Already in ancient times, verbena was associated with miraculous virtues : it was nicknamed “Venus grass”, because it was whispered that it allowed to attract love… This perennial plant which can reach 70 cm in height presents both slightly hairy stems, leaves of different shapes and pretty flowers. Easy to grow in Europe as well as in Africa or Asia, the latter is widely consumed in herbal tea, in particular because it brings many benefits to the body .
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF VERBENA?
Verbena acts on several levels, although not everyone will necessarily experience its virtues in the same way . The best way to know how this plant will benefit you is to taste it, it is delicious as an infusion!
VERBENA HERBAL TEA, IMPROVES DIGESTION
If you often have trouble digesting, problems with flatulence, frequent nausea or a tendency to diarrhea, it is in your best interest to try verbena tea . In general, the consumption of this drink will help you feel lighter , and naturally fight bloating. Some also use phytotherapy treatments (in the form of capsules) based on verbena, which can be found in parapharmacies… Of course, the fact of using these products does not prevent you from consuming infusions.
VERBENA HERBAL TEA HELPS TO BETTER LIVE THE PERIOD OF THE RULES
Many women dread every month the pain and hormonal disturbances they experience during the period before menstruation (premenstrual symptoms) and during menstruation as well. Able to act effectively on the hormonal system, this plant can help to find a more regular cycle when the rules tend to appear in an anarchic way. Indeed, it would have the ability to stimulate the functioning of the uterus.
VERBENA HERBAL TEA HELPS TO RELAX WITH EASE
Anxiety is probably the evil of the century: many people suffer from it on a daily basis, and do not know how to combat this sometimes very disabling difficulty. There are natural remedies to de-stress, and verbena is one of them. Very concretely, it can be particularly effective for individuals who experience a phenomenon of nervous fatigue. You can even use verbena in order to find sleep more easily once evening comes. Even in the face of a temporary state of depression, it can be useful to try this alternative, although medical follow-up may be necessary once the symptoms set in and become too complicated to manage.
VERBENA HERBAL TEA HELPS REDUCE MANY PAINS
It has been known since Antiquity: verbena soothes many ailments, and not only those that appear during digestion. Very concretely, its anti-inflammatory properties allow it to have a positive impact on arthritis (inflammation of the joints). If you tend to experience muscle pain or cramps, you can also use it to relax.
VERBENA HERBAL TEA DELAYS THE SIGNS OF AGING
Verbena contains a lot of flavonoids: these antioxidants help to slow down all the effects of aging in the body. They protect you from age-related diseases, but also from sagging skin and cancers.
NOTE: MANY VARIETIES OF VERBENA EXIST!
Usually, we speak of “verbena” without using the plural. However, you should know that there are many different varieties, with virtues subject to change. For example, it is customary to distinguish the “officinal verbena” ( Verbena officinalis ) which comes mainly from Europe from the “fragrant verbena” ( Aloysia citrodora ) with a lemony scent, coming from South America. There is also mint or licorice verbena, Aloysia polystachya, or Peruvian verbena such as Glandularia peruviania , which are mostly grown for ornamental purposes.
A LITTLE HISTORY: WHO INTRODUCED VERBENA AS A NATURAL REMEDY IN OUR CIVILIZATIONS?
In ancient Rome, verbena was already considered a sacred herb. It was then the Grass of Venus among the Romans, then an essential ingredient used to chase away evil spirits. Some druids who wore its leaves in a crown even used it to predict the future… For many centuries, this plant has been associated with all kinds of rituals, that’s why it has long been called “witches weed”.
In the 18th century, lemon verbena was introduced to Europe by a French naturalist , Joseph Dombey. Quickly, we began to cultivate it mainly in the south of France, because the plant resists quite badly to temperatures below 10°.
AT WHAT TIMES OF THE DAY CAN YOU DRINK VERBENA TEA?
All the excuses are good to offer you a little moment of comfort with a delicious herbal tea composed of verbena! You are free to choose the times of the day that suit you best, also according to your expectations on the benefits of this plant.
RELAX AFTER A MEAL
We know: to facilitate digestion, do not start again on too intense an activity just after the meal . If you tend to experience bloating and even have pain after eating, it may just be a sign that you are not taking enough time for yourself! In order to delay the time when you resume your activities, do not hesitate to consume verbena tea after lunch , for example. It will make you feel lighter, provided of course you don’t drink it too quickly and really savor it.
STAY HYDRATED AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY
Many people have difficulty drinking enough: on average, a human must consume between 1.5 and 2 liters of water per day. If you know for a fact that you will never reach this minimum threshold, it may be useful to think about the consumption of herbal teas of all kinds and drinks without theine, why not with verbena if its taste suits you. A nice cup can bring you around 300 mL of water, which is a lot to reach your 1.5 liter quota. For information, when you don’t hydrate enough, you can have difficulty concentrating, dry skin, muscle cramps or even headaches.
VERBENA HERBAL TEA HELPS TO KEEP THE LINE
Verbena is not necessarily one of the plants that are most often recommended to maximize the effects of a weight loss diet. Despite everything, the consumption of herbal teas, whatever their composition, can help you to progress and continue your weight loss. Better hydration helps reduce the feeling of hunger, not to mention that allowing yourself a herbal tea can give you a little pleasure that will prevent you from cracking on sweets! If you like to bring a little sweetness to your hot drinks, favor the addition of natural sweeteners, agave syrup or even skimmed milk.
VERBENA HERBAL TEA TO FIND SLEEP MORE EASILY
Verbena is clearly recognized for its relaxing virtues . You can without any problem consume it in the evening, after dinner, in order to find sleep more easily when you go to bed. If you tend to experience temporary insomnia, get into the habit of infusing verbena tea every night before going to bed. As the days go by, you may find it easier to put yourself in a situation that is more conducive to sleep. In addition, we know that verbena can relax the muscles: this reduction of tension can also accelerate falling asleep, and this in a completely natural way, without worrying about side effects or addiction.
DOES VERBENA REALLY MAKE YOU SLEEP?
Can Verbena Really Solve All Sleep Problems? Although this plant helps many people to relax and reconnect with more restorative nights, keep in mind that it remains a natural remedy that does not replace medical treatment for anxiety and insomnia. stubborn (when these are necessary).
THE RELAXING VIRTUES OF VERBENA
Verbena is able to act on our central nervous system , which is why it has sedative properties and can help make it easier to fall asleep. Generally speaking, although it does not “sleep” spontaneously like a stronger drug with potentially embarrassing side effects, it promotes relaxation which leads to more restful, better quality sleep.
AN EFFECTIVE ANTI-DEPRESSION PLANT
Sleep problems are often due to stress, but they can also be the result of more general depression . In this case too, it may be appropriate to try drinking a verbena-based herbal tea. By helping you to eliminate stress and negative thoughts that parasitize your mind more quickly, the plant will allow you to have better morale, and more easily to fall into the arms of Morpheus once the evening has come.
CAN WE CONSUME VERBENA DURING THE DAY WITHOUT THE RISK OF FALLING ASLEEP?
Keep in mind that verbena remains a plant that acts naturally and gently on the body . While it can put you in a sleepy state when that’s precisely what you’re looking for, it won’t put you to sleep if you’re just using it to relax in the middle of the day. If you are afraid of being disturbed by the relaxing effects of verbena, start by drinking it at the end of the day, and observe its action on your body. You will most certainly find that it is quite possible for you to use it during the day, both for pleasure and for its benefits.
THE NEED TO ADDRESS SLEEP AND ANXIETY ISSUES MORE COMPREHENSIVELY
Sleeping badly one night doesn’t matter, just like stressing out before an important event or experiencing a little temporary depression at the start of winter, for example. On the other hand, it should not be forgotten that depression and anxiety can also become real pathologies, for which specific care (doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, etc.) becomes necessary. Too frequent insomnia also requires a consultation. If you know that you are suffering from one of these disorders, do not hesitate to ask your doctor’s advice about the consumption of verbena teas… Generally, it remains entirely possible.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CONSUMING VERBENA?
There are certain contraindications related to the use of verbena , in herbal medicine as in herbal tea. If you know you have health problems, always seek the advice of your doctor to protect yourself! Concretely, verbena is not recommended for subjects who suffer from hepatic insufficiency, but also for those who encounter blood clotting disorders. We can also recommend avoiding this plant to people who have tension problems (hypertension or hypotension). Finally, it may be relevant to stop the consumption of herbal teas during periods of anemia, in order to optimize your chances of assimilating iron and getting back in shape.
FOCUS ON LEMON VERBENA: A TASTY VARIANT, WITH SO MANY BENEFITS!
Lemon verbena is particularly well known for its delicately scented leaves . It is a different variety of verbena officinalis, which should also not be confused with lemon thyme (often called “lemongrass”) and lemongrass itself, which is a tropical grass. .
DIGEST MORE EASILY
Like verbena officinalis, lemon verbena makes it easier to digest. Very concretely, its anti-inflammatory power prevents colic, a harmless phenomenon but really painful for individuals who suffer from it. In addition, more generally, this plant is considered an effective and natural antispasmodic. It will therefore soothe all the pain related to digestion, in the stomach and intestine.
ACT ON THE BRAIN TO RECONNECT WITH SERENITY
Lemon verbena contains terpenoids in its essential oil. Like verbena officinalis, it can be used without worry to fight against the stress and anxieties of everyday life as well as nervous fatigue.
FIND YOUR GOOD MOOD
Lemon verbena acts on the nervous system in the same way as verbena officinalis. In this sense, if you particularly appreciate its taste, you can use it to make the states of temporary depression disappear.
STAY HEALTHY ALL YEAR ROUND
Not only does lemon verbena have anti-inflammatory properties, but it is also an effective diuretic to detoxify the body and feel good after some excess food, for example. At the same time, it can stimulate the functioning of the immune system and thus help you better fight against viruses and diseases that circulate. Verbena has also been shown to contribute to hepatic stimulation of the thyroid and pancreas.
FIGHT AGAINST INFECTIONS
Lemon verbena is believed to have both antiviral and antibacterial power . For example, it could have a useful role against certain bacteria that affect the gastric mucosa, such as helicobacter pylori. Against herpes also , this plant can be effective.
CURE FLU SYMPTOMS FASTER
Although it‘s not a substitute for medical treatment, verbena can help you get past a nasty flu, cold, or bronchitis faster. In case of fever, it will allow you to sweat naturally and thus better regulate the temperature . It would also be able to calm certain mild coughing fits, do not hesitate to try it when you have a cold.
SIMPLY BRING PLEASURE
The subtle scent of lemon verbena calls for indulgence and relaxation . The simple fact of consuming a hot drink with delicate flavors allows you to allow yourself a little pleasure, a moment for yourself… It may seem trivial, but in a society where everything is going too fast, it is always pleasant to rest for a few moments, to drink herbal tea and refocus on yourself.
A FEW TIPS FOR PREPARING YOUR VERBENA INFUSION
Ideally, the verbena infusion should be prepared with water between 85 and 90°C , which is not quite boiling. The recommended infusion time is 3 minutes , but you can adapt according to the intensity you want in terms of taste.
If the scent of verbena alone doesn’t appeal to you, you can find variations like mint verbena, which are both uplifting and relaxing.
It is quite possible to sweeten an infusion: a simple sugar cube if you wish, agave syrup if you prefer to keep the line or different sweeteners. Some also add a note of milk, animal or vegetable. You can even prepare your verbena infusion in large quantities , with the aim of placing it in a gourd and consuming it at any time of the day, in the office and on public transport.
Many other plants can bring you benefits in infusion: if you like verbena, don’t hesitate to try other alternatives such as lemon balm, chamomile or lime blossom.