Vervain's therapeutic uses
Vervain, a perennial herb with historical roots in various cultures, is primarily recognized for its potential therapeutic uses. Traditionally, it has been employed to stimulate breast milk flow, alleviate insomnia, and ease menstrual pain. Beyond these applications, vervain has been suggested for a wide range of health issues, including digestive problems, liver and gallbladder support, stress, anxiety, and headaches. Some modern studies have indicated promising results for its effectiveness in treating acute rhinosinusitis and oral health issues like gingivitis. Additionally, animal research has pointed to vervain's potential benefits for anxiety, depression, and seizures, although these findings are still in early stages and require more rigorous investigation. Despite its popularity, vervain's safety profile is not thoroughly established, particularly concerning its use during pregnancy, in nursing mothers, and in children. Those considering vervain for therapeutic purposes should approach it with caution and consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
Vervain's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Stimulating flow of breast milk
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Insomnia, menstrual pain, promoting digestion, liver and gall bladder support, stress, anxiety, headaches, cold and flu, menstrual health, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
Overview
The herb vervain is a common perennial wildflower in England, growing at the edge of roads and meadows. It has a long history of use in Celtic religious tradition and has been used as medicine by many cultures. The leaf and flower are the parts used medicinally.
Like other bitter plants, vervain has been used to stimulate appetite and digestion. Other traditional uses include treating abdominal spasms, fevers, depression (especially following illness or childbirth), and inadequate breast milk flow. There are myriad other suggested therapeutic uses for vervain.
Therapeutic Dosages
A typical dosage of vervain is 2 to 3 grams three times daily, taken as dry herb or made into tea. Equivalent dosages are also available in tincture form and may be more palatable.
Therapeutic Uses
Vervain has commonly been recommended to increase the flow of breast milk, as well as to treat insomnia and menstrual pain. However, there remained limited meaningful evidence to support any of these uses.
As studies on vervain increased in the twenty-first century, researchers expanded their view on the possible usages of vervain. One study examined the effectiveness of treating gingivitis with vervain and found definitive benefits for oral health. An additional double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed vervain was effective in treating acute rhinosinusitis. Studies in animals published in 2016 and 2020 showed vervain’s potential to treat anxiety, depression, and seizures. Test tube studies revealed vervain’s power to fight infections. Lab studies also looked into the antioxidant effects of vervain’s flavonoids on colorectal cancer. However, evidence like this is far, far too preliminary to show efficacy. Only double-blind, placebo-controlled studies can prove that a treatment really works, and only a handful of studies of this type have been performed on vervain. Vervain has also been suggested as a treatment for gout, jaundice, dysmenorrhea, and kidney stones, though no meaningful scientific investigation has been done into those issues. Other therapeutic uses of vervain that have been suggested but required further study include for digestive problems such as indigestion, bloating, and appetite loss; for liver and gallbladder function; to treat headaches and migraines; to fight colds and flu; and for menstrual issues. Vervain was also being investigated for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Safety Issues
Although vervain is thought to be a relatively safe herb, it has not undergone any meaningful safety testing at a modern scientific level. There is some reason to believe it may not be safe for use in pregnancy. Despite its reputation for enhancing the flow of breast milk, safety in nursing women has also not been established. Additionally, safety in young children and people with severe liver or kidney disease remained unknown.
Bibliography
Butler, Natalie. "Vervain (Verbena): Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects." Healthline, 8 June 2020, www.healthline.com/nutrition/vervain-verbena. Accessed 15 Sept. 2024.
Dudai, N., et al. "Citral Is a New Inducer of Caspase-3 in Tumor Cell Lines." Planta Medica, vol. 71, 2005, pp. 484–88.
Myhre, James. "All About Vervain: How Is This Herbal Remedy Used?" Verywell Health, 24 Aug. 2024, www.verywellhealth.com/vervain-health-benefits-4587384. Accessed 15 Sept. 2024.