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How to Use Vervain to Support Sleep, Digestion, Relaxation, & More

Published on August 28, 2023


By Kristen Boye BS, Natural Health

Kristen Boye

Kristen Boye is a natural health expert, writer, copywriter, and editor. Kristen was raised on an organic farm in British Columbia which inspired her life’s work. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Health, is a Certified Natural Foods Chef, co-owner of a medicinal herb farm, and is a natural foods and children’s health advocate. Kristen lives with her husband and two children on their medicinal herb farm in Western North Carolina.

https://www.holisticwritingconcepts.com

Few herbs have such a fascinating history and use in folklore and legend as Vervain.

Also known as Blue Vervain or Verbena, the ancients—including witches, herbalists, and eclectic practitioners—used this herb for protection, in religious ceremonies, and as an herbal aphrodisiac.

It was also sought-after for its relaxation, skin-nourishing, and digestion-support properties and even for supposedly warding off vampires and other evil spirits!

Although we cannot validate its effects on vampires or evil spirits, we can share the science behind many of its purported health-supportive traditional uses, side effects, and contraindications.

What is Vervain?

Vervain, also known as Blue Vervain, Verbena, Holy or Sacred Herb, White Vervain, and Verbena Officinalis, has a long history of use in traditional wellness practices spanning from North America and Europe to China.

As mentioned in the introduction, Vervain has a rich history of eclectic traditional uses, including: REF#2732 REF#2733 REF#2734 REF#2735 REF#2736

  • As an aphrodisiac
  • For occasional gas
  • Digestive support
  • Inflammatory response support
  • Liver support
  • Minor pain support
  • Nervous system support
  • Oral health
  • Skin health
  • Reproductive function
  • Protection
  • To promote calmness
  • To ward off evil spirits
  • Top support production of breastmilk
  • Sleep support
  • In spiritual and religious ceremonies

It’s also rumored to have been used as a vampire poison, which may relate to its use as a protective herb in spiritual or religious ceremonies.

7 Benefits of Vervain

In traditional herbalism, Vervain is considered a nervine. 

Nervines are a classification of herbs that support the nervous and limbic systems to benefit stress response, sleep, inflammatory response, and other functions related to the nervous system*.

Although the exact mechanisms behind Vervain/Blue Vervains' traditional uses are still under investigation, research has shown Vervain contains 20+ active plant compounds, which may be responsible for its potential benefits.REF#2737

Some of these include:

  • Antioxidants
  • Apigenin
  • Essential oils
  • Various flavonoids
  • Iridoid glycosides
  • Kaempferol
  • Luteolin 
  • Tannins
  • Triterpenoids

Research has shown these, and other active plant compounds, may provide benefits for:REF#2738

  • Cell function
  • Cognitive function
  • Emotional well-being
  • Digestive function
  • Nervous system function
  • Neurological function
  • Sleep
  • And more

In the following sections, we’ll explore deeper into the research behind Vervain and how it may benefit your health.

1. Vervain Contains Antioxidants

As you’ve just learned, research has shown Vervain contains various types of antioxidants, such as flavonoids.REF#2739

Antioxidants support cell health by curbing the effects of free radicals, which promotes various aspects of normal bodily function.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage if left unchecked.

As a source of flavonoids and other antioxidants, Vervain provides antioxidant support which may benefit inflammatory response, cell function, normal aging, and more.REF#2740

2. Vervain May Support Sleep

As a nervine, Vervain has long been used to promote a sense of calm, soothe stress, and support a good night’s rest*.

Vervain tea, for example, is well-known as a natural sleep aid for occasional sleeplessness*.

Emerging research has begun to explain how Vervain may support sleep.

An animal study analyzed various plant compounds in Vervain, and found its major iridoids (hastatoside and verbenalin), are the main sleep-inducing components.REF#2741

Additional studies have shown a possible link between Vervain relaxation and sleep quality, but more research is needed.REF#2742 REF#2743

We’ll share how to make Vervain tea later in this piece.

3. Vervain May Promote Normal Digestive Function

When seeking support for occasional digestive upset, most herb lovers reach for old favorites like Peppermint, Chamomile, or Ginger.

However, Vervain or Vervain tea was often the herb of choice among traditional herbalists and practitioners who considered it support for occasional gas and for the digestive system.REF#2744

Although more robust human trials are needed, preliminary animal studies show Vervain may support digestive function by supporting normal bacterial balance and motility within the digestive tract.REF#2745 REF#2746

Animal research also suggests Vervain’s active plant compounds, such as tannins, may possess gastro-protective properties, but more research is needed.REF#2747

Vervain’s mild calming and nerve-support properties may also promote normal digestion by promoting feelings of calm.REF#2748

4. Vervain May Help With Minor Management Of Pain

For centuries, people have relied on herbs, bodywork, hot/cold therapy, and other natural substances to help manage minor aches and pains.

Vervain was one of the herbs traditionally used for minor pain management as a topical application and/or internal tonic.

Science has just begun to explain Vervain’s potential effects on minor pain.

For example, as previously noted, we know Vervain contains various antioxidants which may help support normal inflammatory response.

This feature was the subject of a study on the topical use of a Vervain preparation, which showed mild pain-relieving activity compared to a methyl salicylate ointment. More research is needed.REF#2749

5. Vervain May Support Cognitive Function

Vervain’s traditional use as a nervous system tonic (the nervous system includes the brain) explains its traditional use for cognitive support*.

Emerging research suggests the same. 

One study published in the Journal of Neuropharmacology found Vervain extract to possess novel neuroprotective effects by supporting the normal function of neurons.REF#2750

Other research has shown a potentially beneficial effect on the neurological system, thanks, in part, to Vervain’s mild calming properties and antioxidants.REF#2751 REF#2752

6. Vervain May Help Ease Everyday Stress

Nervines, like Vervain, are staples in traditional herbalism for supporting a healthy response to stress and promoting emotional well-being*.

Research has begun to support this traditional use by showing Vervain may promote feelings of calm while helping with occasional anxiousness and stress.REF#2753

More research is needed to make a recommendation.

7. Vervain May Support Your Gums

Early research suggests Vervain may benefit oral health.

One double-blind, randomized, controlled multicenter clinical trial of over 200 people found Vervain extract supported better gum health when used short-term.REF#2754

Although researchers did not specify their thoughts on its actions, it could relate to Vervain bacterial balancing and antioxidant support properties, which may positively impact the oral microbiome.

More research is needed. However, if you see Blue Vervain listed as an ingredient in natural mouthwash, you’ll know why.

How To Make Vervain Tea

Before modern extraction methods were available, Vervain was often prepared and recommended as a tea.

Vervain is still common in many tea blends to promote relaxation and support sleep*.

You can buy pre-made tea with Vervain or make your own version, using 100% Vervain or a combination of Vervain and other calming herbs such as Lemon Balm, Chamomile, and Lavender.

Here’s how to make classic Vervain tea:

  • Pour boiling water over 1-3 teaspoons of dried Vervain.
  • Let steep for 5-10 minutes.
  • Flavor with honey and/or lemon and sip slowly.

Although many people love the flavor of Vervain, some find it too bitter. If so, consider blending it with some of the herbs listed above. 

The addition of a sweetener, such as raw honey or stevia, can also help the taste. 

Side Effects & Contraindications of Vervain

Vervain has been used as a wellness elixir, tea, and topical application for centuries and is considered safe in normal doses.

It is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, and side effects are rare and may include gastrointestinal symptoms, such as gas or bloating.REF#2755 

In rare cases, allergic or skin reactions, such as rash, may occur.

There is not enough data on Vervain to recommend its use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Some research suggests plants like Vervain that contain Vitamin K may be contraindicated with blood thinning medications.REF#2756

Always check with your doctor if you are taking medications or have a pre-existing condition.

How To Source High-Quality Vervain

Vervain’s fascinating history and emerging research makes it an enticing nervine to consider.

When buying Vervain in bulk or Vervain supplements, seek out a reputable vendor who tests for identity and purity, and opt for organic or wild-crafted Vervain as much as possible.

Blue Vervain is also easy to grow in most parts of the country and is a favorite of pollinators. And as an ornamental perennial, it will return year after year if properly cared for.

If you grow your own Blue Vervain, plant it in well-draining soil in either full sun or partial sun and harvest the above-ground parts to use in tea.

REFERENCES:

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  • 2. , "Antimicrobial Activity and Chemical Composition of Essential Oils from Verbenaceae Species Growing in South America", Molecules..
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  • 5. , "An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in Kilte Awlaelo District, Tigray Region of Ethiopia", Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine.
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  • 15. , "Evaluation of anti-ulcer and antimicrobial effects of Verbena hastata leaf extract", African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. .
  • 16. , "A Comparative Study of the Antiulcerogenic Effect of Hydroethanolic and Fractionated Extracts of Verbena hastata Leaves on Indomethacin Induced Gastric Ulcer in Albino Rats", Kwara State University (Nigeria) ProQuest Dissertations Publishing,  2021. 28644261..
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  • 23. , "Short-term effects of Verbena officinalis Linn decoction on patients suffering from chronic generalized gingivitis: Double-blind randomized controlled multicenter clinical trial", Quintessence International.
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