Organic Vervain - Verbena officinalis

Verbena officinalis is a perennial plant, sometimes grown as an annual. It has many virtues, and is renowned for its soothing and digestive properties. It can be used in infusions. It is easy to grow, whether in the ground or in a pot. Plant in May-June and harvest from June to October.

Known since Antiquity, it is used for its medicinal properties. It is a wild plant of European origin, growing spontaneously on the edge of country roads. It is a perennial plant, but it is sometimes cultivated as an annual as its hardiness is about -5°C (23°F). It belongs to the Verbenaceae family. This herbaceous plant grows to about 60cm (24in) tall. It has ramified and upright stems, with long and dentate leaves. From June to October, it produces small violet flowers in spikes.

It can be grown both in the ground and in a pot. Cultivate it in the vegetable garden or in a flower bed.

Its leaves are renowned for their soothing and digestive properties. They are used in infusions. You can add other herbs to enhance the taste.

Verbena officinalis is commonly used in phytotherapy, aromatherapy, and cosmetology.

Harvesting: the leaves are harvested from June to October, by cutting the stems.

Preservation: the leaves can be used fresh or dried. For drying, hang bouquets of stems, head down, in a dry and airy place. Then store them in airtight jars.

Gardener's tip: we recommend mulching the soil with successive thin layers of clippings, preferably mixed with dead leaves. This protection keeps the soil moist and limits weeds.