Comstituents;
*Glycosides (verbenalin);
*Bitter principle;
*Volatile oil;
*Taninn.
*Good prophylaxes for Asthma and migraine.
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
(may or may not be supported by scientific studies): Due to its bitter taste, herbalists used vervain to improve digestion.
- 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.
- Early 20th century Eclectic physicians (doctors who recommended herbal medicines) in the United States felt vervain might be helpful for mild digestive problems.
- Vervain also has a reputation as a traditional remedy for stimulating production of breast milk.
The active constituents of vervain have not been thoroughly demonstrated. Glycosides, such as verbenalin and aucubin, and a volatile oil may all contribute to its activity.4 No human studies have documented the use of this herb for any condition.
How much is usually taken?
A tea of vervain leaves and flowers is prepared by adding 1–2 teaspoons
(2–4 grams) to a pint (500 ml) of hot water which is left to steep,
covered, for 10–15 minutes.5 Three cups (750 ml) per day are typically recommended by doctors.
The taste of the tea is fairly disagreeable, therefore, most people prefer a tincture.
Tincture, 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 ml) three times per day, is also suggested.6
Are there any side effects or interactions?
No adverse effects of vervain have been reported. Vervain should be avoided during pregnancy.7 Although, traditionally, its use was during the last two weeks of pregnancy to facilitate labor. Vervain should be used during pregnancy only under the guidance of a healthcare professional experienced in herbal medicine.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with vervain.
Vervain has a very mixed tradition so that by some authorities it is completely ignored whilst others praise it most highly. It has been used widely as relaxant and antispasmodic with a variety of application such as asthma, and migraine, insomnia, convulsion, and nervous coughing. These traditions are supported by the observation that verbenalin, one of the constituents, has a direct action on smooth muscle tissue, and has potential blood pressure – lowering effect. There is the indication that the aforesaid component acts directly on the nerves of the autonomic system.
Incidentally, vervain is an excellent dental remedy, it has been used for treating infected gums and tooth decay very widely, as also for bad breath and sore throats, this tradition has been supported by the experimental finding that verbenin, a natural product of vervain, has a direct effect on glandular secretions, suggesting an effect on the production of saliva.
From all these tradition it is possible to extract a useful working concept by which to use vervain, one that is backed up by clinical experience recently, in brief, one would suggest its use as a relaxant. Some syndromes that include such a combination of circumstances are migraine and other head aches, spastic colon, eczema, gallstones, intermittent fevers, urinary infections and stones, neuralgic conditions, and a large number of infective conditions leading to fever, this list could be extended if medical , pharmacology , and the science students around the world would have taken further investigations and research on this useful remedy.
Vervain
People are perfectionists with a keen sense of justice and extreme mental energy that they willingly throw behind those causes that they believe in. Their enthusiasm can be infectious, and they feel a strong need to persuade others to their own point of view.
At an extreme Vervain people can become fanatics, unable to listen to alternative points of view, and they may put themselves under a great deal of stress because they find it so hard to switch off and relax. The remedy is given to help people in this state to pull back from time to time so that body and mind and be restored. It encourages the wisdom to enjoy life and the passage of time instead of always feeling the need to be active.
Dr. Bach's description
Those with fixed principles and ideas, which they are confident are right, and which they very rarely change. They have a great wish to convert all around them to their own views of life. They are strong of will and have much courage when they are convinced of those things that they wish to teach. In illness they struggle on long after many would have given up their duties.
- taken from The Twelve Healers and Other Remedies
Protection, Healing, Purification, Love, Youth, Prosperity, Sleep
For protection and purification regularly sprinkle and infusion of Vervain around your alter as well as generally around your home, inside and out. Also cleanse ritual tools and favorite objects with an infusion, particularly things that are handled by strangers or by those whom you feel carry a negative energy.
Before going to sleep, scatter some Vervain on the floors throughout your house. In the morning, sweep it right out the door, along with the negativity that it will have drawn. This is an extremely protective ritual, as well as having the benefit of clearing "an angry house". You will find that tempers flare less easily when you regularly clear the house with Vervain.
When ill, wash yourself in an infusion of Vervain. This should bring about a quicker recovery when added to standard treatment.
A moderate infusion (1tsp. per cup of water steeped 8 minutes) of Vervain may be taken occasionally to bring about a restful sleep that will be untroubled by bad dreams. Use this when you believe someone is haunting your dreams on purpose.
Burn a bit of Vervain when you find yourself being troubled by thought of an unrequited love. This will help to lessen the obsession, particularly if you also carry some, along with a portion of balm of Gilead, in a yellow or white sachet.
Other Common Names: Enchanters plant, Holy herb, European vervain, Blue vervain.
Latin description: Verbena officinalis.
Parts to use: Aerial
Chemical constituents: Glycosides, tannins, verbenalian, verbenin, alkaloid, volatile oils.
Actions: Astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, galactagogue, stimulant, tonic, vulnerary
Medicinal Uses and Benefits
It is effective in treating migraines and other headaches of nervous types.
Vervain becauseof its bitter properties has a purging or purifying effect on both the liver or gallbladder.
The glycosides will help to bring on delayed menses. It does have a mild diaphoretic. It can help to ease labor by encouragingcontractions.
Vervain has a mild antihistamine effect and is good for colds and sinus disorders.
Vervain may be used as a mild sedative and for afflictions like: Whooping cough, dropsy, jaundice,and kidney problems.Vervain is said to be an aphrodisiac for women.
CAUTION:
Avoid use during pregnancy as it has a uterine stimulator.
DosageCapsules: 3-4 “0” capsules 3x daily.
Infusion: up to 1 cup 3x daily.
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