Latin Name: Verbena officinalis
Family: Verbenaceae
Part used: Dried herb.
Energetics: Bitter, pungent, cool, neutral.
Iris: All types
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS
Pregnancy, but use immediately before labour or to prevent threatened miscarriage.
ACTIONS
Renal and Autonomic Nerve Tonic.
- Antispasmodic
- Relaxing nervine
- Stimulating nervine
- Sedative
- Diaphoretic
- Hypnotic
- Thymoleptic
- Galactagogue
- Cholagogue
- Anthelmintic
- Alterative
- Emmenagogue
- Aphrodisiac
- Anti-lithic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-parasitic
- Astringent
- Digestive
- Diuretic
- Anti-viral
- Anti-parasitic
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-rheumatic
- Antidepressant
- Febrifuge
Main Constituents
- Alkaloids
- Choline
- Verbenin stimulates breast milk
- Flavonoids
- Volatile oil
- Sterol
- Tannin
- Mucilage
- Vitamins: C, K
- Minerals: Beta-carotene, Fe, Mn, K, Na, Zn.
Main Uses
Digestive System: Affinity for the liver and kidneys, Enteritis
External Use: Addiction to tranquillisers
Bacterial, Viral and Fungal Infections: Post-viral syndrome, Ascaris
Mental/Emotional: Post-operative depression, Nervous breakdown, Agoraphobia, Paranoid tendencies, Panic, Anxiety
Nervous system: Antispasmodic for relief of tension and stress, Nervous exhaustion from prolonged physical exhaustion, Epilepsy and convulsions
Endocrine: Amenorrhoea
Immune System: ME
Urinary System: Renal calculi and gravel
Infections:
Bacteria: Bacillus subtilis, E. coli, Yersinia, Staphylococcus aureus
Viruses: Influenza
Protozoa: Plasmodium
More About Vervain
Traditional Use: Vervain belongs to the plant family Verbenacea, not to be confused with lemon verbena. Lemon verbena is a completely different plant, but lemon verbena and vervain are in the same plant family. There is no significant difference between European and Blue Vervain - they may be used interchangeably.
Vervain is a lovely gentle remedy with a wide field of application, and is similar to Yarrow and Wood betony.
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.
For centuries, vervain has been used to improve gum health. The early Celtic people used it in a mouthwash to help with gum problems.
The bitter element stimulates the liver and gallbladder to relieve headaches, gently detoxify and move the bowel. It enhances the appetite and can tighten the bowel in cases of diarrhoea.
Vervain can regulate periods and reduce PMS and in males can improve low sperm count.
Vervain has also been used to support digestive health by relieving indigestion, gas, and bloating. It is thought to stimulate the digestive system and promote healthy digestion.
Recipes:
Vervain Tea
Ingredients:
- 1-2 teaspoons of dried vervain leaves (you can find this in health food stores or online)
- 236ml of boiling water
- Honey or lemon (optional, for flavor)
Instructions:
- Boil water and allow it to cool slightly, so it's hot but not boiling.
- Place the dried vervain leaves in a cup.
- Pour the hot water over the vervain leaves.
- Cover and steep for about 5-10 minutes.
- If desired, you can sweeten the tea with honey or add a splash of lemon for flavor.
- Drink the tea while it's still warm.
Vervain-Infused Honey
Ingredients:
- Dried vervain leaves and/or flowers
- Honey (raw and unpasteurized honey works well)
Instructions:
- Ensure that the jar and all equipment are clean and sterilized.
- Fill a clean, dry glass jar about one-third full with dried vervain leaves and/or flowers. The exact amount may vary depending on the size of your jar, but aim for about 1-2 tablespoons of vervain for every 8 ounces (1 cup) of honey.
- Pour honey over the vervain to cover it completely, ensuring there are no air bubbles. Use a clean utensil to gently press down the vervain to release any trapped air.
- Seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Place the jar in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight for about 2-4 weeks. Shake the jar gently every day or as often as you remember.
- After the infusion period, strain the honey through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the vervain leaves and flowers. The honey that remains is your vervain-infused honey.
- Transfer the infused honey to a clean, airtight glass jar. Label it with the date of preparation.
Vervain Infused Oil
Ingredients:
- Dried vervain leaves or flowers
- Carrier oil (such as olive oil, grapeseed oil, or almond oil)
Instructions:
- Ensure that the jar and all equipment are clean and sterilized.
- Fill a clean, dry glass jar about halfway with dried vervain leaves or flowers. The exact amount may vary depending on the size of your jar, but aim for about 1-2 tablespoons of vervain for every 8 ounces (1 cup) of carrier oil.
- Pour the carrier oil (e.g., olive oil) over the dried vervain to cover it completely, ensuring there are no air bubbles.
- Use a clean utensil to gently press down the vervain to release any trapped air.
- Seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Place the jar in a cool, dark location, away from direct sunlight, for about 2-6 weeks. Shake the jar gently every day or as often as you remember.
- After the infusion period, strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the vervain leaves. The liquid that remains is your vervain-infused oil.
- Transfer the infused oil to a dark glass bottle for storage. Label it with the date of preparation.
References
Anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, sedative, epilepsy, anxiety, insomnia
Anticonvulsant, Anxiolytic, and Sedative Activities of Verbena officinalis.
These results indicate that Verbena officinalis possess anticonvulsant, anxiolytic and sedative activities, which provides scientific background for its medicinal application in various neurological ailments, such as epilepsy, anxiety, and insomnia.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28066246/
Pro-apoptotic, apoptotic-inducing
Verbena officinalis essential oil and its component citral as apoptotic-inducing agent in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
The proapoptotic activity of Verbena officinalis essential oil and citral is thought to be due to a direct procaspase 3 activation. These data further support evidence that indicate natural compounds as a possible lead structure to develop new therapeutic agents.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20074474/
Anti-Diarrheal
Evaluation of the Antispasmodic and Antisecretory Activities of the 80% Methanol Extracts of Verbena officinalis L: Evidence From In Vivo Antidiarrheal Study.
This study demonstrated that the 80ME, mainly the root extract, produced promising antidiarrheal activity and hence provides a scientific support for acclaimed traditional use of the plant material for treatment of diarrheal diseases.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31204502/
Anti-tumor
Study on in-vivo anti-tumor activity of Verbena officinalis extract.
The Verbena officinalis extract had anti-tumor effect, with the inhibition rate reaching 38.78%, it also increased the spleen index to a certain extent, in addition, the changes in DTA and HA were not obvious compared with the model group. The Verbena officinalis extract had in vivo anti-tumor effect, while causing no damage on the immune function.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24146482/
Chronic generalized gingivitis
The Verbena officinalis extract had anti-tumor effect, with the inhibition rate reaching 38.78%, it also increased the spleen index to a certain extent, in addition, the changes in DTA and HA were not obvious compared with the model group. The Verbena officinalis extract had in vivo anti-tumor effect, while causing no damage on the immune function.
The Verbena officinalis extract had anti-tumor effect, with the inhibition rate reaching 38.78%, it also increased the spleen index to a certain extent, in addition, the changes in DTA and HA were not obvious compared with the model group. The Verbena officinalis extract had in vivo anti-tumor effect, while causing no damage on the immune function.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26824082/