Verbena officinalis                                  Common name:  Vervain
Family: Verbenaceae

Parts used:  Aerial

Constituents: Iridoid glycosides (0.2%-0.5%):  verbenalin, hastatoside, verbanaline; Caffeic acid derivatives:  verabscoside; volatile oil; Mucilage; Bitter substances (inc. verbenalol); Tannins; Alkaloid.

Medicinal actions: Parasympathomimetic, anti-spasmodic, mild analgesic, nervous system tonic, bitter, emmenagogue.

Medicinal use: A digestive tonic that increases secretion of saliva, HCl, pancreatic enzymes, increased bile secretion and gall bladder contractility, and increased intestinal motility. Verbena is a mild choleretic and hepatic stimulant. It is useful in irritated, depressed states. It will tone and strengthen the whole nervous system while relaxing any tension or stress. It can be used to ease depression and melancholia, especially when this follows illness such as influenza.

Pharmacy: Infusion: 1 tsp/cup water, 1 cup QD – TID  (fresh 3x dried). Tincture: (1:5, 25%), 2-5 ml TID. Fluid extract: (1:1, 25%), 1-3 ml TID.

Contraindications: Pregnancy, first and second trimesters

Toxicity:  None known