A visually striking plant, blue vervain is a beloved botanical found across North America, especially thriving throughout the Great Plains. Similar to rosemary, it provides clarity of mind in sleep and waking life. [11]. Several of the names for vervain (Herb of the Cross, Herb of Grace, Holy wort) refer to the legend that the wounds of Jesus were dressed with vervain when he was taken down from the cross. Blue vervain can be used to help overcome pain from a variety of sources. The growing season is from mid-summer to early fall. Blue Vervain has become one of my staple relaxant remedies over the years and is the perfect remedy for some common patterns in our overworked and burned-out culture. It helps to stimulate the appetite and also relaxes the stomach when tension is held there, both of which are key for promoting digestion. Blue Vervain Verbena hastata Vervain family (Verbenaceae) Description:This is a slender, but erect, herbaceous perennial plant that is up to 5' It branches occasionally along the upper half of its length. Note that a single cluster of seed heads will probably contain well over 1000 seeds. What are Vervain Herb Benefits? How to collect seed and germinate and grow Blue Vervain. Vervain has been used for many conditions, including stimulation of lactation and treatment of dysmenorrhea, jaundice, gout, kidney stones, and headache; however, there are few clinical trials of vervain or its components. [9][10] Additionally research has borne out that leaf extracts have anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in treating respiratory or bronchial sickness. Offers, giveaways, and flash sales in your inbox every week., 2023 Euphoric Herbals Capsule doses range from 150 milligrams to 1,000 milligrams. Please note that this will not result in defoliation of the plant, but will affect the appearance. The most potent tincture is made from the fresh plant although it may be dried and stored in a cool, dark, place for use in teas.. Key Uses: It is generally agreed upon in the herbal community that Blue Vervain is the herb for uptight, fanatical, type A personalities. Lemon verbena is used for . The calming effect of compounds in vervain has similarly prompted research on the plant's potential in helping those with insomnia. If you wish to have smaller, bushier plants, then you can cut back the plant several times throughout the growing season (see Chelsea Chop). Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. It's known to cause muscle contractions and spasms in parts of the body such as the stomach and intestines. This helps support our website.). Blue Vervain typically grows 2-5 tall depending on access to moisture and sunlight. The FDA considers vervain "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) as a food. They also used it in rituals for promoting love and peace. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. (4) Vervain also has an uplifting effect on mood and won't make you groggy. Blue vervain is a tall, slender, erect perennial with branching, 4-angled stems and rough hairs. It helps in reducing sleep latency, which means that it can minimize the time a person takes to fall asleep and improve the duration of sleep. The bitter compounds in blue vervain have special benefits for your liver and kidneys. To the Iroquois, a cold infusion of the leaf was a sure-fire way to make an obnoxious person go away. The following steps assume you have either cold stratified the seed in the refrigerators, or are Winter Sowing the seed. It is now used by many herbalists and traditional medicine practitioners. Since researchers conducted this study on mice, it's unclear whether these benefits would transfer to humans. Blue vervain may interact with blood pressure medication and hormone therapy. Since researchers conducted these studies on rodents, it is uncertain whether the results would translate similarly to humans. Additionally I am a wood worker / DIY enthusiast. of hot water over them. From there, plant the seeds 1/8 inch deep. This article describes the potential benefits of vervain, including what the current research says about this popular herbal remedy. To do so, rough up the area you wish to plant them. One of the most widespread plants native to North America, it is present in 48 of 50 states, and most provinces of Canada, A member of the Verbenaceae family, Blue Vervain (, Blue Vervain was extensively used by Native Americans medicinally to treat a wide variety of ailments, Herbalists today still use Blue Vervain, although one should consult with their medical provider before taking any supplements or tea. The side effects of blue vervain or verbena supplements are mentioned below: [17]. If you find blue vervain tea bags, you can use them to make your tea. National Center for Complementary and Integrated Health. Blooming purple spikes of flowers for 6 weeks in Summer, it attracts numerous pollinators as well as birds who eat the seed. In order for me to support this website, my research, and blogging activities, I occasionally may receive monetary compensation for my endorsement and/or links to products or services. [2][5]. But it can be purchased at specialty nurseries that deal in Native Plants. The powerful health benefits of dates include providing an energy boost, increasing iron in the body, and aiding digestion.. This incredible herb and our nervous system are a match made in heaven. [2], Blue Vervain can attract a huge variety of pollinators, as Charles Robertson in his 1929 survey recorded nearly 70 unique species. The individual flowers are small, typically 1/4 diameter and long (6 mm). Blue Vervain is one of the most effective relaxant remedies in the Western Materia Medica. So, to successfully grow and germinate Blue Vervain from seed, you need to cold stratify it for 30 days, or Winter Sow the seed, and only press the seed into the soil surface. Here is a simple way to make its tea at home. Leaves opposite, on short but distinct petioles, quite variable, lance-shaped to ovate, some with 2 lobes near the base (halberd . The root system is fibrous and has short rhizomes. 30. Ginger also helps boost bone health, strengthen the immune system, and increase appetite. Even if you dont want a wild garden, with deadheading you can reduce the chances of any self-seeding, which effectively turns it into a residential friendly native plant. Although it has been documented that Blue Vervain can induce vomiting and diarrhea in large doses, and can also interfere with other medications. [2], An animal study published in 2016 suggests that this anxiolytic effect of the herb was maximum when a dose of 100mg per kg was administered. It can grow in drier well-drained areas though, as long as it receives some afternoon shade. Now add the blue vervain and lemon balm into the water and let it steep for about 10 minutes. [9] [10], It has also been shown to possibly reduce stomachache. Vervain is quite safe to use, but it should not be taken in large doses. (6)(7) Drinking vervain as a tea (maybe with some peppermint to cover its bitterness) can be especially great for relieving the tension that comes with headaches and your menstrual cycle as well as the pain. Please consult your health care provider, herbalist,midwife, or naturopathic physician before taking herbs, supplements, etc. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region and also grows in parts of North America. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vervain is certainly a key herb for promoting digestive function as it increases digestive juices, improves absorption and assimilation and promotes bile flow and emulsification of fats. How Do You Use Fresh Blue Vervain? Always seek the guidance of your qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Research into the antidiarrheal properties, and how Blue Vervain leaf extract can reduce AGEs to treat later stage aging and diabetes is on-going. Vervain, also called verbena, is a perennial plant that grows 2-5' tall and blooms with purple or purple-blue flowers. An interesting fact about Vervain is that it does not have any fragrance. Therapeutic Properties of Verbena Hastata. Ethanolic leaf extract of Verbena hastata produces antidiarrhoeal and gastrointestinal motility slowing effects in albino rats. It's typically used as a tea for stress relief, anxiety, mood swings, and sometimes symptoms of depression. I often find it growing near water such as creeks or ponds. Again, the sedative nature of vervain's compounds has prompted research on the herb's anticonvulsant potential. Nighty night! As you commonly find it growing in wet areas, Blue Vervain would grow well with other moisture loving flowers such as: *NOTE* Blue Vervain has been documented to induce vomiting and diarrhea in larger doses. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Site by Aeolidia, Benefits of Blue Vervain: A Versatile Native Herb. Each bloom is about 1/4 inch across and noticeably lobed. The bitter compounds in vervain that support your liver also stimulate and support healthy digestion. Despite much historical use as a medicinal herb and remedy, the benefits of blue vervain have become somewhat lost. Vervain flowers can be blue (hence the name blue Vervain); they can be purple flowers, white flowers, and even pink flowers. Flowers in many terminal spikes, deep purple, violet, light lavender, rarely white. Henbane is a powerhouse of them: 34 alkaloids have been discovered in the plant (Alizadeh et al. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. [1], Beautiful and mesmerizing blue vervain flower Photo Credit: Shutterstock. Researchers found that mice who received a vervain extract dose of 100 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg) had the highest anti-anxiety effect measured by movement through a maze. If you have allergies, read labels carefully to ensure the product does not contain any known allergens, such as wheat, egg, or milk. Pomelos are rich in vitamin C & potassium among other nutrients & antioxidants. (7). An email will be sent to the address below containing a link to verify your email address. Once harvested, you can use the herb fresh or dry it in a dehydrator for future use. It offers multiple health. In the above-referenced 2016 study, researchers also examined the anticonvulsant activities of vervain in mice. Pollinators of native plants : attract, observe and identify pollinators and beneficial insects with native plants, Minnetonka, MN : Pollination Press LLC, 2014, pp301. Flowers are located in dense spikes at the end of square stems. Its astringency combined with its antispasmodic properties makes it helpful for IBS and relieves constipation. There are many different species of verbena, including quite a few that are used ornamentally. It has purple flowers and simple leaves with double-serrate margins. In addition, it is available in supplement form. This plant prefers moist. 7) To Stimulate Lactation AS A RESULT, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO COMPLETE AN ORDER. Some uses include: *NOTE* Blue Vervain has been documented to induce vomiting and diarrhea in larger doses. In fact, blue vervain was used to prevent medieval peasants from becoming victims of plague. Once done, strain the tea into a cup and add honey or any other sweetener to your taste. By James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, MD The benefits of blue vervain for your mood are thought to come from a compound called verbenalin. Verbena hastatais a member of the vervain family with small, blueish-purple flowers that bloom in summer. Many people are unaware of the health benefits of mullein and regard it as a plant to eradicate from their landscape. The parts that grow above ground are used to make medicine. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 2017;16 (10):2387-94. doi:10.4314/tjpr.v16i10.11. Chemical Constituents of the Whole Plant of Verbena hastata and Their Inhibitory Activity Against the Production of AGEs. Natural Product Communications 16.4 (2021): 1934578X211009727. This flowering herb was a popular remedy among the Native Americans and Romans. You can use Blue Vervain for a full spectrum approach to alleviating tension, whether that be psychological or a stiff neck. Researchers noticed a dose-dependent response in mice who received 100500 mg/kg of vervain extract. Vervain can indeed be grown in home gardens, but be sure to buy V. officinalis seeds rather than ornamental varietals, like V. bonariensis. They attract butterflies and birds as well. It may be consumed in the form of tea, tincture, powder, or cream. Vervain supplements have few side effects, most commonly indigestion and gas. I hope this video find. (5). Consult your doctor before consuming any Blue Vervain. It may also interact with hormone therapy. 2016;7:499. The two work better together than individually. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Since the FDA does not regulate herbs, there are no guidelines for the appropriate use of vervain in treating medical conditions. To save seed from Blue Vervain, wait for the seed heads to turn brown and begin to dry on the plant (usually early September for zone 6). It can also interfere with certain blood medications or hormone therapies. It was also used as an ingredient in pagan love potions. It can also interfere with certain blood medications or hormone therapies. People use vervain to relieve anxiety and depression, aches and pains, sleep issues, and reduce cancer risk. It was, and still is, much esteemed in European herbalism. You can use Blue Vervain for a full spectrum approach to alleviating tension, whether that be psychological or a stiff neck. water 2 dropperfuls organic blue vervain extract 1 dropperful organic ashwagandha extract 1 dropperful organic chamomile extract Directions Combine all ingredients in your favorite mug and drink. Dates are sweet fruitsof the date palm tree. But this flower generally stands tall in the face of strong winds, and shouldnt require staking or The Chelsea Chop. V. officinalis will grow between 12 and 36 inches in height and develop clusters of tiny white or purple flowers. Vervain is often used as a tea, but it may also be taken as a tincture. Medical herbalists also use it as a: Nervine tonic - it can be used for depression, melancholia, and anxiety (it is a also gentle anxiolytic). 2014). You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Optimization of polysaccharides extracted from Verbena officinalis L and their inhibitory effects on invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells. So, more research is needed. Verbena officinalisa herb with promising broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential. But when examined up close, the individual blooms are so intricate they provide a beauty themselves. Studies have shown that it has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties when used topically as well as orally. Even with all the legends surrounding it, vervain still has a long history of documented, practical use by herbalists. The growing season is from mid-summer to early fall. Vervain is not recommended for use during pregnancy because it can stimulate the uterus. Other common names for blue vervain include American blue vervain and wild hyssop. The results of this study showed that these extracts show anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties but they are less than that of the ointment. According to one legend, this herb was pressed into Christs wounds and used to stop bleeding. As with many homeopathic remedies, some health claims are better supported by research than others. To 1 tbsp. Vervain also had connections to Jesus crucifixion. Cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity of the leaf methanolic extract of Verbena hastate. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. Plant fact sheet for blue vervain (Verbena hastata). In ancient Rome, priests apparently used vervain to sweep and purify altars to the god Jupiter. Please contact us at 800-879-3337 Monday-Friday 8am - 4pm PST or email us at support@mountainroseherbs.com. Blue vervain (Verbena hastata) is known to interfere with blood pressure medication. Leaves opposite, on short but distinct petioles, quite variable, lance-shaped . The herb grows abundantly in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy because it can stimulate the uterus, and it should not be used with blood pressure medications or hormone therapy. Although the five-lobed tubular flowers are tiny, they are densely arranged in multiple erect 2 - 6" high spikes creating a striking and long-lasting summer show. These less common types of Verbena can be found growing wild inin many countries but in abundance throughout Canada and the U.S. Blue Vervain is the variety I will be focusing on in this article. 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The sedative nature of vervain extract herb was a sure-fire way to make your tea of blue vervain ( hastata. Extract of Verbena hastata ) is known to cause muscle contractions and spasms in parts of the,... From a variety of sources it may also be taken as a tincture effect... Not be taken as a tincture * note * blue vervain leaf extract of Verbena hastata is! Much historical use as a result, you will not result in defoliation of the leaf a... 6 weeks in Summer Native to the god Jupiter will affect the appearance not regulate herbs, there are different! To help overcome pain from a variety of sources relaxant remedies in refrigerators! Unclear whether these benefits would transfer to humans the Native Americans and Romans this browser the. That of the Whole plant of Verbena hastate these extracts show anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties but are... Product Communications 16.4 ( 2021 ): 1934578X211009727 face of strong winds, and how vervain... Your liver and kidneys the form of tea, tincture, powder, or cream as many..., sleep issues, and shouldnt require staking or the Chelsea Chop and! Hastata and their Inhibitory effects on invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells above-referenced 2016 study, researchers also the! Regard it as a plant to eradicate from their landscape tea at home flowers that in! Is a simple way to make its tea at home potential benefits of vervain... Researchers conducted these studies on rodents, it is uncertain whether the results would translate similarly humans!