Vervain Tea Benefits & Side Effects

When you think of Herbal Tea, thoughts often drift to Peppermint, Camomile or Hibiscus. But there are many, many more. This, of course, includes Vervain Tea - an infusion like no other.

The following blog will explore “Vervain Tea Benefits”, showcasing its facts, figures, history and health benefits. You will then be able to buy it here from The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company. 

We pack every Loose Tea, Tisane and Coffee fresh to order here at our Pluckley-based factory, nestled within the beautiful Kentish countryside.

This is our way of guaranteeing not only quality but also consistency with every cuppa brewed. So, are you ready to learn more about “what is Vervain Tea good for?” - let’s then explore its full potential!

What is Vervain Tea?

Vervain Tea is a Herbal Tea from the Verbena officinalis plant. It goes by an almost unimaginable multitude of nicknames. This includes “Enchanter’s Balm”, “Herb of the Cross”, “Herb of Grace, “Devil’s Medicine”, “Juno’s Tears”, “Pigeon Grass”, “Pigeon Weed”, “Simpler’s Joy”, “Wild Hyssop”, “Ironweed and “Indian Hyssop”. And that’s to name but a few!

The plant itself is a slender perennial that can grow up to one metre high, producing pale-lilac flowers. It likely originated from the Mediterranean but has since spread throughout much of the world. It flourishes, in particular, in Canada and the United States.

The Ancient Egyptians first believed that Vervain came from the tears of their God, Isis. Centuries later, the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder (23 - 79 CE) first contemplated the question “what is Vervain Tea good for” by studying its health benefits. Around this time, European druids, particularly in Ireland, used the herb to ward off evil spirits.

Today, we drink Vervain Tea less for the supernatural and more for its extraordinarily complex yet delicious taste. When brewed, it has earthy, herbaceous notes with bold astringent undertones.

Additionally, many health-conscious individuals choose this beverage for its well-documented benefits. When it comes to “what is Vervain Tea good for?”, it depends on what you want from it!

Does Vervain Tea Have Caffeine?

Around 60 plants naturally contain caffeine, a stimulating chemical compound capable of boosting energy. This includes Tea (Camellia sinensis), Coffee (Coffea) and Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis).

Vervain Herbal Tea, on the other hand, isn’t a “Tea” in the conventional sense. What it is, then, is a Herbal “Tisane”, although this name is seldom used. 

Due to its lack of so-called “real” Tea leaves, this beverage is 100% void of caffeine. As a result, if you’re looking for an extra kick in the morning, you’d be better off choosing another infusion.

If, however, you’re looking to cut down your caffeine intake, then Vervain Tea is an excellent choice. Those who’re pregnant or caffeine-sensitive, in particular, flock to it for this reason.

Vervain Tea Properties

Let’s now look into the nitty-gritty elements of “Vervain Tea Benefits”, beginning with its nutritional value. This Herbal Tea contains a wealth of vitamins, minerals and other antioxidants capable of improving life in small yet significant ways. Below is a table of just some of its properties:

CSS

HTML

Vervian Tea Nutritional Benefits
Adenosine	Aucubin	Beta-Carotene
Caffeic-Acid	Citral	Hastatoside
Lupeol	Ursolic-Acid	Verbenalin

Combined, many of these constituents can neutralise free radicals in the body, the product of natural, though often harmful, human oxidation.

In doing this, Vervain Tea benefits can reduce the risk of developing a multitude of chronic conditions. This includes cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes and even, very potentially (although not yet proven), cancer. But there’s more.

Vervain Tea Benefits

Vervain Tea benefits the mind, body and soul in a plethora of ways. Compared to the likes of other infusions, however, few people know anything about its health potential.

We believe it’s time that changed for good. So let’s now explore “what is Vervain Tea good for?” when it comes to its extraordinary medicinal qualities.

For starters, this Herbal Tea is antispasmodic, antipyretic, diuretic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Studies suggest that it can also improve sleep, aid digestion, reduce stress and anxiety, and even maintain liver and kidney health.

What more could you want from your morning cuppa? But don’t just take our word for it. Read the science behind it all!

1, Helps you Have a Better Nights Sleep

When looking for a natural sleep aid, there are many options. Camomile Tea is, unmistakably, the most famous choice, with other alternatives including Lavender Tea, Rose Petals Tea and Hemp Tea. But did you know that Vervain Tea, too, can help you rest easy at night?

While its lack of caffeine makes it an excellent choice before bed, anyway, there is, in fact, another reason it might help. 

Evidence indeed indicates that it can soothe and sedate the nervous system, which not only induces sleep but also reduces mild depression. A study conducted by Front Pharmacol can explain how and why.

It established that verbenalin, an iridoid glycoside in Vervain Tea, stimulates the release of dopamine and serotonin. These two neurotransmitters play a vital role in the brain’s pleasure and reward systems. 

Perhaps most vitally, dopamine and serotonin are also the two chemical “messengers” that inform the brain and body that it’s time to sleep. This means that Vervain Tea ultimately reduces instances of insomnia by positively interacting with your biochemical make-up.

2, May Help with Stress and Anxiety

What is Vervain Tea good for when it comes to stress and anxiety? Quite a lot, it turns out! In fact, using this Herbal Tea for its calming effects dates back centuries, specifically in an 1652 book entitled “The English Physician”. According to this publication, Vervain Tea can treat “over-enthusiasm”. But how does this compare to modern science? 

We already know that it stimulates the neurotransmitters capable of making us feel good. What’s more, a 2016 study reported that it reduced mild anxiety in mice moving through a maze.

And if that wasn’t enough, it’s always worth remembering that there’s nothing more calming than a hot brew after a hard day at work. For this, be sure to look no further than here!

3, Has the Ability to Fight Infection

Historically, people once used Vervain Tea to treat upper respiratory and urinary tract infections. Preliminary findings from another 2016 study might, in fact, support these age-old claims.

It found that the stem of the plant could kill Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, noting that it might be more effective than the antibiotic, amoxicillin. Additionally, its leaves showed significant activity against Citrobacter freundii, while the root could combat Bacillus subtilis.

It’s important to note, however, that this research was carried out in test tubes. Whether the same Vervain Tea benefits apply outside of a laboratory remains unknown.

For this reason, The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company does NOT endorse this Herbal Tea for fighting infection. Instead, we support ongoing research - which nevertheless looks promising.

4, Will Improve Digestion

There is a long list of entries when it comes to the Best Tea for Digestion. Peppermint Tea, for instance, treats IBS, while Ginger Tea combats acid reflux. Pu erh, on the other hand, increases bacterial flora, and Green Tea’s EGCG content might help with colitis! But what about this beverage? Vervain Tea benefits are good for improving digestive health? 

First, its anti-inflammatory properties, according to a 2007 study conducted by Planta Med, relieve gastrointestinal discomfort in animal models. Its antispasmodic properties have a similar effect.

Furthermore, its astringent (constrictive) qualities might improve digestive function by increasing saliva production. This, in turn, promotes both stomach acid and digestive enzyme production. 

5, Maintains Liver and Kidney Health

Active ingredients such as aucubin and oleanolic acid found in Vervain Herbal Tea can exert hepatoprotective effects. Hepatoprotection, also known as anti-hepatotoxicity, refers to preventing damage to the liver.

Preliminary research also suggests that it might work as a diuretic. This essentially supports the elimination of toxins in the body, particularly the liver. 

One Chinese study, meanwhile, recognised that this infusion could maintain the health of kidneys in animal models. Its diuretic ability had a part to play in this by increasing urine output, thus resulting in the prevention of kidney stone formation.

Still, the evidence is minimal at best, meaning we await further research before endorsing Vervain Tea for this purpose.

Vervain Tea Side Effects

Few specialists believe that there are many adverse side effects of drinking Vervain Tea. However, that doesn’t mean it’s without at least SOME health concerns.

It can, for example, produce an oily substance that may cause contact dermatitis in certain individuals. There is also the possibility of it interacting with prescription drugs, meaning it’s best to avoid it if you’re taking medication. 

Furthermore, despite its potential benefits with general kidney health, those with kidney disease should steer clear of this Herbal Tea. This is because the verbenalin found in the plant might irritate if overused, causing inflammation and possibly even worsening the condition.

Ultimately, it’s always best to err on the side of caution - so listen to doctors and other medical professionals first!

Can You Drink Vervain Tea When Pregnant?

But does this mean that you SHOULD drink Vervain Tea while pregnant? It’s complicated. On the one hand, NHS Choices recommends that pregnant women do NOT exceed 200 mg of caffeine daily.

This is the equivalent of two cups of Coffee Beans. As such, this particular infusion has the potential to be a viable alternative when searching for a new morning cuppa. 

Yet it’s equally essential to recognise that most medical experts urge caution when drinking ANY Herbal Tea while pregnant. While some, such as Raspberry Leaf Tea in pregnancy, might offer benefits (NO SOONER THAN than the third trimester), others come with side effects. Preliminary evidence indeed suggests that Vervain Tea could be one to avoid. 

Here at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company, we care about the welfare of our customers. Ultimately, we insist that you listen to professional advice over anything else.

If you experience any side effects from Vervain Tea, it is paramount you seek medical consultation.

How to Make Vervain Tea

Are you interested in “how to make Vervain Tea?” The good news is that it’s pretty straightforward.

Apart from the Tea itself, all you’ll need is an Infuser or Filter. Otherwise, just follow these steps below, and before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a cuppa! 

Conclusion

Though a relative unknown, Vervain Tea benefits have much to offer. Its use as a medicinal herb dates back millennia, and it was once considered an evil spirit deterrent.

Nowadays, the question “what is Vervain Tea good for?” applies more to its scientifically proven health benefits. Studies suggest that its nutritional value, particularly its vitamins and minerals, play a significant role. 

These chemical compounds work together in fighting insomnia, stress, infection and indigestion, as well as liver and kidney complications. While there are, admittedly, some side effects of drinking this beverage, it’s mostly all good news when it comes to Vervain Tea.

Why not realise its full potential with The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company today?