Verbena, verbena officinalis, is commonly enjoyed as an infusion and is one of the most widely used plant-based herbal teas in herbal medicine. While its sleep-promoting properties are well known, verbena supports a wide range of health concerns thanks to its many qualities. Digestion, mouth ulcers, rheumatism: explore all the secrets of verbena herbal tea.
Why choose verbena herbal tea?
Verbena is a plant that has been used since antiquity for its medicinal properties. Its health benefits and therapeutic qualities are well established.
There is not just one verbena, but many. Several species make up this plant family. Two are particularly well known in herbal medicine: common verbena and lemon verbena. You can choose one or the other depending on your needs. A herbalist can help assess what works best for you.
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The benefits of common verbena as an infusion
- Eases digestion and relieves spasms
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antipyretic properties to help reduce fever
The benefits of lemon verbena as a herbal tea
- Soothes stress and nervousness
- Supports restful sleep and helps with sleep disturbances
- Antioxidant
While verbena leaves are often used in infusions, essential oils offer another way to enjoy the plant's properties and address other concerns, including as a topical treatment.
Addressing health concerns with a verbena infusion
Verbena leaves steeped as an infusion have a direct effect on digestion. The list of complaints eased by a simple cup is long: heaviness, spasms, nausea, digestive upset. Verbena is gentle on the stomach and helps you feel more comfortable.
Did you know this plant also offers relief from premenstrual pain? As a natural and simple remedy, verbena herbal tea can help with painful or irregular cycles.
Verbena's most widely recognised benefit remains its effect on sleep. It is a common habit, for those who struggle to sleep or simply want a restorative night, to brew a cup of verbena after the evening meal. With its relaxing properties, it calms the mind and eases stress and tension. It is particularly well suited to difficult periods when low moods begin to settle in.
How to prepare a verbena herbal tea?
A homemade verbena infusion is wonderfully simple to prepare. If you cannot pick fresh verbena in the wild, visit a herbalist to choose a good-quality organic product.
Simply allow the whole leaves to steep in freshly boiled water, with a light touch of lemon if you like.
To vary the flavour, you might enjoy a lemon verbena blend, a verbena and mint infusion, or add the soothing qualities of linden to your recipe. For stress and nervous tension, a verbena and chamomile infusion helps you unwind. A few drops of orange blossom water can be a lovely addition.
A note on contraindications
As with all herbal medicine, contraindications exist and verbena is no exception. It is advisable to consult your doctor or speak with a herbalist before making verbena a regular part of your routine.
Please note that verbena herbal tea is not recommended during pregnancy. The plant may also interact with certain medications and cause unwanted effects on your health.