Verbena: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications

The Verbena officinalis belongs to the family Verbenaceae. This perennial plant, native to temperate regions, measures between 40 and 80 cm. The aerial parts, harvested during flowering, are used in phytotherapy. Among its main constituents, there are iridoids such as verbenalin and hastatoside, recognized for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant is also rich in polyphenols, notably verbascoside, which is highly concentrated and plays a crucial role as an antioxidant. The flavonoids like apigenin and artemetin. Finally, it contains triterpenes and steroids, such as ursolic acid and beta-sitosterol. Historically, verbena was considered a sacred plant in Europe, its name possibly deriving from ancient Celtic. It was traditionally used for a multitude of ailments, including cramps, fatigue, nervous disorders, and digestive problems. Despite its various traditional uses, the Commission E has deemed its use not recommended due to insufficient evidence of its efficacy.