What Are the Medical Uses of Verbena Officinalis?

The herb verbena officinalis, commonly known as vervain, can be used to treat an extensive range of medical problems. It is thought to help alleviate many mental and emotional conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress. Digestive issues like indigestion and diarrhea can benefit from taking verbena officinalis, as can skin problems including open sores and eczema. It can be used to treat issues like gum disease and canker sores, as well as a number of women's issues like irregular menstruation and poor breast milk production. Other uses for this herb include treatment of respiratory problems, issues with the liver, kidneys, and gallbladder, and to relieve headaches and fevers.

One of the primary uses of verbena officinalis is the treatment of mental and emotional issues. Nervous conditions like anxiety and stress, as well as related issues like migraine headaches and fatigue, can be treated with the herb. It can also help relieve depression and ease insomnia.

Verbena officinalis can be taken for digestive issues. It can help improve appetite and digestive function. Both diarrhea and indigestion can be treated with it, and it can help with infections that affect the digestive system like dysentary.

Many skin conditions are treated with verbena officinalis. Its astringent properties can help heal open sores, wounds, and insect bites. It can also be applied externally to bruises, eczema, and areas affected by neuralgia.

Another common medicinal use of verbena officinalis is to treat problems in the mouth and throat. When chewed or used as a mouthwash, it can help alleviate bad breath. Bleeding, infected gums, canker sores, and tooth decay are thought to benefit from using vervain. It has also been used to help relieve tonsilitis.

A number of female problems may benefit from taking verbena officinalis. It can help regulate a painful or irregular menstrual cycle. Breastfeeding mothers who are not generating enough milk have been known to take vervain to improve production. It can also induce uterine contractions, making it helpful during labor and delivery, though it should be avoided during the rest of pregnancy for this same reason.

There are numerous other medical uses for verbena officinalis as well. A number of respiratory issues, including colds, cough and congestion, and asthma are all treated with the herb. Its diuretic properties can help ease bladder and kidney issues as well as gout, it can stimulate liver function and help with liver disease, and it may also relieve gallstones. It can also be taken to reduce a fever or headache pain.