Vervain belongs to the mint family and can be traced historically to Roman times, where it was widely used for a variety of medical ailments. It is drunk as a tea today for the same wide range of problems, including detoxification of the body and for the treatment of depression. One of the main properties of Vervain tea is its ability to naturally improve one’s mood and reduce anxiety. It does this by encouraging the nervous system to relax, thereby promoting feelings of relaxation and encouraging a good night’s sleep. For those struggling with sleeping patterns, it is best to drink Vervain tea half an hour before retiring.
You can drink Vervain tea with your main meal, as a regular natural tonic, helping to improve your digestion and so helping against flatulence, bloating, cramping or just general stomach pains. It is said that it helps improve nutrient absorption.
The anti-inflammatory abilities of Vervain tea are said to help with osteoarthritis. There appears to be no noticeable side effects of drinking Vervain tea, however pregnant or nursing mothers should avoid taking herbal infusions unless directed by their practitioner.
It goes without saying that if you're pregnant (or are under the doc for anything) caution should be exercised with herbal decoctions.