Vervain has been revered by many cultures and their peoples for millennia. Hippocrates (the Ancient Greek physician and “father of medicine”) is said to have used it for fever and the plague.

The Aztecs used the roots of this herb as a diuretic and referred to it as “medicine for urinating”, whereas in North America the Native American tribes used it for insomnia, to boost circulation and for headaches.

Blue Vervain

Anxiety/Sleep

Used by herbalists for millennia to combat depression and mood swings, Vervain is a deeply penetrating nervine that soothes and sedates the nervous system. It is a relaxing and uplifting herb that can stimulate the release of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, enhancing mood and well being.

Vervain is also effective in promoting a good night’s sleep without rendering the user groggy in the morning. Studies have found that the compound in Vervain responsible for inducing sleep is verbenalin – an iridoid glucoside.

Digestion

Known as a “bitter herb”, Vervain is also a digestive stimulant, improving digestive function by increasing saliva production and promoting both stomach acid and digestive enzyme production. It is an especially good herb to use if your digestive issues are stress related – when we are stressed out our digestion can shut down as it is seen as non essential when we are dealing with a serious threat, and the fight or flight stress response is prioritised. Vervain works by helping to stimulate the appetite and relaxing the stomach when tension is held there.

Vervain tea can also be useful in helping to alleviate cramps, bloating and flatulence.

Liver/Kidney Health

Vervain contains the active ingredients aucubin and oleanolic acid, powerful plant compounds that exert hepatoprotective effects. In particular, Vervain tea can help to stimulate the liver and encourage the healing of any damage done to this important organ. It can help to strengthen the liver if consumed on a regular basis, supporting the elimination of toxins from the body.

Vervain also functions as a diuretic in the body, assisting with the flushing out of unwanted toxins, especially in the urinary tract. It helps to combat water retention, thus improving kidney function. Another naturally occurring compound of this plant – apigenin – has also been found to prevent kidney damage.

Head aches, aches and pain. Insomnia. Digestive dysfunction. Upper respiratory tract symptoms. Urinary tract infections and nervous system repair.

How to use:

1. Add 8 0z 0f water to a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
2. Add 2 Tbsp of vervain  to a teapot.
3. Pour the hot water into the teapot and allow to steep for about 5 minutes.
4. strain. You can add honey or lemon to improve the flavor.

Iridoid glycosides (verbenin, verbenalin, bastatoside), bitter principle, tannin, volatile oil (including citral, geraniol, limonene, verbenone), mucilage, unidentified alkaloid, saponin.

It should be avoided during pregnancy because it is a uterine stimulant, but it may be taken during labour to stimulate contractions.

If you are taking any prescription medications, please consult with your healthcare practitioner before using Vervain.

1 lb

BLUE VERVAIN (Verbena Spp) Leaf C/s

From Honduras