Vervain Supports Women’s Health
Vervain (Verbena officinalis) supports women’s health. It nourishes, relaxes, and tonifies the nervous system, uterine tissue, and liver. Tea of Vervain helps people manage menstrual and menopausal discomforts, recover from anxiety and depression, and digest food better. NutraMeno tea is a blend of Vervain and other herbs that support those seeking natural support during perimenopause and menopause. Vervain empowers this tea blend to reduce physical and mental pain and tension, improve sleep, and make menopause as comfortable as possible. Science supports this ancient folk remedy for neurological and menstrual complaints.
Vervain contains:
- Iridoid glycosides including verbenalin, aucubin, and hastatoside
- Phenylpropanoid glycosides
- Flavonoids such as scutellarein, pedalitin, kaempferol, luteolin, and apigenin
- Chlorogenic, ferulic, protocatechuic, and rosmarinic phenolic acids
- Caffeoyl derivatives
- Essential oil
Uterus Support
Vervain is a wonderful life-long ally for women’s reproductive organs. It is a tonic, meaning it’s safe for daily, long-term support of the uterus. When atrophy and constriction cause uterine pain, Vervain nourishes, strengthens, and relaxes the uterine tissue. It has analgesic effects, reducing pain, thanks to central action iridoids, caffeoyl derivatives, and flavonoid compounds. The herb’s astringent properties can reduce menopausal hot flashes and night sweats, too. Vervain’s relaxing, soothing effect extends to headaches that occur with hormone fluctuations. It’s helpful for menstruating women, too. It reduces pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea) and helps alleviate emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). When menstrual cycles slow or stop prematurely (amenorrhea), Vervain can help restore them. NutraMeno tea harnesses all these beneficial actions of Vervain.
Anxiety and Depression
Vervain is a neuro-protective herb that can help pull one out of anxious and depressive episodes. It helps balance the autonomic nervous system (ANS), especially in cases of stress, trauma, and loss of motivation. There are several mechanisms at play. Vervain increases levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the nerve terminals. Its flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins reduce stress levels. The plant also supports the liver, and in doing so, supports the overall health of the brain. Its antispasmodic properties reduce tension in the nervous system, opening up circulation and reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines. In addition, Vervain supports mood and normal energy levels by fighting insomnia, thanks to its major iridoids: hastatoside and verbenalin. Verbenalin also helps the brain heal by promoting production of new blood vessels, which oxygenate the brain and improve its mitochondrial function. All of these actions protect the brain from degeneration.
Liver and Digestion
Vervain is aromatic, extremely bitter, and a little sour. Its bitter compounds make it a supportive tonic for the liver. By supporting the liver, Vervain helps the body remove toxins from the blood. This increases gallbladder activity and promotes optimum nutrient absorption from food. Its aromatic essential oils improve digestion. Vervain’s antispasmodic, relaxing effect can prevent stomach cramps and stress from interfering with the digestive process. Its antibacterial properties, such as citral, help maintain a balance of good bacteria in the gut and prevent food poisoning. It shows promise against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Citrobacter freundii, S. aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. Vervain’s antioxidant flavonoids reduce oxidative stress and reduce symptoms of inflammatory bowel disorder (IBS), such as diarrhea.
Sacred Bough
Vervain is a perennial herb that belongs to the Verbenaceae family. Its Latin name comes from the Latin word verbena meaning “sacred” or “bough.” In Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, verbēna was a word that referred to the most powerful, sacred herbs used in medicine and religious ceremonies. Vervain is native to Europe but has naturalized and been embraced around the world. It grows in fields. It reaches a height of a little over two feet, with toothed and lobed leaves and pale purple flowers.
