Nearly everyone gets a case of the blues occasionally, but if you can't seem to shake the sadness, or it affects the way you live your life, you may be suffering from depression. Symptoms include unhappiness, frustration, a lack of interest in activities including sex, fatigue and insomnia, indecision, crying and even physical pain. Vervain may help ease mild depression, but if your symptoms persist, see your doctor. Depression is treatable with conventional medications and counseling.
Vervain: The Herb
Vervain, or Verbena officinalis, has a long history of use in the healing arts. The herb contains iridoide monoterpenes, flavonoids and caffeic acid derivatives, which may be responsible for vervain's purported mood-altering effects, according to the "PDR for Herbal Medicines."
Potential Benefits
David L. Hoffmann, phytotherapist, educator and author of numerous herbalism books, including "Holistic Herbal," reports that vervain will relieve tension and stress and will strengthen the nervous system. He also claims that the herb can ease both depression and melancholia. Clinical tests confirming Hoffman's assertions are nonexistent, although the herb may be helpful for some.
Method/Dosage
You may prepare an herbal tea by pouring a cup of boiling water over up to 3 tsp. of dried vervain and steeping for 10 minutes before straining. Hoffmann suggests drinking three cups of vervain tea per day for the best results. Check with your doctor for additional dosage instructions.
Considerations
There are no known side effects associated with the use of vervain in the suggested dosage, according to the "PDR," but as a rule, pregnant women, children and breastfeeding mothers should not use vervain, unless directed to do so by a physician. Studies on the herb are lacking so there may be side effects not yet known.
Depression is a serious medical condition. See your doctor for a checkup and advice if the symptoms of depression last more than a few days or if you have thoughts of suicide. Do not self-treat depression with any herbal remedy without first consulting a medical professional.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Depression (Major Depression) Symptoms
- "Vervain"; David L. Hoffmann, BSc
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition"; Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D., 2000
- California School of Herbal Studies: David Hoffman
