When you think of herbs that promote balance and calm, blue vervain (Verbena hastata) might not be the first one to come to mind.

But this modest wildflower has a centuries-long history of supporting women’s health, especially when it comes to regulating hormones and calming the mind. Blue vervain has long been a trusted ally in herbal medicine, known for its benefits in reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and offering support for hormonal cycles.

In this guide, we’ll explore how blue vervain’s properties can benefit hormonal health and why it deserves a spot in your herbal wellness routine.

Botanical Background

Blue vervain belongs to the Verbenaceae family and is often recognized for its tall spikes of small, vibrant purple flowers. It’s native to North America, commonly growing along streams and in moist meadows. While it may appear as just another wildflower to the untrained eye, this plant is packed with potent medicinal properties.

The aerial parts of blue vervain—its stems, leaves, and flowers—are harvested during the summer months when its bioactive compounds are most concentrated. These plant components are rich in bitter glycosides, tannins, and essential oils, which contribute to its calming, hormone-regulating effects.

Native to North America, blue vervain thrives in damp environments such as wetlands, riverbanks, and marshes. Its presence supports the local ecosystem, particularly pollinators like bees and butterflies, who feed on the plant and its nectar. It’s a hardy plant, capable of growing in both full sun and partial shade, and it blooms from mid-summer to early fall.

A Legacy of Women's Health Support

For centuries, herbalists have turned to blue vervain as a calming herb, particularly useful for women. Its benefits reach deep into hormonal health, helping to balance mood swings, ease PMS, and support the menstrual cycle. Blue vervain has traditionally been used to promote emotional and mental calm, especially in times of hormonal fluctuation.

In Europe, particularly in Celtic and Roman traditions, blue vervain was considered a sacred herb. The Celts believed it had protective powers, and it was often used in religious ceremonies or rituals to ward off evil spirits. Similarly, the Romans used blue vervain benefits often in purification rituals, linking medicinal use of the herb to both spiritual and physical healing.

This cross-cultural reverence reflects the herb’s versatility, both as a physical medicine and a plant of deep spiritual significance. Today, blue vervain continues to be celebrated in different forms in both traditional herbalism and modern alternative medicine, where its applications have expanded, especially in women’s health and stress management.

Hormonal Health Benefits

The connection between stress and hormone imbalances is well-established. Stress can wreak havoc on the body’s hormonal systems, particularly in women. This is where blue vervain shines. By promoting relaxation and reducing tension, it helps the body find balance during stressful times, which in turn can support a healthier hormonal rhythm.

Here’s how blue vervain specifically aids hormonal health:

Stress and Tension Relief

Blue vervain is classified as a nervine, which means it acts on the nervous system to promote relaxation and reduce stress. The herb’s calming and sedative effects are largely due to its flavonoids and tannins—bioactive compounds known to help regulate mood and soothe an overactive nervous system.

People suffering from anxiousness or those who feel chronically "on edge" can benefit from blue vervain. In stressful situations, the body’s cortisol levels rise, which can lead to long-term issues like ongoing sleep issues, irritability, and even immune dysfunction. Blue vervain acts as a mild sedative, encouraging relaxation without the side effects of pharmaceutical sedatives.

For individuals who suffer from stress-induced sleep issues, researchers found that blue vervain can promote restful sleep by quieting the mind and promoting balanced cortisol levels. It has also been used to support those experiencing mental exhaustion or burnout, particularly those who are overly driven or feel overwhelmed by daily responsibilities.

Hormonal Balance for PMS Support

Blue vervain has gained recognition for its significant role in supporting women's hormonal health, particularly during times of hormonal fluctuation such as menstruation and menopause. Rebecca Younger, an Herbalist at WishGarden Herbs, highlights this benefit, stating, "blue vervain has traditionally been used to promote emotional and mental calm, especially in times of hormonal fluctuation." The herb's calming effects can help alleviate common symptoms associated with hormonal changes, including mood swings, irritability, and sleep disturbances.

One of blue vervain's key mechanisms in supporting hormonal health is its impact on the liver. As Younger explains, "Its bitter compounds also support liver health, which plays a critical role in processing and detoxifying excess hormones from the body." This liver support is crucial for maintaining hormonal balance, as the liver is responsible for metabolizing and eliminating excess hormones. By enhancing liver function, blue vervain supplements can help prevent hormonal imbalances that often exacerbate PMS symptoms and contribute to difficulties during perimenopause and menopause.

The herb's dual action on both the nervous system and hormonal balance makes it a valuable tool for women experiencing PMS, perimenopause, or menopause. Its ability to calm the nervous system while supporting hormone regulation can help manage mood swings, promote better sleep, and reduce stress and restlessness often associated with menopausal symptoms during these transitional periods. This comprehensive approach to women's hormonal health underscores blue vervain's potential as a natural support for women throughout various stages of life.

Emotional Well-Being and Restful Sleep

Blue vervain has long been used to soothe emotional turmoil, particularly when connected to hormonal imbalances. It’s often recommended for individuals who feel overwhelmed and irritable unable to cope with every day stressors —common feelings during hormone shifts, particularly before menstruation or during perimenopause.

The gentle calming effects of blue vervain make it a great ally for those struggling with sleeplessness related to hormonal fluctuations. Whether it’s the racing mind that comes with PMS or the restless nights of perimenopause, blue vervain helps to promote a sense of calm, allowing for more restful sleep.

Respiratory Health & Microbial Balancing Properties

Blue vervain has also been used traditionally to treat respiratory conditions, particularly those associated with coughing and throat irritation. Its antispasmodic properties help relieve spasmodic coughing, making it a useful herb for people suffering from chronic lung issues. Its microbial balancing effects add another layer of support for those dealing with respiratory infections.

Safety and Precautions

While blue vervain is generally safe, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects. Some individuals may experience digestive discomfort such as indigestion or gas when consuming blue vervain, especially in large doses. Those with sensitive stomachs should start with smaller amounts to assess their tolerance.

Pregnant women should avoid blue vervain as it may stimulate uterine contractions, which could lead to complications during pregnancy.

If you’re taking blood thinners or have any underlying medical conditions, it’s best to consult with a top healthcare professional or provider before incorporating blue vervain into your routine.

Partnering Blue Vervain with Other Herbs

Like many herbs, blue vervain often works best when paired with other plants that complement its effects. Here are a few common combinations:

With Lemon Balm: Both herbs help calm the nervous system and soothe tension but lemon balm adds a bright, uplifting note that can enhance mood, especially during PMS.
With Passionflower: This duo works together to promote restful sleep and soothe frazzled nerves, making it ideal for women experiencing stress or sleep issues related to hormonal shifts.
With Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry): When hormonal balance is the primary concern, combining blue vervain with vitex can provide more targeted support for menstrual cycle regulation and PMS relief.

Rebecca adds, “For those dealing with PMS-related irritability, I often recommend pairing blue vervain with lemon balm or passionflower. These herbs enhance each other’s calming and soothing properties.”

How to Use Blue Vervain

There are several ways to incorporate blue vervain into your routine for hormonal health support:

Tinctures: Alcohol-based extracts of blue vervain provide a quick, concentrated way to harness its benefits. Tinctures are great for on-the-go use and are easily added to water or tea.
Teas and Infusions: Brewing blue vervain as a tea is a gentle way to experience its calming effects. It pairs beautifully with other calming herbs like chamomile or lavender, providing a warm and soothing drink, particularly useful in the evening.
Capsules or Powders: For those who prefer not to taste blue vervain’s bitter flavor, capsules or powders offer a convenient way to reap the benefits without compromising on effectiveness.

WishGarden Formulas Featuring Blue Vervain

WishGarden harnesses the power of blue vervain in our formulas. Look for this versatile herb in these blends:

PMS Emotional: Support for mood and emotional balance during times of stress or hormone shifts.
Kidney Strength: Nourishes and promotes healthy urinary tract function.

The Advantage of Liquid Tinctures

Liquid tinctures offer several advantages over pills or teas. These alcohol-based extracts provide a concentrated form of active compounds, allowing for faster absorption and immediate effects. Unlike pills, which must be digested, tinctures enter the bloodstream quickly, providing swift relief for various issues.

Additionally, tinctures are versatile; they can be mixed with hot water, tea, or honey for a more enjoyable taste. For those who have difficulty swallowing pills or prefer smaller doses, tinctures are an efficient and easy option.

[[ recipeID=recipe-2m1ry6q65, title=Calming Blue Vervain Tea ]]

FAQs With Our Herbalists

How does blue vervain help with hormonal balance?

Blue vervain helps bring the body back to homeostasis, whether it be the nervous system, adrenal glands, or hormones. If a woman is estrogen dominant and it's causing havoc in her body, the herb will bring her back to the other side. It works the same way if a woman is progesterone dominant. What's cool about these balancing herbs is that one woman can be on one side of the spectrum, the other woman can be on the other side, and it helps bring both of them back to a balanced state. Blue vervain also supports the nervous system, which is closely tied to hormonal health.

Does blue vervain have additional benefits for women?

Men can use blue vervain too, mainly for nervous system and kidney support, sleep, and stress. Women are mentioned more because their hormones work obviously very different than men and they shift a lot more. Every week of the month, women are at a different hormonal state, so they're more likely to get out of balance. Blue vervain is particularly useful during the premenstrual phase, which is typically the most uncomfortable. It's included in formulas like PMS Emotional to help balance hormones and calm the nervous system during this time.

How is blue vervain harvested and prepared?

WishGarden gets blue vervain from Oshala Farm in Oregon. It's certified regenerative organic, which means that not only is it organic, but it's harvested sustainably. We use the dried flower at WishGarden, which has all the active constituents and is the most medicinal part of the plant.

How much blue vervain is needed?

It depends on the person and their constitution. Someone with severe adrenal fatigue will need higher doses, more herbs, and longer-term use. If you've got someone who had a stressful week or two and is trying to just decompress and get their nervous system back to homeostasis, they might not need as much. For digestive purposes, you might just need a few drops for the bitter quality. The dosage can also depend on whether it's being used for nervous system support or hormonal balance, with the latter potentially requiring a few weeks of use before full benefits are felt. Since every body is so different, it's best to consult with a practitioner on dosage and frequency of use with any herb.

Why alternate herbs like blue vervain with others?

It's good to alternate nervine herbs or adaptogen herbs. You might take ashwagandha for a couple of weeks, then switch to holy basil, then to nervines like blue vervain or chamomile. This is because you want your body to do these things on its own and not rely on just one herb. Different herbs have different constituents and effects. For example, ashwagandha is more of a hot herb, while blue vervain is more cooling. Someone who is really aggravated might need something more cooling like blue vervain, while someone who is fatigued and lethargic might benefit more from ashwagandha.

What other herbs work well with blue vervain for hormonal balance?

Burdock is a good teammate because it helps detoxify excess hormones, helping blue vervain extract do its job even more. Once we get all those excess hormones out, we can start finding the balance. Motherwort is another good ally as it calms the heart and nervous system while also helping with hormone balance. These herbs are often combined in formulas like PMS Emotional to provide comprehensive support for hormonal balance and related symptoms.

What's the difference between tinctures and tea for blue vervain?

Tincture is generally recognized as the best way to extract all medicinal constituents from blue vervain extracts. For chronic or severe issues, tincture is preferred. Teas may not pull out as many constituents but can be effective for maintaining a calm nervous system or regulating cycles, basically adding blue vervain to a whole regimen that keeps your cycle balanced. When dealing with more severe issues, tincture is recommended. A tincture of blue vervain mixed into a cup of tea is often recommended as a comforting way to deal with stress or hormonal mood swings.

A Natural Ally for Hormonal Health

Blue vervain proves to be a powerful herb with remarkable benefits, particularly in regulating hormones and promoting relaxation. Whether used alone or in synergy with other herbs, its ability to soothe nerves and support bodily balance is invaluable for those seeking natural, herbal remedies for hormone-related issues.

As awareness of holistic health continues to rise, blue vervain stands out among other dietary supplements now, as a versatile tool for nurturing both mind and body. By incorporating this herb into your wellness routine, you can tap into centuries of herbal wisdom and treat your body with the care it deserves.