Whether lemony, fragrant, officinal, verbena is a plant to have at home, to improve digestion, the state of your liver, fight against insomnia or to reduce stress. Here are its health benefits.
There are several types of verbena : verbena officinalis (verbena officinalis), lemon verbena (aloysia citriodora), lemon verbena (aloysia citrodora), white verbena (lippia alba) and all have undisputed health benefits, including digestion, liver, stress and winter infections like the common cold. In infusion or essential oilhere is what verbena to use and how for each ailment.
1. Verbena officinalis for better digestion
All types of verbena act on the digestive sphere. In herbal tea after the meal, the verbena officinalis (verbena officinalis) is effective in relieving digestive disorders such as gastritis which is an inflammation of the stomach, ulcers or hiatal hernia. In case of digestive spasms or pain in the stomach: it is fragrant verbena (always in infusion) which will be the most appropriate.
2. “Lemongrass” verbena to relieve your liver
In case of heaviness in the liver or to relieve hepatic fatigue, we rather rely on a cup of Indian lemongrass or lemongrass infusionplants that are part of the same botanical family Poaceae as verbena.
3. Lemon verbena against stress
In case of depression, anxiety or episodes of stress, lemon verbena (litsée) is ideal. It makes you optimistic, stimulates the nervous system and the cerebellum in particular, which would have positive effects on depression and temporary depression, according to the book “Essential oils, it works” at Editions Leduc, co-written by Danièle Festy, pharmacist and world specialist in aromatherapy. Verbena officinalis would also have positive benefits on postpartum depression.
4. White verbena to relieve fever
White verbena is particularly indicated in case of fever, cough or flu. “If you’re feeling feverish, think about verbena and get ready an infusion. Don’t forget: you have to drink it 3 cups (in Overseas, it is commonly called “twa tass”, a mnemonic device to think that you have to drink it three cups to benefit from its benefits) to feel the effects“, advises Carole Thiebault, certified and validated Naturopath of the Medoucine network.
5. Lemon verbena for better sleep
In infusion, lemon verbena has a sedative and relaxing effect on the nervous system and is particularly indicated for alleviating sleep disorders such as insomnia. It promotes relaxation and therefore falling asleep.
6. Verbena against bacterial infections
Verbena can be effective in cases of helicobacter pylori (bacteria infecting the gastric mucosa). It is Indian lemongrass which will be used while the white verbena will take care of Staphylococcus aureus infections, which is responsible for food poisoning. In these indications, prefer verbena under the form of essential oil. In this case, iIt is important to consult a professional (aromatherapist or naturopath) who will be able to tell you the best practices for use according to your problem. not use verbena essential oil in pregnant or breastfeeding women or in children under 6 years old.
| Verbena | Directions |
|---|---|
| Verbena officinalis | Digestive disorders (gastritis, ulcers, hiatal hernias…) / Anxiety and postpartum depression |
| lemon verbena | Digestive spasms, burning or sour stomach |
| Lemongrass or Lemongrass | Liver pain |
| white verbena | Influenza or Staphylococcus aureus infections / Fever |
| Lemon verbena (bedded) | Depressive state, anxiety and stress / Flatulence and nausea |
What are the contraindications of verbena?
► In infusion: verbena is contraindicated in case of allergy, in pregnant or breastfeeding women, in people with anemia or liver failure or under anti-coagulant treatment.
► In essential oil: verbena is contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women or in children under 6 years of age.
Thanks to Carole Thiebault, certified and validated Naturopath of the Medoucine network.
- Book Essential oils, it works! Danièle Festy & Anne Dufour (Leduc Poche)