- For migraine connected to premenstrual or menopausal syndromes.
- Nervine and tonic for exhaustion following long-term stress or illness.
- Has anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects; improves digestion.
Verbena strengthens the nervous system whilst relaxing tension and stress. It is used in the treatment of depression and melancholia, particularly following a debilitating illness such as influenza. It is used as a relaxant and antispasmodic remedy in asthma, migraine, insomnia and nervous coughing. Verbenalin, one of the constituents, has a direct action on smooth muscle and also has a potential hypotensive effect. As a diaphoretic, the herb is indicated in the early stages of fever.
The glycosides also have a reputed galactagogue and emmenagogue action, and the Chinese use Verbena to treat migraines associated with female sex hormone fluctuations. The galactagogue properties are attributed to aucubin. A luteinising action has been reported, and attributed to inhibition of the gonadotrophic action of the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Verbena has been documented to possess weak parasympathetic properties, causing slight contraction of the uterus, and verbenalin exhibits uterine stimulant activity.
