OVERVIEW
If you’re anything like me, you get a little excited when you hear the word “vervain”. My personal comfort show is Vampire Diaries, where vervain is the star of the show for its abilities to stun vampires and protect people from their compulsion. In real life, that’s not necessarily what it’s used for ;)
Historically, Vervain was thought to be a holy plant by both the Greeks and the Romans. They cleaned their temples with the holy vervain branches. Vervain was also believed to be used to dress Jesus’ wounds when he was taken down from the cross. This is why vervain is sometimes called the herb of the cross.
HOW IT WORKS WITH THE BODY
One thing to note about vervain is the bitter taste. We really don’t get exposed to truly bitter foods anymore in modern times. but they’re actually essential for our digestive health. Once we get a taste of a bitter on our tongue, our digestive system immediately secrets the necessary juices to properly digest and encourage a healthy flow. Although the flavor may be undesirable, it’s been used for healing for a very long time and serves us where we need the most TLC! If you struggle with indigestion, stomach aches, bloating, or an uncomfortable tummy feeling, particularly before bed or in the middle of the night, drinking our Dream tea featuring blue vervain will be a friend for you.
Vervain is commonly used as a nervine, which is an herb that acts on the nervous system. It particularly calms and relaxes us, and is used for stress, anxiety, mood swings, insomnia, and depression. It’s also a parasympathetic agent, gently relaxing the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system controls all of the things we don’t consciously think about- body temperature, heart rate, digestion, breathing, and more.
Being a sleep aid, studies have shown that vervain also gently encourages dreaming and a healthy amount of REM sleep (rapid eye movement or dream stage, which is an important stage of deep sleep). Also, the energy of blue vervain is cooling, meaning it will help bring coolness to the body, and it’s easier for us to experience deep sleep when our body temperature is cooler.
Blue vervain is a galactagogue, meaning that it increases breast milk in nursing mothers. It has been used for hundreds of years by women who are having trouble making enough milk as a safe and natural way to boost supply.
Considered a hepatic, vervain is helpful for the liver and offers support in cases of jaundice, and inflammation of the gallbladder.
It has a slight pain relieving action, making it an ally for headaches and cramping, especially when associated with tension.
CAUTIONS
Do not use during first or second trimester of pregnancy.
It’s always best to try new herbs in small amounts and to consult with your physician prior to taking any new herbal supplements, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications.
Check out our offerings that contain Blue Vervain:
*Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for professional medical/health advice. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Before taking any actions based upon such information, it is encouraged to consult with the appropriate professionals. Please consult with your physician prior to the use of any herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications.