Uses of Blue Vervain

Blue vervain, also known as Verbena hastata, is found throughout North America as a wild native plant with blue and purple flowers. Used traditionally in Native American folk medicine as a panacea for a wide range of health conditions, recent studies are now providing evidence that supports the age-old uses of this herb. Traditionally the seeds, leaves and roots of the plant are collected and dried during springtime to be made into a medicinal tea.

Digestive Problems

• Blue vervain is used by Native Americans for treating dysentery, stomach cramps and poor digestion, and one of the few research studies performed on the medicinal actions of blue vervain supported these traditional uses. Findings published in "The Journal of Medicinal Plants Research" in 2010 demonstrated that blue vervain extract had a significant clinical action that reduced the symptoms of conditions such as diarrhea and dysentry.

Infections

• The leaves, roots and seeds of blue vervain have been used for treating a wide variety of infectious conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia, scrofula, coughs, colds and malaria. Extracts of the plant contain rich amounts of chemicals called tannins, which aid the drying up of excess mucous and congestion. According to an article published in "A Grower's Guide" by Kansas State University in 2004, blue vervain helps to reduce symptoms of the common cold by helping to suppress coughs and fever.

Women's Health

• Blue vervain is a reputed galactagogue agent, capable of increasing the lactation of breast milk. Women who wish to increase the flow of their breast milk can combine blue vervain tea with nutritional support to stimulate improved lactation. Avoid taking during pregnancy as very little evidence exists to demonstrate the safety of blue vervain with pregnant women and fetuses.

Topical uses

• Blue vervain can be made into a poultice and applied to wounds, sores, hemorrhoids and ulcers. Due to the high concentration of tannins in the extract, blue vervain will exert an astringent action on tissues to stop bleeding and possibly kill bacteria. Blue vervain has also been used in folk medicine for treating snake bites.

Nutrition

• The seeds and roots of the blue vervain plant are edible and can be eaten as a vegetable. According to the Plants for a Future database, blue vervain seeds can be ground up to be used as a flour called piñole with a slightly bitter taste. The leaves can made into an infusion and used as a replacement for tea leaves.