Vervain
 Verbena officinalis
Part Used: Aerial parts.
Constituents:
- Iridoids, verbenin, verbenalin and bastatoside
- Miscellaneous; essential oil, mucilage and others.
Actions: Nervine tonic,
sedative, anti-spasmodic, diaphoretic, hypotensive, galactagogue, hepatic,
tonic, sudorific, expectorant, vulnerary, emetic, emmenagogue, vermifuge.
Indications: Vervain is a herb that will strengthen
the nervous system whilst relaxing any tension and stress. It can be used to
ease depression and melancholia, especially when this follows
illness such as influenza. Vervain may be used to help in seizure and hysteria.
As a diaphoretic it can be used in the early stages of fevers. As a
hepatic remedy it will be found of help in inflammation of the gall-bladder
and jaundice. It may be used as a mouthwash against caries and gum
disease.
King's Dispensatory gives these uses: "Vervain
is tonic, emetic, expectorant, and sudorific it has proved beneficial in intermittent
fever, given in warm infusion or in powder. In all cases of colds and
obstructed menstruation it may be used as a sudorific. Taken, the infusion forms
a good tonic in some cases of debility, anorexia, and during convalescence
from acute diseases. It has been reputed valuable in scrofula, visceral
obstructions, gravel and worms. The following application has
been recommended as effectual in promoting the absorption of the blood effused
in bruises, and in allaying the attendant pain: Take of vervain, senna
and white pepper, of each, equal parts. Make a cataplasm by mixing with the
white of eggs."
Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of
boiling water onto 1-3 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for
10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take 2-4 ml of
the tincture three times a day.
Vervain strengthens the nervous system while relaxing any
tension and stress. It can be used to ease depression and melancholia,
especially when this follows illness such as influenza. It is also used in
seizure and hysteria. As a diaphoretic it can be used in the early stages of
fevers. As a hepatic remedy it is of help in inflammation of the gall-bladder
and jaundice. It may be used as a mouthwash against caries and gum disease.
Combinations: In the treatment of depression it may be used with Skullcap,
Oats & St. John's Wort
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