Amazing Health Benefits of Vervain

Have you heard about vervain? Vervain is native to North America and it has been used by the Native Americans for its many health benefits for centuries. It is also called verbena, a perennial plant that blooms with purple or purple-blue flowers. There are many different species of verbena. The two main varieties used medicinally are common vervain (Verbena Officinalis), which is native to Europe, and blue vervain (Verbena Hastata), which is native to North America. Although there are minor differences between the two, they are both similar in appearance and health benefits. Blue vervain (also known as wild hyssop) is considered a native wildflower in the U.S. One of vervain’s nicknames is "Herb of the Cross" because certain sources state that it was used to stop Jesus' wounds from bleeding after he was taken off the cross. The leaves, roots, and flowers of vervain can all be used medicinally and contain plant compounds that have antispasmodic, anti-fever, and diuretic properties that treat fever, colds, obstructed menstruation, skin infections, pain relief, etc.

People in various parts of the world have been using the plant as a remedy for congestion and other cold symptoms. It can help relieve irritation in the respiratory tract and also expel mucus because of its expectorant quality. The tannin content in the plant helps protect your mouth from infections and can be used to treat sore gums, gingivitis, and a sore throat. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties for pain relief for joints including rheumatoid arthritis when used topically as well as orally.

A naturally occurring glycoside in vervain, called cornin, was found to have cardio-protective effects. The bitter compounds in blue vervain help detoxify the liver and kidneys. They also stimulate and support healthy digestion by sending the signal to the brain to increase saliva, bile, and enzyme production. Vervain boosts the functions of a sluggish liver. The antimicrobial properties of vervain help cleanse the toxins in the liver and kidneys and prevent infections. The active ingredients – aucubin and oleanolic acid in vervain also have liver protective effects.

Drinking vervain tea can help manage symptoms of depression with similar effects as anti-depressants without toxic side effects from drugs. It helps balance neurotransmitters in your brain that affect mood and emotions. You can also make a natural mouthwash by boiling the flowers and leaves of the plant and using it regularly to protect your gums.

Here are some amazing health benefits of vervain. 

• Relieve migraine, headaches, and menstrual cramps for women.
• Treat anxiety and sleep issues.
• Relieve joint pain and prevent rheumatoid arthritis.
• Detoxify the liver and cleanse the blood.
• Aids digestion.
• A natural remedy for a cold or flu.
• Stimulate lactation for new mothers.
• A natural anti-depressant.

The best way to take vervain is in the form of tea. You can buy the dried parts of the plant (leaves and flowers) to make your own herbal tea or a tincture. You can also use the plant to make a poultice that you can apply to soothe minor wounds and cuts or apply to the temple to treat headaches. The plant can also be infused as a mouthwash to treat sore throats and prevent oral infections including ulcers and sore gums. A cup of vervain tea in the evening can help promote restful sleep at night.

Cautions: vervain is not recommended for pregnant women because it can stimulate the uterus. Vervain may interact with blood pressure medications and hormone replacement drugs. Large doses may cause diarrhea or vomiting. For more information on holistic health and natural remedies, please visit https://optimalhealthsolutions.ca.