Photos of Verbena officinalis, Vervain

Verbena officinalis, Vervain is widespread in Europe, Asia, and naturalized elsewhere, including North America. Used since ancient times for the treatment of jaundice and externally for hard-to-heal wounds. Preparations used as a folk medicine and official medicine, included in the 1995 Chinese Pharmacopeia, and in the European Pharmacopeia (since 2008). Chemical studies have found the plant is a source of iridoids, phenylpropanoid glycosides, phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, essential oil, among other biologically active compound groups. The plant tea and other preparations are used for obstructions of liver and spleen, headaches, and nervous disorders; also for acute diarrhea, enteritis, and depression. Leaves considered diuretic, milk-inducing; extracts analgesic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, and neuroprotective among other activities.

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