Evidence supporting the use of: Vervain
For the health condition: Colds (with fever)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vervain (Verbena officinalis and related species) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for treating colds, especially those accompanied by fever. Traditional European herbalists, including those in the Anglo-Saxon and later medieval periods, recommended vervain as a diaphoretic (promoting sweating) and febrifuge (fever-reducing), based on empirical use rather than rigorous scientific trials. Its use for colds and fevers has been recorded in herbal texts such as Culpeper’s Complete Herbal and in folk medicine across Europe and North America. Modern phytotherapy reference works occasionally mention vervain for upper respiratory infections, citing its mild anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic effects. However, robust scientific studies confirming efficacy for colds with fever are lacking; few clinical trials exist, and most evidence is limited to in vitro studies or animal models investigating anti-inflammatory or mild antimicrobial effects. Overall, the use of vervain for colds with fever is primarily justified by tradition rather than strong scientific validation, and it should not replace evidence-based treatments for serious infections. Users should exercise caution and consult healthcare professionals before use, especially as vervain can have contraindications and interactions.

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