It’s used to treat conditions like insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
There are even those who contend that vervain has anti-tumor properties that can help fight cancer.
Vervain, also known as common vervain or common verbena, is native to Europe and Asia.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
The plant is recognized by its jagged, tooth-shaped leaves and clusters of delicate, mauve or pale-purple blossoms.
Alternative practitioners believe it offers many health benefits, but more research is needed to determine these claims.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
What Is Vervain Called?
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
A group ofhomeopathictinctures developed in the 1930s called Bach Flower Remedies includes 38 flowering plants, including vervain.
These products are still sold today.
Alternative practitioners tout vervains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.
As with many homeopathic remedies, some health claims are better supported by research than others.
Click Play to Learn More About Vervain
This video has been medically reviewed byMeredith Bull, ND.
Since researchers conducted these studies on rodents, it is uncertain whether the results would translate similarly to humans.
Therefore, more research is needed.
Mice who received vervain had decreased sleep onset and increased sleep duration.
Since researchers conducted this study on mice, its unclear whether these benefits would transfer to humans.
Therefore, more research is needed.
Seizures
Again, the sedative nature of vervains compounds has prompted research on the herbs anticonvulsant potential.
As with the other study results, its unclear whether the same benefits could be applied to humans.
So, more research is needed.
Infections
Treating infectious diseases has become increasingly challenging because of growing antibiotic resistance.
Vervains antimicrobial properties have prompted research on the herbs possible role in overcoming these challenges.
In a 2016 study inCogent Chemistry, researchers examined the antimicrobial potential of vervain.
Colorectal Cancer
Flavonoids, antioxidants found in vervain, reduce oxidization and gene mutations.
Therefore, some researchers have looked at the herbs anticancer potential, specifically incolorectal cancer.
officinalispolysaccharides significantly inhibited cell invasion and migration and significantly decreased cell adhesion.
What Are the Side Effects of Vervain?
Your healthcare provider may recommend vervain for stress reduction or sleep.
However, consuming an herb like vervain may have potential side effects.
The common side effects are generally mild, but there can also be severe side effects.
So, if you notice any of the symptoms, seek emergency medical care.
Precautions
Little is known about the long-term safety of vervain supplements.
Talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you take to avoid possible interactions.
How Much Vervain Should I Take?
Capsule doses range from 150 milligrams to 1,000 milligrams.
For instance, some products do not contain the listed ingredients.
Discard after one year.
Again, discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging.
Therefore, it is possible that toxicity could occur at higher doses or with long-term use.
However, there is limited evidence to support vervains use for preventing or treating any condition.
Vervain supplements have few side effects, most commonly indigestion and gas.
In addition, in some people, touching the vervain plant can cause a skin rash.
Vervain can indeed be grown in home gardens, but be sure to buyV.
officinalisseeds rather than ornamental varietals, likeV.
The plant grows well in full to partial sunlight and well-drained soil.
V. officinaliswill grow between 12 and 36 inches in height and develop clusters of tiny white or purple flowers.
The growing season is from mid-summer to early fall.
If used for tea, avoid spraying the herbs with pesticides or using chemical fertilizers.
Sources
People do not usually consume vervain as a whole food.
Instead, people dry the herb and use it in teas.
In addition, it is available in supplement form.
Vervain supplements come in many forms, including:
Since vervain is an herb, it is plant-based.
Since it is an herbal supplement, the FDA does not regulate vervain.
So, quality and safety vary.
Also, remember that vervain is not a replacement for standard medical care.
Always discuss any OTC medicine, including herbal supplements, with a healthcare provider.
National Library of Medicine: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed).Vervain.
Khan AW, Khan AU, Ahmed T.Anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and sedative activities ofVerbena officinalis.Front Pharmacol.
2016;7:499. doi:10.3389/fphar.2016.00499
Bekara A, Amazouz A, Douma TB.Evaluating the antidepressant effect ofVerbena officinalisL.
(vervain) aqueous extract in adult rats.Basic Clin Neurosci.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Traditional Chinese medicine: what you oughta know.
