Medicinal Plants : Verbena officinalis

Name

Vervain

Biological Name

Verbena officinalis
Labiatae

Other Names

Vervain, Wild Hyssop, Simpler's Joy, American vervain, blue vervain, false vervain, traveler's joy, Indian hyssop, purvain

Parts Used

Aerial parts

Active Compounds

Iridoids, verbenin, verbenalin and bastatoside

Miscellaneous; essential oil, mucilage and others.

Remedies For

Nervine tonic, sedative, anti-spasmodic, diaphoretic, hypotensive, galactagogue, hepatic, tonic, sudorific, expectorant, vulnerary, emetic, emmenagogue, vermifuge.

Vervain strengthens the nervous system while relaxing any tension and stress. It can be used to ease depression and melancholia, especially when this follows illness such as influenza. It is also used in seizure and hysteria. As a diaphoretic it can be used in the early stages of fevers. As a hepatic remedy it is of help in inflammation of the gall-bladder and jaundice. It may be used as a mouthwash against caries and gum disease.

Combinations : In the treatment of depression it may be used with Skullcap, Oats & St. Johns Wort

Dosage

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-3 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: take 2-4ml of the tincture three times a day.

Safety

No information available. Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.