Home › Herbal Pharmacy › Herbal Pharmacy – Blue vervain

Herbal Pharmacy – Blue vervain

By on

This slender plant grows up to 3-5 feet tall and has been in North America for an estimated 200 years.  Prior to that it has a history that can be traced back to the ancient Romans and Egyptians.

A variety of health benefits have been suggested for blue vervain including pain relieve (e.g. analgesic for headaches), anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic (e.g. muscle spasm relief), diuretic (promote urination), anti-parasitic, expectorant (i.e. eliminates mucus), women’s health including PMS and mensopause, improve mood and more.

 

blue vervain

Latin name

Verbena officinalis

 

Parts of the plant used

leaves

Phytochemicals present in the plant

Bitters, volatile oils, alkaloids, mucilage, tannins

 

Other names for this plant include

Vervain, verbena, herb of the cross, pigeon’s grass, wild hyssop, herb of grace, simpler’s

 

Medicinal uses

Relieve tension – Historically, blue vervain has been used as a way to relieve tension.  It is also reported to open up sweat glands.  Other uses have included relief from headaches and neck pain

Hot Flashes and PMS – Blue vervain is believed to stabilize progesterone levels which are often associated with PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

Increases milk flow – Stress is a common cause of poor lactation or milk production.  Blue vervain is believed to relieve stress helping to improve lactation.

 

Contraindications – large quantities can cause nausea.  However, because of it’s bitterness it is unlikely that someone will consume enough to experience nausea.

 

Herbal Pharmacy

Infusion – 1 teaspoon per cup, steep for 8 to 10 minutes.  Drink 2-3 cups per day to help relieve tension

Tincture – 5 to 30 drops taken 1 to 3 times daily.

Harvesting

Leaves are typically harvested before flowering. The plant should be dried immediately.

 

 

Jeremy Johnson, PharmD, PhD
Latest posts by Jeremy Johnson, PharmD, PhD (see all)
‹
›

Categories: Herbal Pharmacy