H E R B A L // G L O S S A R Y: Vervain (Verbena officinalis)

Vervain, also known as verbena and “herb of the cross”, is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia.

The plant belongs to the Verbenaceae family and has silky, pale-purple flowers.

It’s still used throughout the world as a traditional herbal remedy, however the clinical applications of over 20 beneficial compounds it contains that have now also been backed by science.

Some examples of traditional uses include treating infections, abdominal pain and to promote milk production in breastfeeding mothers.

Vervain offers multiple health benefits that have been backed by science, including antitumor effects, nerve cell protection, and anxiety- and convulsion-reducing properties, among others.

Its main active constituents include Alkaloids, flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, triterpenes, and volatile oils.

Vervain is a lovely herb to sip about an hour before bedtime to relax the nervous system or enjoy as part of a breastfeeding tea blend.

Due to its astringent quality, its best to drink two hours away from food and supplements.

Actions:  Anticonvulsant, astringent, bitter tonic, galactagogue, relaxing nervine, mild sedative.

Indications:

Nervous system: anxiety, debility, epilepsy, irritability, nervous exhaustion, nervousness, trigeminal neuralgia.

Reproductive: amenorrhea, spasmodic dysmenorrhea, insufficient lactation, menopausal symptoms.

GI: digestive insufficiency, dyspepsia, GI irritation, infantile colic, nervous dyspepsia.

 

Pregnancy / Breastfeeding safe:  Safe in breastfeeding only.

Enjoy in blends:

Mamma's Milk - Breastfeeding Tea

 References:

Phytomedicine Compendium, K. Gilmore and J, Grant, Pg 177, Vervain monograph, 2023.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vervain-verbena