10 (Vervine Bush) Jamaican Blue Vervain Benefits

Vervine bush, also called Jamaican blue vervain, has been used as a Jamaican home remedy since the 1800 hundreds.

What is vervine used for in Jamaica? Records show the plant being used to treat boils, wounds, high blood pressure, indigestion, and respiratory ailments. Vervine in Jamaica is used the same way today.

But what is Jamaican blue vervain? This Jamaican plant is botanically known Stachytarpheta jamaicensis

the Stachytarpheta jamaicensis commonly known as vervine bush in Jamaica.
Stachytarpheta jamaicensis

However, the plant goes by several local names. The most common ones are Vervine bush and Jamaican blue Vervain.

Depending on where you are on the island, you may hear the plant called Jamaica Vervain, or nervine.

Jamaican blue vervains is one of those plants that has been exstensivly stuided to identify its potential health benefits.

Jamaican Blue Vervain Benefits

Researchers isolated five active plant compounds in the plant that they say are responsible for Vervines benefits-Verbascoside, Citral, Tannins, Mucilage, and Flavanoids.

These compounds give Vervine bush antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic, antidiarrheal, and other properties. These are some science backed Jamaican blue vervain benefits:

young vervine for making vervine tea
Young Jamaican Vervine Bush

1. Digestive Support

Mucilage which is one of the constituents extracted from Jamaican blue vervain is a sticky substance that soothes and protects the digestive tracts.

Therefore, Vervine bush may be useful for relieving stomach spasms, cramps, acid reflux, stomach disorders, and similar digestive problems.

2. Detoxification

Vervine possess flavanoids that increase urine output so toxins and excess sodium gets flushed removed from the body.

This is an important benefit for individuals dealing with high blood pressure, heart failure, fluid retention, or kidney disease.

3. Heart Support

Jamaican Blue vervain has vasodilating properties which prevents muscle walls from tightening, and arteries and veins from becoming narrow.

When blood vessels are flexible, there is good circulation which contributes to lower blood pressure and better heart health.

4. Pain Relief

Jamaican Blue Vervain contains a plant compound named Citral. One proven benefit of Citral is its anti-inflammatory properties.

The pain relieving effects of Citral means Vervine bush may help alleviate arthritis, osteoarthritis, and muscle pain.

Vervine Bush Benefits

  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antibacterial
  • Antiviral
  • Antidiarreaheal
  • Antianxiety
  • Duiretic
  • Antacid

5. Cure Diarrhea

Vervine contains compounds like tannins and flavanoids which are proven to have anti-diarrheal activity.

After treatment with Jamaican Blue vervain leaf extracts in one study, the treated animals showed signifiicant reduction in both the frequency and severity of diarrhea.

6. Stunt Bacterial Growth

One such study, leaf extracts from Stachytarpheta jamaicensis confrims that Vervine bush has the potential to inhibit the growth of a number of some bacteria. 

The reports state that Vervine extracts stunted the growth of Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

7. Reduce Blood Pressure

According to one study conducted in an animal setting the animals were treated with Vervine leaves extract.

The extract caused a dose-dependent fall in blood pressure and heart rate. Meaning that the highest doses produced ther best results.

8. Repair Damaged Cells

Recent test tube studies suggests that verbenalin has the potential to improve brain damage caused by stroke.

The compound works by feeding energy and blood supply to the brain. This action helps with improved brain function and the development of new blood vessels after a stroke.

9. Lower Bad Cholosterol

Research shows that tannins found in Jamaican blue vervain may be helpful for treating high cholesterol.

One report states that drinking vervine tea significantly decreased the plasma levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, and VLDL but increased HDL cholesterol levels in the treated animal.

10. Promote Restful Sleep

Verbenalin, in Jamaican blue vervain is known to have a calming effect. Therefore, drinking Vervine tea which may help you fall asleep and stay asleep longer.

Researchers administered Vervain extract containing verbenalin to mice in one study. They reported an increase in the sedative effect the extract had on the animals when they increased the dose.

The animal fell asleep faster and stayed asleed for longer periods of time.

tumbler with Jamaican flag
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Vervine Bush Side Effects

There appears to be no risk in taking Vervain orally. However, some users claim to experience itching, rash, vomitting, swelling, wheezing and diarrhea after using the plant.

Special Precaution:  If you are pregnant or breastfeeding avoid using Vervine because there is no real data about its SAFETY for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Herbal medicines are not regulated by the FDA. So it is important to talk to your Doctor before incorporating herb into your regimen.

Related: You May Also Like Guinea Hen Weed Benefits

Buy Jamaican Blue Vervain

You can buy Organic Vervine products in some local grocery stores or online from reputable websites and marketplaces such as Etsy.com and Amazon.

They come in the form of tea bags, loose leaf, powder, and liquid extracts. And are generally marketed as Vervine, Jamaica Vervain, or Jamaican Blue Vervain.

You can also purchase organic wildcrafted Jamaican Vervine shipped directly from Jamaica.

Jamaican Blue Vervain vs. Blue Vervain

Although they belong to the same verbena family and they are sometimes used for the same purpose, Jamaican blue vervain is not the same as blue vervain. 

 Jamaican blue vervain (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis) is native to the Caribbean, South Florida, and Central America. .Jamaican blue vervain  has low, sprawling stems with spikes of small blue flowers with white centers that bloom from the tip down.

The leaves are opposite, oval-shaped, and serratedJamaican blue vervain is also known as vervine. The leaves are used to make tea for headaches, upset stomach and diarrhea. The plant is a magnet for butterflies and honey bees.

Jamaican blue vervain is also known as, vervine, blue porterweed, bastard vervain and blue snake weed. 

Jamaican blue vervain plant
Jamaican Blue Vervain photo by
Joy Walker
blue vervain plant
Blue Vervain photo Courtesy of
Betsy Washington

Blue vervain (Verbena hastata), on the other hand is a native plant of North America that grows in moist habitats such as meadows, wetlands, and roadsides. It has tall, erect stems with spikes of small purple flowers that bloom from the bottom up.

The leaves are opposite, lance-shaped, and toothed. Blue vervain has been used medicinally for various conditions, such as headaches, insomnia, anxiety, and respiratory infections.

It is also considered a sacred herb by some Native American tribes.

Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. Nothing on this site is to be used as medical information advice. Please consult with your professional medical provider for advice relating to your healthcare.

However note all studies referenced in this article are animal studies. There many more human studies are needed to determine the products safety for humans. So you may want to avoid long term use of Vervine.

2 Comments

  1. Avatar photo Wiedza w Blogach says:

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    1. Joy Walker Blogger at Jamaicateashop.com Joy Walker says:

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