Evidence supporting the use of: Blue Vervain
For the health condition: Nervous Exhaustion

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Synopsis

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

Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata or Verbena officinalis) has a long history of traditional use as a nervine, particularly for symptoms described as "nervous exhaustion," which encompasses fatigue, stress, anxiety, and mild depressive states. Historical records in Western herbalism, including those from the Eclectic medical movement of the 19th and early 20th centuries, frequently mention Blue Vervain as a remedy for nervous conditions, especially when accompanied by tension, restlessness, or emotional disturbance. Herbalists have often recommended it as a mild sedative and tonic to support the nervous system, and its use persists in modern herbal medicine traditions for these indications.

However, the scientific evidence supporting Blue Vervain’s effectiveness for nervous exhaustion is limited. While some laboratory studies have investigated the plant’s phytochemical constituents—such as iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, and essential oils—there is a lack of rigorous clinical trials demonstrating efficacy for nervous exhaustion or related conditions in humans. The evidence that does exist is primarily anecdotal or based on traditional use rather than modern biomedical research. Therefore, its use for nervous exhaustion is best described as traditional, with a moderate level of supporting evidence from historical practice but little scientific validation.

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