Blue vervain is a herb with a strong history of traditional use for relaxing nerves and relieving anxiety.
In this article, we will look at the benefits of blue vervain, as well as its traditional uses and safety.
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What is Blue Vervain?
The Latin name of blue vervain is Verbena hastata. It’s native throughout the United States and southern Canada; it’s commonly found growing in meadows and swamps.
Blue vervain is also known as swamp vervain, wild hyssop, or simpler’s joy.
It should be noted that blue vervain (Verbena hastata) differs from common vervain (Verbena officinalis). Both species share similar medicinal uses, although each varietal has its own unique health benefits.
Traditional use shows that blue vervain benefits mental health, including helping to reduce anxiety. It’s also been used to promote sleep and reduce the prevalence of seizures.
Despite its long history of traditional use as a medicine, there is limited modern research showing the benefits of blue vervain.
Health Benefits of Blue Vervain:
Although there is limited clinical research, it’s said that blue vervain benefits the body in a number of different ways.
Below are some of the top researched-backed benefits of blue vervain, in addition to the plant’s traditional uses and excerpts from respected herbalists.
1. May Promote Sleep
As a mild sedative herb, blue vervain is known to aid in sleep.
Respected herbalist Christopher Hedley notes that as a mild relaxant and nerve tonic, blue vervain was traditionally used to induce ‘dreamless sleep’.
An animal study demonstrated that hastatoside and vervenalin, two chemical components found in vervain, may aid in promoting sleep. The results showed that an extract administered 3-5 hours prior to bedtime helped to increase the total time of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.
Another animal study showed the effects of blue vervain extract on sleep. Findings showed a significant reduction in the time it takes to fall asleep, and a considerable increase in the total time of rapid eye movement (REM) and NREM sleep.
Summary:
Traditional knowledge indicates that blue vervain may be helpful for sleep problems. Initial animal trials appear to support this claim. Human clinical trials are needed to verify the benefits of blue vervain for insomnia and improved sleep quality.
2. May Reduce Anxiety
Many herbalists today use blue vervain in anti-anxiety herbal formulas.
David Hoffman, AHG, a well-noted herbalist, characterizes vervain as a gentle anxiolytic (relieves anxiety) and helpful in alleviating depression.
Winston and Maimes, two other herbalists, note that combining blue vervain with motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), yuan zhi root (Polygala tenifolia), and fresh oat (Avena sativa) can help ease anxiety during premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause.
Dr. Aviva Romm combines blue vervain with motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), and nettle (Urtica diocia) for anxiety and irritability. For postpartum depression and irritability, she combines blue vervain with ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng).
An animal study compared diazepam, a common anti-anxiety drug, and vervain extract. Results showed that the vervain extract had an anxiety-reducing effect similar to diazepam.
Summary:
Traditional herbal medicine indicates that blue vervain may be helpful for anxiety and depression, especially when combined with other herbs. Human clinical trials are needed to verify these claims.
3. May Help Manage Seizures
Blue vervain has a well-documented traditional use as a treatment for epilepsy by traditional Eclectic physicians.
An animal study revealed that blue vervain extract may help decrease the number of seizure episodes and reduce the duration of episodes.
Another animal study demonstrated the anticonvulsant effects of blue vervain extract in mice with seizure disorders. Researchers noted that blue vervain’s anticonvulsant effects may be due to increased GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) production in the brain. The amino acid GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and has a calming effect on the central nervous system.