10 Interesting Vervine Benefits You Need to Explore

For many generations Jamaicans have used Vervine as a home remedy.  In fact, the use of Vervine plant in Jamaica goes as far back as the 1800s.

So what is Vervine? Vervine is the Jamaican name fo the plant with the scientific name Stachytarpheta jamaicensis.  Jamaicans also call the plant Vervine bush.

Vervine is a member of the Verbenaceae family. The plant is native to the Caribbean and South and Central America.

But the Vervine plant also grows in sub-tropical regions of Africa, Europe, Malaysia, Indionesia and other locations.

Vervine Bush

So what does Vervine bush look like? The Vervine plant in Jamaica is a perennial herb with strong roots. It has dark green, leathery leaves that grow opposite to each other.

It has erect green stems that are about four to six inches tall. These stems bloom small blue to purple flowers. The blooms live for about a day. If you pick them they die within an hour. 

Vervine bush is considered an invasive weed in many places. That’s because each plant can produce as many as 2000 seeds.

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis can be found growing along the sides of many Jamaican road sides in the rural areas.  It can also be found in fields, pastures and other open spaces.  

So what are the benefits of Vervine bush?

Vervine Bush Health Benefits

Vervine bush has been a subject of many studies. And Researchers have identified a number of Vervine plant benefits. They include some remarkable health benefits.

Scientific studies identified over 20 active compounds in different Verbena species including Jamaica Vervain.

The main active compound in Vervine is Verbascoside. This compound gives the Vervine plant its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antineoplastic and other properties. 

Below are some Vervine plant benefits that you may find interesting.

1. Antacid

These are agents to counteract acid in the stomach. Antacids are used to treat heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux and stomach ulcers and similar digestive problems.

Compounds found in Stachytarpheta jamaicensis indicate that the herb may be useful for relieving some of those digestive issues.

2. Diuretic

A diuretic is a drug that is used to increase urine output. Their goal is to remove excess sodium from the body.

Some people who experience  high blood pressure, heart failure, fluid retention, liver disease or kidney disease often take diuretics.

The Vervine bush has active chemicals that behave like diuretics. So the plant may someday be used in that capacity.

3. Vasodilator

Vervine has vasodilating properties. Vasodilators prevent muscle walls from tightening and arteries and veins from becoming narrow.  

With open blood vessels there is better blood flow. This contributes to lower blood pressure and better heart health.

4. Anti-inflammatory

Inflammation happens when the body tries to recover from injury or defend itself from harmful invasion

Untreated inflammation can lead to a number of harmful diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer formation and heart disease.

Research has confirmed that Vervine has anti-inflammatory properties which can help the body in the fight to reduce both acute and chronic inflammation.

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5. Analgesics

Jamaica Vervain contains a compound call Citral. Citral antimicrobial properties are also known to help prevent the growth of viruses, bacteria, fungus and protozoa.

These are painkillers that offer relief for my different types of pain. Several animal studies support claims that Vervine can provide pain relief.

An animal study to test for anti-inflammatiory and antinociceptive power used leaves extracts to find out whether Vervine can help pain. Reports show this plant does help relieve pain.

Bottom line is Vervine bush may help reduce inflammation related pain.

6. Antidiarrheal

Diarrhea is another of those common conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. The condition is marked by watery bowel movement occurring at frequent intervals.

Research was performed using the methanol extract of the leaves of S. jamaicensis in castor oil and magnesium sulfate-induced diarrhea.

The study used Swiss Albino mice as test subjects. Evidence from this study suggests that the methanol extract of S. jamaicensis has a significantly high amount of antidiarrheal activity in Swiss albino mice.

Therefore confirming the Vervine plant  may one day play a role in the development of antidiarrheal drugs.

7. Antimicrobial

Numerous studies have been done to validate the antimicrobial effect of Vervine bush.

One such study using extracts from the leaves of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis confrims that Verine plant extracts can inhibited the growth of a number of bacteria. 

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

8. Hypotensive

High blood pressure is one of the most common health conditions across the globe.

It is responsible for a high number of disabilities and death.

An animal study to verify the effect of the plants extracts on hypertension showed that Vervain had a positive effect on hypertension.

The heart rates and blood pressure of the tested animals decreased when they were given Vervain extracts.

9. Cell Repair

Srokes ofen cause serious brain damage. Verbenalin is one of the active chemical compounds found in plants in the verbena family.

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.

Here are some of the active chemicals that were found in the herbs makeup.

Studies also show that tannins found in Jamaica vervain may potentially be used in the treatment of high cholesterol.

10. Insomnia

Verbenalin is a compound found in Vervine. The compound is known to cause a calming effect. Therefore Vervine tea which contains verbenalin may help you fall asleep and stay sleeping longer.

Researchers gave mice Vervain extract, containing verbenalin, they noticed an increase in the sedative effect as they increased the dosage.

The tested mice fell asleep faster and slept for longer periods of time.

Vervine Other Names

Because Stachytarpheta jamaicensis has become naturalized in many places the plant goes by a number of locan names.

In Jamaica, the plant is commonly known as Vervine bush or Blue Vervain. But the

following are some common names for Stachytarpheta jamaicensis outside of Jamaica.

This plant is called Jamaica snakeweed in Australia. And it is called verbena morada in the Dominican Republic. 

Two Indonesian names for Vervine bush are gewongan and jarong.

And in the United States the plant is commonly known as Jamaica Vervain.

Vervine Plant Uses

For many years this plant has been used in Jamaica for treating headaches, abdominal pain, coughs, colds, and the flu.

Vervine tea is given to women who are breasfeeding to increase milk production.

In Trinidad, fresh or dried leaves are used to make what’s called a “cooling tonic” for the elderly. The tea is is given to seniors to help ease digestive problems.

Vervine Bush Side Effects

There appears to be no risk in taking Vervain orally. In fact, it is one of the products on Food and Drug Administration (FDA) list of products Generally Recognized As Safe-GRAS.

However, some users of Vervain products have reported itching, rash, vomitting, swelling, wheezing and diarrhea.

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.

Herbal remedies are not approved for medicinal use. So be sure to talk to your Doctor before starting a herbal regimen.

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.

Related: You May Also Like Guinea Hen Weed Benefits

Buy Jamaica Blue Vervain

Organic Vervine products are widely avalable online. They are generally marketed as Jamaica Vervain or Jamaica Blue Vervain.

These products come in the form of tea bags, loose leaf, powder, and liquid extracts.

You can purchase organic wildcrafted Jamaican Vervine products on Etsy and Amazon.

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.