Vervain is a genus in the family Verbenaceae. It contains about 250 species of annual and perennialherbaceous or semi-woody flowering plants. The majority of the species are native to the Americas and Europe.
Contents
Uses
Verbena is used for sore throats and respiratory tract diseases such as asthma and whooping cough, and for heart conditions such as chest pain (angina) and fluid retention due to heart failure.
Verbena is also used for depression, hysteria, generalized seizure, gallbladder pain,arthritis, gout, metabolic disorders, “iron-poor blood” (anemia), fever, and recovery after fever.
Other uses include treatment of pain, spasms, exhaustion, nervous conditions,digestive disorders, liver and gallbladder diseases, jaundice, and kidney and lower urinary tract disorders.
Women use verbena for treating symptoms of menopause, irregular menstruation, and increasing milk flow, if breast-feeding.
Some people apply verbena directly to the skin to treat poorly healing wounds, abscesses and burns; for arthritis, joint pain (rheumatism), dislocations, bone bruises(contusions), and itching. Verbena is also used as a gargle for cold symptoms and other conditions of the mouth and throat.
In combination with gentian root, European elder flower, cowslip flower, and sorrel, verbena is used for maintaining healthy sinuses and treating inflamed or swollen sinuses (sinusitis).
In manufacturing, verbena flowers are used as a flavoring agent in alcoholic beverages.
Benefits
Detoxify the Body: One of the oldest and most reliable uses of blue vervain is as a diuretic, as it stimulates the release of urine from the body. This can help to eliminate toxins from the system, as well as excess water, salts, and fat. This can help to protect the kidneys and the liver by reducing the presence of dangerous substances and toxins that accumulate there. If you have a bladder infection, blue vervain can be a highly effective remedy.
Respiratory Disorders: If you regularly suffer from chest congestion, colds, chronic bronchitis, sore throats, or respiratory inflammation, blue vervain tea can be a simple and pleasant means of clearing up your tracts and eliminating irritation. Coughs and colds from Rome to California have been cured with blue vervain, as it also acts as an expectorant, helping to expel mucus and phlegm that have accumulated in the respiratory tracts.
Nervous System: There are certain soothing properties of blue vervain that can effectively treat a number of different ailments, including nervous disorders, chronic anxiety, stress, and sleeplessness. Sometimes, our body’s release and management of hormones is less than optimal, and over time, this can cause significant health problems and wear on the body. A cup of blue vervain tea can calm our nerves and re-balance hormone levels, ensuring that our body can rest.
Depression and Mood Swings: Blue vervain has commonly been turned to in the past for people suffering from depression and unpredictable moods. This relaxing and uplifting herb can promote positive thinking, stimulate the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, and generally improve your mood by clearing your mind of worry.
Anti-Parasitic Activity: Although intestinal worms and parasites aren’t as common as they used to be before proper food preparation guidelines and health advances, the anti-parasitic nature of blue vervain is still relied on in some cultures and situations. The natural anti-parasitic nature of the herb means that you can eliminate or prevent the growth and development of any worms or parasites in your intestines, thereby protecting your digestive health and availability of nutrients.
Female Tonic: For women who suffer from particularly strong or severe periods, blue vervain can be a blessing. It has been known to reduce cramps and general discomfort, primarily for women who are bloated and cramping. Its effects on mood and depression can also soften the symptoms of menstruation, while its regulation of hormones will keep you balanced and functional.
Oral Health: The high concentration of tannins present in blue vervain make it a very effective way to protect your overall oral health. Whether you have bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, bacterial infections, or any other unhealthy aspect of your oral health, blue vervain tea can quickly clear it up. Tannins function as antioxidants to promote healing and prevent further degradation to the tissue.
Breastfeeding Mothers: Some women struggle to produce enough milk for their baby, and this is completely natural in many cases. However, blue vervain can help to stimulate the production of milk in the breast, ensuring that your baby has all of the nutrients it needs in that crucial period of growth.
Pain Relief: As suggested by some of these other health benefits, blue vervain can act as a powerful analgesic. It seems to be particularly effective on arthritic pain and the pain from kidney stones. The organic compounds present in blue vervain can numb certain areas and stop pain from registering in those nerves, thereby giving you some relief. The anti-inflammatory properties of the herb are the perfect complement to this pain relief, as it will also reduce swelling and inflammation, such as in cases of gout, arthritis, orinflammation in the gastrointestinal system.
Caution
Verbena is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth in food amounts andPOSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in small amounts as part of a combination product containing gentian root, elderflower, sorrel, and cowslip flower (SinuComp, Sinupret). There isn’t enough information to know if verbena is safe when used in medicinal amounts other than as part of the combination product. The combination product can cause digestive system upset and occasionally allergic skin rash.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking verbena if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
None are recorded.
Other names
Blue Vervain, Common Verbena, Common Vervain, Eisenkraut, Enchanter’s Plant, European Vervain, Herb of Grace, Herb of the Cross, Herba Verbenae, Herbe aux Enchantements, Herbe du Foie, Herbe Sacrée, Herbe aux Sorciers, Herbe à Tous les Maux, Herbe du Sang, Herbe de Vénus, Holywort, Juno’s Tears, Ma Bian Cao, Pigeon’s Grass, Pigeonweed, Simpler’s Joy, Turkey Grass, Veine de Vénus, Verbenae Herba, Verbena officinalis, Vervain, Verveine, Verveine Commune, Verveine des Champs, Verveine Officinale, Yerba de Santa Ana
Reference
Source: Webmd, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-88-verbena.aspx?activeingredientid=88&activeingredientname=verbena
organicfacts, https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/blue-vervain.html