Verbena (Verbena or Vervain) is a genus of about 250 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants in the Verbenaceae. The majority of the species are native to the New World from Canada south to southern Chile, but a few also native in the Old World, mainly in Europe (V. officinalis, V. supina).

The leaves are usually opposite, simple, and in many species hairy, often densely so. The flowers are small, white, pink, purple or blue, with five petals, and borne in dense spikes.

Selected species

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• Verbena alata
• Verbena bonariensis
• Verbena bracteata
• Verbena brasiliensis
• Verbena canadensis
• Verbena carolina
• Verbena corymbosa
• Verbena elegans
• Verbena gracilis
• Verbena hastata

• Verbena hispida
• Verbena incisa
• Verbena laciniata
• Verbena lasiostachys
• Verbena macdougallii
• Verbena menthifolia
• Verbena officinalis
• Verbena peruviana
• Verbena phlogiflora
• Verbena rigida

• Verbena robusta
• Verbena runyonii
• Verbena simplex
• Verbena stricta
• Verbena supina
• Verbena tenera
• Verbena tenuisecta
• Verbena teucroides
• Verbena urticifolia
• Verbena xutha

Uses and legends

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Vervain is believed to be a galactagogue.

Folk legend states that vervain (Common Vervain V. officinalis) was used to staunch Jesus's wounds after his removal from the cross.

Tea

Vervain can be chopped finely and boiled with water to make tea. The tea has been used as a herbal remedy for insomnia at night and for general ailments during the day.

Vervain Tea Recipes

FEVER REDUCER
2 tsp dried Catnip
1 tsp dry Vervain

Pour 2 cups boiling water over herbs. Steep 10 minutes & strain.

INSOMNIA
1 ½ oz dried Vervain leaves
1 oz Chamomile
½ oz Spearmint

Mix all and add to 1 cup boiling water. Steep 8 minutes; strain.

RELAXANT
1 ½ oz dried Vervain leaves
1 oz Valerian Root
½ oz Devils Hoof or Juniper

Allow to steep for 20 mins, use hot but NOT boiling water else you will destroy the active ingredient in the Valerian.
Strain, then drink 20 mins before bedtime.

See also

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Lemon verbena

Verbenaceae

Verbena | Verbenen | Verbena (bot) | Verveine | Verbena (genere) | バーベナ | Chi cỏ Roi ngựa