Vervain Tea

Vervain, also known as verbena is a genus of annual and perennial flowering plants. There are about 250 species of vervain or verbena plants that belong to the family Verbenaceae. Out of these, one of the most common species of vervain is blue vervain (vervain officinalis), which is also known as common vervain. The aerial parts, i.e. the leaves and the flowers of the vervain and blue vervain herb can be used to make tea, which is believed to have several important medicinal properties. In fact, vervain herb is known for its amazing healing qualities since the ancient times. It was the 'sacred herb' of the ancient Romans, who used it for sanitizing and purifying their temples and homes. Today, vervain plant is grown both for its medicinal value, and also as an ornamental plant, because of its beautiful blossoms that come in an array of colors, right from blue and lilac to pink and white.

Vervain Benefits

The active compounds found in vervain include, mucilages, glycosides, caffeic acid and iridoid. The herbal tea prepared from it is believed to have diuretic, astringent, diaphoretic, nervine and stimulant properties, which can make this tea an effective herbal remedy for several ailments.

• It can promote the health of the liver by protecting this vital organ from toxins.
• This herbal tea can also help to improve digestion. It can ensure the better absorption of nutrients from foods as well.
• It can be used for getting relief from cold, fever and respiratory ailments.
• This herbal tea is considered as a tonic for the nervous system, as it can strengthen and relax the nervous system. This herbal tea can have mild antidepressant effect and can help to relieve stress, anxiety, depression and nervous tension.
• Those suffering from migraine and headaches can also get considerable relief by drinking tea prepared from this herb.
• It is excellent for cleansing the urinary tract, which in turn can promote the health of the urinary system. It can also help to prevent the formation of kidney stones.
• This herbal tea can relax the nervous system and promote good sleep. So, those having difficulty in sleeping or insomnia can benefit from this tea.
• This tea is believed to help in increasing milk production after childbirth. However, breastfeeding women are usually advised to avoid this herb and its preparations.
• Apart from these, its tea can be helpful in relieving premenstrual syndrome, the pain of arthritis, digestive ailments and wounds and sores.

Making Tea from Dried Vervain Herb

First, pour the boiling water over this dried herb. Then let it steep for about 10 to 15 minutes, after which strain the mixture and discard the herb. Now, you can drink this herbal tea to realize its many benefits. You can take 2 to 3 cups of this tea everyday.

Though vervain has been known to provide a number of health benefits, it should be used only under the supervision of a health care provider. Children under the age of 3 years should not be given this herb and its tea. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also advised to avoid this herb and is usually not recommended for people having heart diseases. However, no side effect of vervain has been reported so far. But still, it is important to maintain caution and talk to a physician before using this herb and its tea for therapeutic purposes.