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Blue vervain tea has been used for centuries to help with anxiety and depression, especially when that anxiety is accompanied by digestive issues. This makes sense when you think about it—you get anxious, your stomach gets upset, and your heart starts racing. It’s all connected. Blue vervain tea can help calm you down and sort of mellow the whole system out.
As an anxious person, I often turn to herbal teas to help. One of my go-to herbs to help with this is blue vervain. When I feel a little on edge or need something to help me cope with those anxious feelings, I brew a cup of vervain tea. It’s not an instant fix, but it makes me feel better. I also enjoy adding it to sleepy time tea blends as it adds a soothing touch.
What is Blue Vervain?
Blue vervain (Verbena hastata), also called simpler’s joy and enchanter’s plant is an herb native to North America and is closely related to vervain (V. officinalis). It can grow up to 5 feet in height and produces small blue flowers. In the wild, it is most often found in disturbed areas, moist prairies and meadows, around springs and stream banks, and in low, open woodlands.
Blue vervain has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Native Americans used blue vervain to treat snake bites, colds, fevers, and more. In fact, Native American tribes called blue vervain “herb of grace” because it was thought to promote peace and calm. The plant was also used in various ceremonies and rituals. Today, vervain continues to be used for emotional and psychological well-being, especially for conditions relating to anxiety and feeling overwhelmed. It is nervine, meaning that it nourishes the nervous system when taken over extended periods of time
What Parts are Used for Vervain Tea?
The aerial parts of the plant (leaves and flowers) can be dried and used to make vervain tea. You can buy the aerial parts from an herb store or grow your own and make your own herbal vervain tea.
How Does Blue Vervain Work?
Vervain is a deep-penetrating nervine used by herbalists for millennia to combat depression and mood swings. It is a relaxing and uplifting herb that can stimulate the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, enhancing mood and well-being. Vervain can also help promote a good night’s sleep without leaving you groggy in the morning.
It has been shown to increase levels of GABA in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces anxiety.
When you take blue vervain, it acts as a GABA agonist. What this means is that it binds to the same receptors as GABA in the brain, and stimulates them to activate. This process activates inhibitory neurons and decreases the activity of excitatory neurons. In effect, this calms your mind and allows you to think more clearly.
Where to Find Blue Vervain
Information can be found for safely identifying and foraging blue vervain in this article titled: Blue Vervain: The Hidden Aspects Of A Magical Medicinal Herb
If you can’t find the herbs you need locally, you can purchase them from Mountain Rose Herbs. My favorite place to buy high-quality, organic dried herbs and herbal products.
When Not to Take Blue Vervain
Vervain is quite safe to use, but it should not be taken in large doses. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy because it can stimulate the uterus, and it should not be used with blood pressure medications or hormone therapy. Large doses may cause diarrhea or vomiting.
Vervain Tea
Equipment
- Heat proof jar
- Tea strainer
- Favorite mug
Ingredients
- Dried vervain
Instructions
- Add 1-3 teaspoons of the dried herb to a heat-proof jar
- Pour 8-10 oz. of hot water over them.
- Cover the jar and let your tea steep for at least 15 minutes.
- Strain out the herbs
Notes
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Disclaimer: outdoorapothecary.com is informational in nature and is not to be regarded as a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. While we strive to be 100% accurate, it is solely up to the reader to ensure proper plant identification.
Some wild plants are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects. We are not health professionals, medical doctors, nor are we nutritionists. It is up to the reader to verify nutritional information and health benefits with qualified professionals for all edible plants listed in this website. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always seek the guidance of your qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.
