Herbs & Herbal Remedies @ Green Papaya

European animal studies show vervain depresses heart rate, constricts the bronchial passages, and stimulates the intestine and uterus. Because it may depress heart rate, anyone with congestive heart failure or a history of heart disease should not use it. The possibility of bronchial constriction might cause problems for asthmatics and those with other respiratory conditions. Intestinal stimulation might aggravate chronic gastrointestinal conditions, for example, colitis. And pregnant women should steer clear of vervain because of its possible stimulating effect on the uterus-except possibly at term and under the supervision of a physician to help induce labor.

Other Cautions

Although both vervain species have similar effects, the Food and Drug Administration includes V. officinalis among herbs generally regarded as safe but considers V. hastata an herb of “undefined safety.” For otherwise healthy non-pregnant, non-nursing adults who do not have a history of heart disease or asthma, both vervains are considered relatively safe in amounts typically recommended.

Vervain should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your doctor. If vervain causes minor discomforts, such as stomach or intestinal distress, use less or stop using it. Let your doctor know if you experience unpleasant effects or if the symptoms for which the herb is being used do not improve significantly in two weeks.

Pain-Free Harvest

Vervain is a 3-foot perennial with thin, erect, stiff stems. its opposite leaves are oblong and toothed near the ground and lance-shaped and deeply lobed higher up. The plant develops slender flower spikes that bear small blue or lilac flowers from early summer through midautumn. The herb’s bluish flowers gave it the name blue vervain.

Vervain grows easily from seeds planted in spring after frost danger has passed. Although it’s a perennial, this herb is rather short-lived; however, it self-sows. Vervain prefers rich, moist loam under full sun.

Harvest the leaves and flower tops as the plants flower.