Vervain
Botanical name
Verbena officinalis
Common Names
Verbena, prostrate verbena, herb of the cross
FAMILY
Verbenaceae
Description
This established herbal remedy grows throughout Europe- especially the south.
Part supplied
The chopped herb.
Food Use
Recipes
Use 1 teaspoon of dried herb to one cup of boiling water to make a tasty tea. Infuse for 5-10 minutes. Sweeten with honey or lemon to taste.
Alternatively add half a teaspoon (2.5 ml) of tincture to a cup of warm water for a quick alternative to tea.
The herb can be added as a flavouring to gin, vodka and other infusions.
Medicinal Use
Liver and nervous system tonic. Used in stress, anxiety, tension headaches, depression, PMT, post-viral fatigue.
Key actions: Sedative, nervine tonic, hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), galactagogue (promotes milk flow), hepatic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic (induces perspiration).
In clinic: Herbalists use this herb to treat anxiety and relieve depression after a serious illness.
If you are interested in the medicinal use of this herb please consult a herbalist. Herbs are generally used at medicinal strength, in blends, prescribed for each unique patient's condition.
Directions
Infusion: 1 to 3 teaspoons of herb to a cup of cold water. Pour boiling water over the herb and leave to infuse for 5 to 10 minutes. Flavour with lemon, ginger or honey if desired. Drink 3 times a day unless otherwise told by a medical herbalist.
Tincture: Take 2.5 to 5 ml (1:5 in 40% tincture), 3 times a day or as directed by a practitioner.
Fluid extract: 1:1 25%. Take 0.6 to 1.3 ml, 3 times a day or as directed by a practitioner.
Dried Herb: Maximum of 4 g per day may be taken as a powder or capsules.
Other Uses
Cosmetic Use
As a mouthwash, vervain can be used to treat gum disease.
Other Uses
None known.
Cautions
Contraindications
This herb is considered safe in food amounts. Do not take if you are allergic to this plant or other members of this plant's family (Verbenaceae). Not all herbs are suitable in pregnancy, breastfeeding or for young children. If in doubt, please ask us or your medical herbalist.
Side effects
Plant extracts cause few side effects when taken correctly but if a side effect is experienced please contact us.
Interactions with drugs
Herbal remedies and supplements can interact with medicines. If you are taking medication please check with your medical practitioner, or call us, before taking herbs, supplements and medication together.
More Information
Articles
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Recipes
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