Evidence supporting the use of: Vervain
For the health condition: Nervousness

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Synopsis

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

Vervain (unspecified species, often referring to Verbena officinalis) has a long history of traditional use for nervousness, anxiety, and related symptoms. Herbal texts from Europe and North America frequently mention vervain as a mild nervine, used to "soothe the nerves" and promote relaxation. In traditional Western herbalism, vervain teas or tinctures were prescribed for "melancholy," restlessness, and other nervous complaints. The plant was also valued in folk medicine for its supposed calming effects.

However, scientific validation for these uses is minimal. There are some preclinical studies suggesting that extracts of Verbena officinalis may have mild sedative or anxiolytic effects in animal models, possibly due to its content of flavonoids, iridoids, and other phytochemicals. These findings are preliminary, and robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. Most modern herbal references continue to list vervain for nervousness based on traditional rather than scientific grounds. As such, while vervain's use for nervousness is well-rooted in tradition, the evidence from scientific studies remains weak and insufficient to confirm efficacy.

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