Verbena and Chamomile to help your sleep and to help your stomach

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Let's begin with verbena (V.officinalis), also called "common verbena" or "Holy Herb". Why Holy Herb? Because according to legend, this plant was used to treat the wounds suffered by Christ at the hands of his persecutors.

With mauve-colored flowers, the plant originated in Europe. It is a perennial that prefers limey soils.

If you happen to see a different flower color, it's because you're not looking at V. officinalis, but another type. For example, Lemon verbena can have white or lavender flowers.

In ancient northern Europe, the plant was believed to protect against demon-induced illnesses.

For most medicinal purposes, only the parts above the ground are used.

In addition to its sedative properties, it is also used to treat depression, generalized seizures and mild fever. It's also an effective treatment for hypertension (high blood pressure).

Furthermore, the plant can be used for halitosis (bad breath) and as a mild laxative. Ointments containing it are good for the treatment of eczema and insect bites.

Note that, because of its stimulating properties on the uterus, it should not be used during pregnancy. However, it is safe to use during labor.

Chamomile has a long history, dating back to the ancient Egyptians.

It possesses mild sedative, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is very useful in the treatment of digestive problems like dyspepsia and inflammation of the upper digestive tract, especially when combined with other herbs like Humulus, Filindepula, and Althea.

Bisabolol and chamazulene, two components of chamomile, have been shown to reduce tissue inflammation (when applied directly) and stimulate tissue granulation. Many women use it as an effective dysmenorrhoea, morning sickness, and menopausal treatment.

There are various types of this plant. The Roman variety (Anthemis nobilis) is a perennial often found in fields as well as in cultivated plots. It has a sweet, herbal fragrance, and flowers in June and July.

The German variety is common all over Europe and parts of Asia, where it often grows as a weed along the roads. Other names include "Scented Mayweed" and "Hungarian Chamomile".

The plant is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). You can make a cup of herbal tea tea by mixing two - or three, depending on the strength desired - teaspoons of the dried flowers in hot water (strain it first!).

I should also mention the type commonly called "Pineapple weed". It is an annual, a native of North America and parts of Asia. It blooms in Spring and early Summer.

When crushed, it releases a lovely chamomile and pineapple scent. Though it's been used for its medicinal properties, it can also cause allergic reactions in some people. This is because "Pineapple weed" is a close relative of ragweed!

Well, that's all for today.

Thank you for your time.

Chamomile, verbana and sleep aids