three main meals.
Infusion external use. At 5%, can be used as eye washes. You can also prepare a decoction by boiling for 10 minutes and 25 gr. Plant in 1 / 2 liter of water. Is applied as compresses.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Verbenaceae
HABITAT: Vera country road
FLOWERING: Summer and autumn
PART USED: Flowering plant
CASTILIAN: Verbena macho
CATALAN: Berbena
BASQUE: Izusta, aistrika
GALICIAN: Herba da crus

USES

Moderate sedation, Antirheumatic Moderate, Mild Analgesics.