5 Benefits of Verbena for Body and Mind: The Freshness of Provence

Among the aromatic plants that grow along the paths of Provence, verbena is known for its distinctive lemony freshness. This herbal plant has long been part of daily life in Provence, both as an evening tisane and as a natural ingredient in body care.

Verbena, scientifically known as Verbena officinalis, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, including in traditional Chinese medicine. This article covers the traditionally known benefits of verbena, as well as what early research has begun to explore, from relaxing the body and mind to the freshness it brings to the skin.

Traditionally Recognized Health Benefits of Verbena

Traditionally, verbena, also known as lemon verbena, has long been used as a relaxant and nerve tonic. Here are some of its widely known benefits, drawn from both generations of tradition and early research:

Helps Calm the Mind

Verbena is traditionally known to help calm the mind and ease feelings of anxiety. Several preliminary studies have explored the potential effects of verbena’s active compounds on the nervous system. However, research in humans is still limited, so these benefits require further study.. Its fresh, slightly citrusy scent is often associated with a relaxing effect, making it a popular choice for winding down at the end of the day.

Supports Better Sleep Quality

In Provençal tradition, verbena tea is often taken in the evening to help the body relax before sleep. This habit has continued across generations as part of a calming nighttime ritual, believed to be linked to the plant’s mild sedative properties.

Eases Mild Discomfort

Verbena is also traditionally known to help ease mild digestive discomfort, such as bloating. Some early research has also observed potential antimicrobial properties in the plant’s stem, leaves, and roots against certain bacteria and fungi. That said, using verbena for specific health purposes should still be discussed with a medical professional, especially if taking other medication.

Benefits of Verbena for Skin Care

Beyond its benefits for body health, verbena is also widely known in skin care for two main qualities: moisturising and refreshing. Its tannin content also gives it a light astringent quality that helps refresh the skin after use.

Helps Moisturise the Skin

Verbena is known to help restore the skin’s natural moisture, leaving it feeling softer and more comfortable after use. This quality makes verbena a suitable ingredient for everyday body care, particularly in moisturising formats such as lotions and body foams.

Brings Freshness to Body and Mind

The distinctive lemon verbena scent delivers an instant refreshing effect the moment it is applied to the skin. This sensation is widely sought after, particularly to energise the morning or refresh the body after a long day, especially in hot weather.

L’Occitane brings this distinctive verbena character through the Verveine collection, sourced from verbena grown in Visan, Provence. Verveine Perfumed Shower Gel cleanses while delivering freshness from the very first step of the shower routine, followed by Verveine Perfumed Body Lotion to lock in skin moisture throughout the day.

For freshness that lasts longer, Verveine Eau de Toilette and Verveine Perfumed Hand Cream complete the ritual, carrying the distinctive scent of Provence into everyday activities. To learn more about the story behind verbena and other Provençal ingredients, read our article on from the fields of Provence to your skin.

What to Consider Before Using and Consuming Verbena

While generally considered safe for topical use in skin care, consuming verbena as tea or supplement is worth approaching with some care. Verbena is traditionally known to have a fairly strong calming effect, so combining it with sedatives may lead to excessive drowsiness. For those undergoing any form of medical treatment, consulting a doctor before consuming verbena orally is a sensible step.

 

FAQs About the Benefits of Verbena

1. What are the main benefits of the verbena plant?

Verbena is traditionally known to help calm the mind, support better sleep, and ease mild digestive discomfort. In skin care, verbena is known for its moisturising and refreshing qualities.

2. What does verbena smell like?

Verbena, particularly lemon verbena, has a citrusy scent resembling lemon with a fresh green undertone. This scent is widely used in perfumery and body care products for its distinctive freshness.

3. Does verbena have any side effects?

Consuming lemon verbena as tea or supplement may cause drowsiness in some people, particularly when combined with sedatives. If taking other medication, consult a doctor before using verbena.

4. Is verbena safe for sensitive skin?

Verbena-based skin care products are generally formulated to suit a range of skin types. As with any skin care product, it is recommended to patch test on a small area first if you have sensitive skin.

5. What is the difference between verbena and lemon verbena?

Lemon verbena is one of the most well-known varieties within the verbena plant family, recognised for its distinctive lemon scent. In beauty and perfumery, the term verbena is often used to refer directly to lemon verbena because of its popular fragrance.