They are green and rough to the touch, with double-toothed or serrated margins. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Sorry, the content of this store can't be seen by a younger audience. The upper portion will sometimes have branching. Sometimes, depending on conditions, some plants will produce lavender and sometimes even white flowers. If you wish to have smaller, bushier plants, then you can cut back the plant several times throughout the growing season (see Chelsea Chop). Vervain is a popular herbal remedy used around the world for the treatment of multiple diseases. It's definitely an herb worth rediscovering! Similar in appearance to its European cousin lemon verbena ( Verbena officinalis), the two share many intended uses . Although blue vervain was used for medicinal purposes for centuries, its benefits have been lost just like so many other plants. What we learned is that the seeds can be eaten roasted or ground into a flour or meal. Each bloom is about 1/4 inch across and noticeably lobed. Vervain is also believed to have been used by Hippocrates (the "father of medicine") and was revered by the ancient Egyptians and Chinese and later by the Druids. Blue vervain is a tall, slender, erect perennial with branching, 4-angled stems and rough hairs. Alternative practitioners tout vervain's anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Vervain balances hormones and normalizes thyroid function. They have been shown to depress the central and peripheral nervous systems in . Vervain was also used to treat people with depression and spastic pains in the gastrointestinal tract, as a mild diaphoretic (to induce sweating and promote mild fevers), and for all manner of female reproductive system problems when associated with melancholy or anxiety. An herb that delivers a diverse number of health benefits, skullcap is best known for reducing anxiety and insomnia. They vary from a reddish-purple to green in color. 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. Found across North America, blue vervain has been utilized for its healthful properties for centuries by Native Americans and later by folk herbalists. Since researchers conducted these studies on rodents, it is uncertain whether the results would translate similarly to humans. However, there is limited evidence to support vervain's use for preventing or treating any condition. It has also been studied for its antitumor and brain-boosting effects. Blue vervain is a perennial plant that is known to be in use for fighting the symptoms of depression. After reading through this article you will be able to spot blue vervain wherever it is growing as well as know its medicinal benefits and uses. Mine is compounded in a pharmacy. Research published in the African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology suggests that its leaf extract has been used in southern Nigeria for ulcers and microbial infections. Welcome to Sacred Smoke Herbals! You can use vervain for the following conditions: Digestive issues Urinary tract infections The herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as something that could quiet the mind, reduce stress, and boost mood when smoked. Talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you take to avoid possible interactions. After you are done with the seed heads, tip the bag upside down over the plate to collect any remaining seed. Accessed 10JAN2023. The opposite leaves It has traditionally been used to treat headaches and neuralgia. By the 16th century, it had become the official herb of English apothecaries. Vervain can indeed be grown in home gardens, but be sure to buy V. officinalis seeds rather than ornamental varietals, like V. bonariensis. We are your one-stop shop for all things related to herbalism and plant spirituality. Flowers in many terminal spikes, deep purple, violet, light lavender, rarely white. Vervain or Verbena ( Verbena spp) is an herbaceous, sometimes woody perennial with opposite, narrow, oval-shaped, toothed leaves and small, five-petaled flowers that are usually blue to purple in color but may be pink or white. Vervain isn't as well-known as other galactagogues like fennel seed, blessed thistle, and fenugreek, but it was once used often for this purpose. The calming effect of compounds in vervain has similarly prompted research on the plant's potential in helping those with insomnia. The fever-reducing properties of vervain are also great for minor colds or fevers. 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. And it continues to be used today, and Blue Vervain supplements can be purchased. One of the most pervasive native groundcovers around is Yarrow, and quite possibly one of the most adaptable. The following steps assume you have either cold stratified the seed in the refrigerators, or are Winter Sowing the seed. These side effects may be common or severe. In addition, a 2020 animal study in Basic and Clinical Neuroscience evaluated the antidepressant effects of vervain. Vervain was used for intermittent fever, colds, obstructed menstruation, anorexia, and convalescence from acute diseases. Here is the step-by-step method to use lemongrass. Without turning the seed heads upside down, move the seed head spike cluster into a paper bag or container. [2][3]. First, you will have to discard the tough outer leaves of the lemongrass stalks by peeling them away with your fingers. Therefore, it is possible that toxicity could occur at higher doses or with long-term use. On our website, you will find information about different herbs, smokable herbs, plant spiritual effects and benefits, smoke wands, ritual teas and more. Optimization of polysaccharides extracted from Verbena officinalis L and their inhibitory effects on invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells. Vervain can indeed be grown in home gardens, but be sure to buy V. officinalis seeds rather than ornamental varietals, like V. bonariensis.The plant grows well in full to partial sunlight and well-drained soil. Verbena hastata is a member of the vervain family with small, blueish-purple flowers that bloom in summer. You can use Blue Vervain for a full spectrum approach to alleviating tension, whether that be psychological or a stiff neck. Blue vervain can be used to help overcome pain from a variety of sources. [2] Kirk, S. and S.Belt. Traditionally Blue Vervain has been used by herbalists to treat a variety of ailments. [1], Beautiful and mesmerizing blue vervain flower Photo Credit: Shutterstock. The health and medicinal benefits of dandelion are many, not to mention its nutritive value. A post may contain affiliate links. The scientific name of blue vervain is Verbena hastata and it is also known by other names like American vervain, simplers joy, and swamp verbena. The information has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Jamaican Blue Vervain Tea offers an effective herbal remedy with little to no side effects. Vervain. The herb contains secondary metabolites with anticancer properties. So, more research is needed. The herb grows abundantly in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands. Anxiety & Stress . [2], Some insects will feed destructively on the foliage. To do so, rough up the area you wish to plant them. [4] It also hosts larvae from several insects, adding to its wildlife value. AS A RESULT, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO COMPLETE AN ORDER. Even so, evidence to support the health benefits of vervain is limited and more research is needed to conclude whether it is safe and effective as complementary medicine. This juice also helps in soothing acidity. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be substituted for medical advice. Holistic practitioners and herbalists believe that vervain has healing properties, including: Common uses of blue vervain include as a nervine for us anxious overthinkers and a treatment for depression. So you should either deadhead them, or just pull any unwanted seedlings. For instance, some products do not contain the listed ingredients. Furthermore, numerous species of songbird eat the tiny seeds in Winter. But when examined up close, the individual blooms are so intricate they provide a beauty themselves. Her with a love of HOME DECOR DIY. Blue vervain is native to North America and was used by the Aztecs and Native Americans for its many health benefits. Vervain is generally well tolerated by most people; however, some may experience side effects when taking it - particularly pregnant women, nursing mothers and people with iron deficiencies. The entire list of reference links is also provided at the bottom of the article. [11]. [2]. Your email address will not be published. Verbena, also known as vervain, is a plant which has been used by peoples the world over since antiquity for a variety of purposes. The results of this study showed that these extracts show anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties but they are less than that of the ointment. Blue vervain (Verbena hastata), also called simplers joy and enchanters plant, is an herb native to North America and is closely related to vervain (V. officinalis). TRADITIONAL PREPARATION: Vervain herbage, either fresh or dried, can be placed in boiling water and steeped to make a tea. warm before bedtime. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, mainly due to its compound curcumin, is responsible for weight loss. And this helps it bridge any blooming gaps in more traditional perennials, thus providing more food for local pollinators as well as color. In ancient Rome, priests apparently used vervain to sweep and purify altars to the god Jupiter. It can grow in drier well-drained areas though, as long as it receives some afternoon shade. Nighty night! Blue Vervain can be propagated by cuttings. Dennis Sifris, MD, is an HIV specialist and Medical Director of LifeSense Disease Management. Its calming effects will also have a positive effect on your mood during PMS. The plant grows well in full to partial sunlight and well-drained soil. Many people are unaware of the health benefits of mullein and regard it as a plant to eradicate from their landscape. If you cant find the herbs you need locally, you can purchase them from Mountain Rose Herbs. Flowers at the bottom of the spike bloom first, and the ring of flowers appears to advance upward. ( Calvo 2006, Lai 2006) The aerial parts have been used traditionally for many conditions, including stimulation of lactation and treatment of dysmenorrhea, jaundice, gout, kidney stones, headache, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Seal the jar and shake it. Once done, strain the tea into a cup and add honey or any other sweetener to your taste. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a great natural remedy for many different conditions. It can also cause tremors and muscle breakdown. How to get oil out of clothes? Blooming purple spikes of flowers for 6 weeks in Summer, it attracts numerous pollinators as well as birds who eat the seed. It was also used as an ingredient in pagan love potions. In this video, I give my brief testimony on blue vervain tea. Traditional Chinese medicine: What you need to know. A favorite of witches, this herb is rumored to have been used by Celtic Druids to aid divination. Blue vervain, a member of the Verbenaceae family, is a slender, but erect, herbaceous perennial plant that can reach a height of up to 5' tall, branching occasionally in the upper half. last updated - June 30, 2021 In animal studies, vervain extract has been shown to heal gastric damage. The seeds are a staple for many small mammals and birds that depend on this widely-distributed plant. I hope this video find. Blue Vervain is vulnerable to deer and rabbits when young, or early in Spring when emerging. Vervain supplements have few side effects, most commonly indigestion and gas. Again, the sedative nature of vervain's compounds has prompted research on the herb's anticonvulsant potential. Nearly 70 different species of pollinators have been documented visiting Blue Vervain, proving its high value to wildlife. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. If youre wondering how to identify Blue vervain, then this article is just for you. Vervain has so many healing properties that some authors have considered it the universal remedy. It can also interfere with certain blood medications or hormone therapies. (1). The plant is native to the Mediterranean region and also grows in parts of North America. Thujone also affects the muscles. 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. Blue Vervain seed requires a 30-90 day cold stratification period and exposure to sunlight to break dormancy. We are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest articles . Vervain is not recommended for use during pregnancy because it can stimulate the uterus. Blue Vervain will grow best in full sun, which is at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Herbal galactagogues have been used for hundreds of years as a safe and natural way to increase supply by women who are struggling to produce enough milk. Blue vervain is a perennial plant that is known to be in use for fighting the symptoms of depression. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. When planting this flower from seed, you should directly sow them during the fall. Blooming initiates based on conditions, so if a plant is in more shade, it may start blooming a bit later, thus prolonging the overall blooming period for a location. Most of these documented uses mirror the Native American uses such as an cough/cold treatment, fever reducer, antidiarrheal, emetic, sedativeetc. Required fields are marked *. People do not usually consume vervain as a whole food. Blue vervain acts as a natural expectorant which can be helpful with both acute and chronic coughing. (7). In the wild it is most often found in disturbed areas, moist prairies and meadows, around springs and stream banks, and in low, open woodlands. Consult your doctor before consuming any Blue Vervain. So, quality and safety vary. In addition, some analyses have reported that products were contaminated with things including: Discussing vervain with a healthcare provider can ensure you choose a reputable product and take the correct dose. Always discuss any OTC medicine, including herbal supplements, with a healthcare provider. Anecdotal evidence suggests that blue vervain tea was used for insomnia. It may also interact with hormone therapy. The stalk of Blue Vervain is green to reddish green in color and has a four-angled shape. The bitter compounds in vervain that support your liver also stimulate and support healthy digestion. However, while native to all 48 states, its primary native range is in the Midwest and Northeast United States, and Southern Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. 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. V. officinalis will grow between 12 and 36 inches in height and develop clusters of tiny white or purple flowers. Lemon verbena is a flowering plant. I often find it growing near water such as creeks or ponds. One of the most overlooked yet beautiful perennial wildflowers native to North America, Blue Vervain grows most often near water in moist to wet soil, and can tolerate brief periods of flooding. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. . A visually striking plant, blue vervain is a beloved botanical found across North America, especially thriving throughout the Great Plains. Researchers noticed a dose-dependent response in mice who received 100500 mg/kg of vervain extract. Organic Facts may receive a portion of revenues if you click on the sponsored ads and links by Google, Ezoic, or the Amazon Affiliate program. Blue vervain tincture: You can use just a few drops of this nice simple tincture for muscle spasms, neck tension, and stress tension headaches. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be substituted for medical advice. Although studies are often done using a concentrated extract, vervain is most often used as a tea and sometimes as a tincture. Blue vervain (also known as wild hyssop) is considered a native wildflower in the U.S. There are 29 uses of Blue Vervain documented for nine different Native American tribes. [10] Yokosuka, Akihito, et al. It has calming and sleep-promoting properties that ease stress and frayed nerves. Often found in ditches and near wetlands, it provides long periods of purple flowers arrayed on spikes, giving almost a torch-like appearance but purple. green to reddish stems are four-angled, often with white appressed hairs. It's typically used as a tea for stress relief, anxiety, mood swings, and sometimes symptoms of depression. Flowers and insects; lists of visitors of four hundred and fifty-three flowers. (1928). Please contact us at 800-879-3337 Monday-Friday 8am - 4pm PST or email us at support@mountainroseherbs.com. Blooming from early summer to fall, the blossoms open from the bottom upwards for a long-lasting display. It has purple flowers and simple leaves with double-serrate margins. As the dose increased, the effect decreased. [4]. Surprisingly, yes! New or young growth may be browsed upon. Please consult your health care provider, herbalist,midwife, or naturopathic physician before taking herbs, supplements, etc. In addition, in some people, touching the vervain plant can cause a skin rash. Vervain is anti-spasmodic, which makes it a great way to relieve cramps. 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. [3], Another research published in the journal Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, in 2020, shows that the extracts of this plant could have an anti-depressant effect in adult rats. Blue Vervain is a tall beautiful flower that provides a long bloom time and help bridges any color gaps in the garden. Curcumin can also limit weight gain. Published 2016 Dec 21. doi:10.3389/fphar.2016.00499, Bekara A, Amazouz A, Douma TB. Blue Vervain typically grows 2-5 tall depending on access to moisture and sunlight. Front Pharmacol. Blooming for six weeks in mid to late Summer, Blue Vervain adds a long dose of color to a garden. [5] Shipley, B., and Mo Parent. For educational purposes only. If you're not a fan of the taste of Verbena officinalis tea . Vervain is often used as a tea, but it may also be taken as a tincture. There are two main methods used to plant blue vervain. Since researchers conducted this study on mice, it's unclear whether these benefits would transfer to humans. David Snyder, PharmD, BCPP, is a board-certified clinical pharmacist and psychopharmacology expert at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts. Germination responses of 64 wetland species in relation to seed size, minimum time to reproduction and seedling relative growth rate. Store dried herbs in an airtight container at room temperature and out of sunlight. Vervain may aid in reducing inflammation and pain, alleviating stomach disorders like diarrhea, and protecting you against parasitic infection. Scientifically known as Verbena hastata, it grows 2-5 tall in full sun and moist soil. Please note, comments must be approved before they are published. Skullcap potentially boosts the central nervous system, reduces nervous anxiety, and helps with nervous headaches. Blue Vervain will grow best in wet to moist soil, and that is where you most often encounter it in the wild. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Everything from large bumblebees, honey bees, butterflies, and hummingbird moths will visit Blue Vervain for nectar. The growing season is from mid-summer to early fall. As with many homeopathic remedies, some health claims are better supported by research than others. Studies conducted on vervain show that these effects of the plant are possible due to the presence of iridoids like hastatoside and verbenalin, and the polyphenol verbascoside in it. [11] Edewor, T. I., and L. A. Usman. Flowers are located in dense spikes at the end of square stems. Not many studies have been done on vervain, but one from 2016 confirmed its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties as well as anticonvulsant activity that could be helpful for seizures and epilepsy. Narrow spikes of tiny, blue flowers appear from early summer until autumn. This herb is also a gentle astringent that has been used as a mouthwash for sore, inflamed, and bleeding gums; as an eyewash for tired, inflamed eyes; and to help irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), coughs, or asthma. According to one legend, this herb was pressed into Christs wounds and used to stop bleeding. In addition to the potential health benefits listed above, some people use vervain to support: There is little research available to support these uses. Note that it is better to direct sow in late Winter or early Spring, as birds do eat the seeds. Vervain is an herb sometimes used medicinally to treat insomnia, anxiety and depression, and infections. [4] Some examples include long and short-tongued bees, as well sweat bees and wasps. This spicy root is also good for mitigating obesity and relief from menstrual pain. Medical herbalists also use it as a: Nervine tonic - it can be used for depression, melancholia, and anxiety (it is a also gentle anxiolytic). The vervain plant is not poisonous and is generally recognized as safe as a food by the FDA. In this article, find what is blue vervain, how it is good for you, its uses, and potential side effects. Treating infectious diseases has become increasingly challenging because of growing antibiotic resistance. [9] [10], It has also been shown to possibly reduce stomachache. The first method is to grow from seed. [6], Herbal medicine practitioners in Navarra, Spain have been using blue vervain topically to fight inflammation. up to six times a day and take 1/2 teacup (2 oz.) Anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and sedative activities of, Evaluating the antidepressant effect of verbena officinalis L. (vervain) aqueous extract in adult rats. Here's the linkto our full disclaimer. 2014). Then, over a paper plate, pick up the seed heads from the bag, and just tap them on the plate. YOUR ACCOUNT HAS BEEN BLOCKED OR CLOSED. Yet thats just the start of what this plant is good for. (We may earn a small commission when you purchase through our links, at no cost to you. Purplish-blue flowers bloom in showy, elongated panicles and are up to 5 inches long that appear similar to the arms of a candelabra, . Cogent Chem. It may also be helpful in promoting sound sleep. It may also be helpful in promoting sound sleep. Ethanolic leaf extract of Verbena hastata produces antidiarrhoeal and gastrointestinal motility slowing effects in albino rats. This video has been medically reviewed by Meredith Bull, ND. Little is known about the long-term safety of vervain supplements. If used for tea, avoid spraying the herbs with pesticides or using chemical fertilizers. Betony (page 250) works similarly. Blue vervain spreads through rhizomes, producing new plants. 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. He with a love & extensive self-taught knowledge ofNATIVE PLANTS,GARDENING, and woodworking. However, you should carefully read the ingredients of any supplements and teas to see if they include other components. Blue Vervain will grow best in full sun, which is at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Vervain has often been used by herbalists as a nervine, meaning an herb that calms the nervous system. Greetings beautiful people! Blue Vervain is very versatile in that it can be used in a formal, mulched flower bed (if deadheaded to avoid self-seeding), native plant garden, wildflower meadow, border garden, or micro-prairie. Pollinators of native plants : attract, observe and identify pollinators and beneficial insects with native plants, Minnetonka, MN : Pollination Press LLC, 2014, pp301. There have been rare instances when certain rice noodle brands may contain gluten. Flavonoids, antioxidants found in vervain, reduce oxidization and gene mutations. Smoking Qualities: This herb is a light smoke with a pleasant, slightly sweet flavor. Your email address will not be published. If I were to list some of the top butterfly attracting plants for my garden, New York Ironweed would be near the top. This flowering herb was a popular remedy among the Native Americans and Romans. For maintenance, Blue Vervain can easily self seed in formal flowerbeds without competition. Hi - I grew up outdoors in nature - hiking, fishing, hunting. (3). Most people who take it experience few side effects, including: To limit the likelihood of an allergic reaction, apply a little to the skin before using a vervain tincture and wait an hour to see if a rash develops. Unopened tinctures can last for several years if stored in a cool dark place. No need for fancy tools or big budgets! To Harvest & Store: Harvest Aerial parts in full flower. . Read more! Evidence Based. 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. Vervain or Verbena (Verbena spp) is an herbaceous, sometimes woody perennial with opposite, narrow, oval-shaped, toothed leaves and small, five-petaled flowers that are usually blue to purple in color but may be pink or white. Vervain extract can also be purchased in capsule form, making the herb very easy to take as a daily supplement. This is a perennial wildflower that is unique because it has flowers on showy candelabra-like spikes. There will be 5 petals (lobes).[3]. To use your blue vervain tincture, take a few drops as needed under your tongue or added to water, tea or juice for . Vervain is listed in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia and The Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China . Its leaves progress in pairs up the stem and are about 6 inches long by 1 inch wide. It may be consumed in the form of tea, tincture, powder, or cream. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), Khan AW, Khan AU, Ahmed T. Anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and sedative activities ofverbena officinalis. Disclaimer: The information provided throughout this site is for educational purposes only and is not to be regarded as a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesnt mean that they are necessarily safe for all people or effective in general. Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or doctor.