Blue Vervain Plant (Verbena Hastata)
The Blue vervain is a wildflower native to North America and some parts of Africa that is often seen growing in moist, grassy meadows and along streams and roadsides where it brightens the landscape with spiky, bluish-purple blooms from midsummer to early autumn. It is also known as American blue vervain or wild hyssop.
Health Benefits of Blue Vervain
Blue Vervain is a traditional medicinal herb, with the roots, leaves or flowers used to treat conditions ranging from stomach aches, colds and fever to headaches, bruises and arthritis.
It is rich in plant-based compounds known as flavonoids, which are thought to have potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, and analgesic (pain-relieving) effects.
Blue vervain is also believed to have anti-tumour properties that can help fight cancer.
In folk medicine, various Verbena species, including blue vervain, have been employed to combat ailments like scaris, provide demulcent effects, alleviate constipation, regulate menstrual flow, enhance milk secretion, address herpes zoster, induce sedation, treat snake bites, and relieve stomachaches.
Blue vervain is also used to relieve anxiety and depression, aches and pains, and sleep issues, and reduce cancer risk.
Chemical Properties of Blue Vervain
Blue vervain has the following chemical properties:
- It is a rich source of iridoids, phenylpropanoid glycosides, phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and essential oils.
- Blue vervain’s most characteristic chemical constituents are the iridoid glycosides verbenalin and hastatoside.
- It also contains beta-carotene, adenosine, and caffeic acid.
- Some of its compounds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and sedative effects
How to Use the Blue Vervain Plant
There are different ways to use blue vervain, depending on the part of the plant and the purpose. Here are some common methods:
- Tea: You can make tea from the dried leaves, flowers, or roots of blue vervain. Tea is usually used for calming the nervous system, relieving stress and anxiety, improving digestion, and supporting the immune system. To make tea, add 1-3 teaspoons of the dried herb to a heat-proof jar and pour 8-10 oz. of hot water over them. Cover the jar and let your tea steep for at least 15 minutes. Strain out the herbs and drink 1-3 cups per day. You can add lemon and honey to improve the taste, as blue vervain is bitter.
- Tincture: You can also make a tincture from the fresh or dried herb of blue vervain. A tincture is a concentrated liquid extract that preserves the active compounds of the herb in alcohol. Tinctures are usually used for hormonal balance, pain relief, inflammation, and detoxification. To make a tincture, fill a glass jar with the herb and cover it with 40% alcohol (such as vodka or brandy). Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking it daily. Strain out the herb and store the liquid in a dark glass bottle with a dropper. Take 15-30 drops of the tincture 3 times a day.
- Poultice: You can also apply blue vervain externally as a poultice to treat wounds, sores, bruises, and skin infections. A poultice is a moistened mass of the herb that is wrapped in a cloth and applied to the affected area. To make a poultice, crush or blend the fresh or dried herb with some water to form a paste. Spread the paste on a clean cloth and place it over the wound. Secure it with a bandage and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Repeat as needed.
- Powder: You can also use blue vervain as a powder to stop nosebleeds or to make flour. To make a powder, dry the herb and grind it into a fine powder. You can use a coffee grinder or a mortar and pestle for this. To stop a nosebleed, sniff a small amount of the powder. To make flour, mix the powder with other flour and use it for baking.
The side effects of Blue vervain Plants
- It may interfere with blood pressure medication and hormone therapy, as it may affect blood vessel dilation and hormone levels.
- It may cause vomiting and diarrhoea if consumed in extremely large quantities.
- It may stimulate the uterus and induce contractions, which can be dangerous during pregnancy
- It may cause allergic reactions in some people, such as skin rashes, itching, or swelling.
- It may interact with other herbs or supplements that have similar effects, such as sedatives, antidepressants, or anti-inflammatory agents.
Therefore, it is important to consult your healthcare provider before using blue vervain, especially if you have any medical conditions or take any medications. You should also start with a low dose and monitor your reaction.
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