Vervain (Verbena Officinalis)
We offer wildcrafted vervain, which means that the plant is free of pesticides and other contaminants and is harvested in a responsible manner to ensure sustainable future harvests.
Origin: Bulgaria
Active Compounds: Beta-sitosterol, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, aucubin, verbenalin, hastatoside, apigenin, verbenin, verbascoside, scutellarein, citral.
Plant Part Used: Leaf
Storage Tips: Keep in a sealed container away from direct light, moisture and heat.
Appearance and Aroma: Grassy looking with a slight citrusy aroma.
Cosmetic Uses: Due to the presence of several anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds, vervain is used in salves, lotions, facial toners and other skin care formulations.
Culinary Uses: May be used in herbal tea blends.
Flavor Profile: Has a somewhat bitter taste that can be offset by combining it with other botanicals.
Household Uses: Owing to apigenin, vervain yields a yellow dye suitable for dying wool and other textiles.
Industrial Uses: Vervain compounds are used in the food, fragrance and pharmaceutical industries.
Safety: Vervain is safe for most people. However, you should avoid this herb if you have chronic anemia or iron deficiency since frequent consumption can significantly inhibit iron absorption. The plant’s vitamin K content may interfere with blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin. Pregnant women should avoid vervain due to the potential for bone ossification in a developing fetus. It is not known at this time if vervain compounds enter breast milk, but nursing mothers should err on the side of caution and not ingest the herb.
Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.
This information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by Canada Health or the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.