Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Vervain Called?Uses of VervainSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageHow to Store VervainFrequently Asked QuestionsSources
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Vervain Called?
Uses of Vervain
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
How to Store Vervain
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Vervain (Verbena officinalis) is a flowering perennial plant thought to have potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, and analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. 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.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Supplement FactsActive ingredient(s):VervainAlternate name(s):Verbena officinalis, blue vervain (V. hastata) and white vervain (V. urticifolia)Legal status:Available over the counter (OTC)Suggested dose:No official recommended dosageSafety considerations:Avoid during pregnancy and lactation
Supplement Facts
Active ingredient(s):VervainAlternate name(s):Verbena officinalis, blue vervain (V. hastata) and white vervain (V. urticifolia)Legal status:Available over the counter (OTC)Suggested dose:No official recommended dosageSafety considerations:Avoid during pregnancy and lactation
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 vervain’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. People use vervain to relieve anxiety and depression, aches and pains, sleep issues, and reduce cancer risk.
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Anxiety and Depression
The verbenalin in vervain, an iridoid glycoside known for its calming effects, has prompted some research on the herb’s potential for reducinganxiety and depression.
Since researchers conducted these studies on rodents, it is uncertain whether the results would translate similarly to humans. Therefore, more research is needed.
Insomnia
The calming effect of compounds in vervain has similarly prompted research on the plant’s potential in helping those withinsomnia.
In the 2016 study referenced above, researchers looked at the sedative properties of vervain.When the researchers gave mice a 50–300 mg/kg dose of an extract of vervain,they noticed an increase in sedative effects with increasing dosage. Mice who received vervain had decreased sleep onset and increased sleep duration.
Since researchers conducted this study on mice, it’s unclear whether these benefits would transfer to humans. Therefore, more research is needed.
Seizures
Again, the sedative nature of vervain’s compounds has prompted research on the herb’s anticonvulsant potential.
In the above-referenced 2016 study, researchers also examined the anticonvulsant activities of vervain in mice.Researchers noticed a dose-dependent response in mice who received 100–500 mg/kg of vervain extract. In addition, mice dosed with vervain had delayed onset and decreased duration time oftonic-clonic seizures(a classic seizure with unconsciousness and limb jerking).
As with the other study results, it’s 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. Vervain’s antimicrobial properties have prompted research on the herb’s possible role in overcoming these challenges.
In a 2016 study inCogent Chemistry, researchers examined the antimicrobial potential of vervain. Scientists evaluated different parts of vervain against 24 strains of disease-causing bacteria.According to the research:
This research was conducted in test tubes, so more research is needed to see if the same results would occur in humans.
Colorectal Cancer
Flavonoids, antioxidants found in vervain, reduce oxidization and gene mutations. Therefore, some researchers have looked at the herb’s anticancer potential, specifically incolorectal cancer.
A 2017 laboratory study published in theTropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Researchexamined howpolysaccharides(a type of long-chain carbohydrate) extracted from vervain affected colorectal cancer cells.Researchers found that an extract ofV. officinalispolysaccharides significantly inhibited cell invasion and migration and significantly decreased cell adhesion.
Other
In addition to the potential health benefits listed above, some people use vervain to support:
There is little research available to support these uses.
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.
Common Side Effects
The FDA considers vervain “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) as a food.Most people who take it experience few side effects, including:
To limit the likelihood of an allergic reaction, apply a little to the skin before using a vervain tincture and wait an hour to see if a rash develops.
Severe Side Effects
Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, is rare but is possible with any substance.Signs of an anaphylactic reactioninclude:
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening medical emergency. So, if you notice any of the symptoms, seek emergency medical care.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Little is known about the long-term safety of vervain supplements. Therefore, the following people should avoid using vervain:
In addition, vervain may interact with medications or other supplements. Talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you take to avoid possible interactions.
How Much Vervain Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
Since the FDA does not regulate herbs, there are no guidelines for the appropriate use of vervain in treating medical conditions. Capsule doses range from 150 milligrams to 1,000 milligrams.
In animal research, the following dosages were used:
The quality of traditional Chinese herbs and other folk remedies varies. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, some Chinese herbal products are safe, but others are not.
For instance, some products do not contain the listed ingredients. In addition, some analyses have reported that products were contaminated with things including:
Discussing vervain with a healthcare provider can ensure you choose a reputable product and take the correct dose.
Store dried herbs in an airtight container at room temperature and out of sunlight. Discard after one year. Similarly, keep capsules, tinctures, and powders in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight. Again, discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging.
The herbal supplement vervain is used to aid the following conditions:Aches and painsAnxietyDepressionHeadachesInsomniaUpper respiratory infectionsUrinary tract infectionsIt’s also been studied for managing seizures and preventing cancer. However, there is limited evidence to support vervain’s use for preventing or treating any condition.
The herbal supplement vervain is used to aid the following conditions:
It’s also been studied for managing seizures and preventing cancer. However, there is limited evidence to support vervain’s 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.
People with kidney disease should not take vervain because chemical compounds in the herb can irritate kidneys and cause inflammation. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children should also not take vervain supplements as little is known about its long-term safety.
Vervain can indeed be grown in home gardens, but be sure to buyV. officinalisseeds rather than ornamental varietals, likeV. bonariensis. 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. Once harvested, you can use the herb fresh or dry it in a dehydrator for future use.
Vervain can indeed be grown in home gardens, but be sure to buyV. officinalisseeds rather than ornamental varietals, likeV. bonariensis. 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. Once harvested, you can use the herb fresh or dry it in a dehydrator for future use.
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. However, you should carefully read the ingredients of any supplements and teas to see if they include other components. If you have allergies, read labels carefully to ensure the product does not contain any known allergens, such as wheat, egg, or milk.
Summary
Vervain is an herb sometimes used medicinally to treat insomnia, anxiety and depression, and infections. Even so, evidence to support the health benefits of vervain is limited and more research is needed to conclude whether it is safe and effective as complementary medicine.
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.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.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.2016.00499Bekara A, Amazouz A, Douma TB.Evaluating the antidepressant effect ofVerbena officinalisL. (vervain) aqueous extract in adult rats.Basic Clin Neurosci. 2020;11(1):91-98. doi:10.32598/bcn.11.1.3Ahmed D, Qasim K, Ashraf C, et al.Verbena officinalisa herb with promising broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential.Cogent Chem.2017;3:1. doi:10.1080/23312009.2017.1363342.Jin C, Liu X, Ma D, et al.Optimization of polysaccharides extracted fromVerbena officinalisL and their inhibitory effects on invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells.Trop J Pharm Res.2017;16(10):2387-2394. doi:10.4314/tjpr.v16i10.11.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Traditional Chinese medicine: what you need to know.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.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.2016.00499Bekara A, Amazouz A, Douma TB.Evaluating the antidepressant effect ofVerbena officinalisL. (vervain) aqueous extract in adult rats.Basic Clin Neurosci. 2020;11(1):91-98. doi:10.32598/bcn.11.1.3Ahmed D, Qasim K, Ashraf C, et al.Verbena officinalisa herb with promising broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential.Cogent Chem.2017;3:1. doi:10.1080/23312009.2017.1363342.Jin C, Liu X, Ma D, et al.Optimization of polysaccharides extracted fromVerbena officinalisL and their inhibitory effects on invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells.Trop J Pharm Res.2017;16(10):2387-2394. doi:10.4314/tjpr.v16i10.11.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Traditional Chinese medicine: what you need to know.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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.2016.00499Bekara A, Amazouz A, Douma TB.Evaluating the antidepressant effect ofVerbena officinalisL. (vervain) aqueous extract in adult rats.Basic Clin Neurosci. 2020;11(1):91-98. doi:10.32598/bcn.11.1.3Ahmed D, Qasim K, Ashraf C, et al.Verbena officinalisa herb with promising broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential.Cogent Chem.2017;3:1. doi:10.1080/23312009.2017.1363342.Jin C, Liu X, Ma D, et al.Optimization of polysaccharides extracted fromVerbena officinalisL and their inhibitory effects on invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells.Trop J Pharm Res.2017;16(10):2387-2394. doi:10.4314/tjpr.v16i10.11.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Traditional Chinese medicine: what you need to know.
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. 2020;11(1):91-98. doi:10.32598/bcn.11.1.3
Ahmed D, Qasim K, Ashraf C, et al.Verbena officinalisa herb with promising broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential.Cogent Chem.2017;3:1. doi:10.1080/23312009.2017.1363342.
Jin C, Liu X, Ma D, et al.Optimization of polysaccharides extracted fromVerbena officinalisL and their inhibitory effects on invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells.Trop J Pharm Res.2017;16(10):2387-2394. doi:10.4314/tjpr.v16i10.11.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Traditional Chinese medicine: what you need to know.
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