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Post by Admin/ Traveler on Oct 7, 2018 19:46:22 GMT
So this is an herb that has caught my attention recently, although I have yet to try it myself (soon though, I promise!). Seems it has a lot of potential to help many of us that have certain nervous system issues. Here's a great article that helps us see it's potential: Blue Vervain"by Sue Sierralupe Herbal Nerd Society Exclusive Article Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) is an anti-anxiety herb that is growing rapidly in popularity. It offers a number of advantages to Western herbalists: it is cheap, easy to grow, effective, and it blends nicely with other tension taming herbs. In the post-industrial world we live in, a reliable nervine is just what the herbalist ordered. It is important to know that in many sources of herbal literature, blue vervain has sometimes been referred to simply as vervain. In this article, we are referring to just Blue Vervain (V. hastata) not it’s cousin, Vervain (V. officnalis). Both are Verbena species and both have been used interchangeably as nervines but are slightly different. Both blue vervain’s leaves and roots can be used. The roots are traditionally considered to possess a higher concentration of its sedative properties but there is little to no research to back up this claim. There are other properties that this herb has such as bitters for digestion but the sedative/nervine properties have garnered the most attention. In 2002, a sleep study was conducted on rats in a lab which concluded that blue vervain did, indeed, improve REM sleep. This was, of course, only the beginning. Blue vervain is excellent when blended with other herbs that support the parasympathetic nervous system. Coupled with lemon balm, it helps relieve anxiety. Blended with passionflower or valerian, it combats many forms for insomnia. Added to formulas containing motherwort or skullcap, it can help soothe a panic attack. Combined with herbs like Saint John’s wort, blue vervain makes a difference for people struggling with depression brought on by post-traumatic stress syndrome. These are only a few herbs that find themselves in partnership with blue vervain. In all of these formulas, blue vervain has an equal ratio or stands prominently in the ingredient list. Dosage can vary depending on the formula, intention and delivery device. Blue vervain is widely available in capsules, tinctures and teas. The leaf is often mixed with the flower which helps the buyer know at a glance, if the herb is freshly dried or not. The purple color of the flower is fairly fragile. It’s flavonoids fade quickly in sunlight after picking. Contraindications: Blue vervain is strongly contraindicated in pregnancy. It is known as a uterine stimulant and is thus also contraindicated for women with menorrhagia (heavy menstrual cycle bleeding) and endometriosis."
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Post by alyeska on Oct 10, 2018 4:26:29 GMT
So this is an herb that has caught my attention recently, although I have yet to try it myself (soon though, I promise!). Seems it has a lot of potential to help many of us that have certain nervous system issues. Here's a great article that helps us see it's potential: Blue Vervain"by Sue Sierralupe Herbal Nerd Society Exclusive Article Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) is an anti-anxiety herb that is growing rapidly in popularity. It offers a number of advantages to Western herbalists: it is cheap, easy to grow, effective, and it blends nicely with other tension taming herbs. In the post-industrial world we live in, a reliable nervine is just what the herbalist ordered. It is important to know that in many sources of herbal literature, blue vervain has sometimes been referred to simply as vervain. In this article, we are referring to just Blue Vervain (V. hastata) not it’s cousin, Vervain (V. officnalis). Both are Verbena species and both have been used interchangeably as nervines but are slightly different. Both blue vervain’s leaves and roots can be used. The roots are traditionally considered to possess a higher concentration of its sedative properties but there is little to no research to back up this claim. There are other properties that this herb has such as bitters for digestion but the sedative/nervine properties have garnered the most attention. In 2002, a sleep study was conducted on rats in a lab which concluded that blue vervain did, indeed, improve REM sleep. This was, of course, only the beginning. Blue vervain is excellent when blended with other herbs that support the parasympathetic nervous system. Coupled with lemon balm, it helps relieve anxiety. Blended with passionflower or valerian, it combats many forms for insomnia. Added to formulas containing motherwort or skullcap, it can help soothe a panic attack. Combined with herbs like Saint John’s wort, blue vervain makes a difference for people struggling with depression brought on by post-traumatic stress syndrome. These are only a few herbs that find themselves in partnership with blue vervain. In all of these formulas, blue vervain has an equal ratio or stands prominently in the ingredient list. Dosage can vary depending on the formula, intention and delivery device. Blue vervain is widely available in capsules, tinctures and teas. The leaf is often mixed with the flower which helps the buyer know at a glance, if the herb is freshly dried or not. The purple color of the flower is fairly fragile. It’s flavonoids fade quickly in sunlight after picking. Contraindications: Blue vervain is strongly contraindicated in pregnancy. It is known as a uterine stimulant and is thus also contraindicated for women with menorrhagia (heavy menstrual cycle bleeding) and endometriosis." Ok, advice needed, herbalist! I DESPERATELY need some better sleep. I’ve recently been thinking of asking for more pharmaceuticals from my LLMD, but you know I’d rather try natural stuff first. What dosage and brand do you recommend?
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Post by Admin/ Traveler on Oct 10, 2018 19:10:32 GMT
Well, as the article explains, for insomnia, it's best pared with passionflower or valerian. My problem is I like BOTH of those herbs!!! LOL! I love valerian for help with muscle tension that seems never ending (and incredibly painful), and I love passionflower for it's 'sedative' actions. They are not strong sedative actions, but I can certainly feel it!
So, for my situation, I'd prefer the passionflower/blue vervain combination most likely.
For me, I prefer to use what is known as 'simples' - single herb tinctures. That way I can mix and match as needed during my ever constantly changing needs. Others find the simplicity of combination tinctures better.
So, if you need only the help with the inability to get and stay asleep, I'd suggest that you try out the passionflower and blue vervain, either as simples that you control the dose of each, or as a combination tincture.
If you need the help in relaxing your muscles (because heat and relaxation techniques just aren't enough), and the muscle tightness is part of why you aren't sleeping, then I'd suggest at least starting off with the valerian and blue vervain tinctures.
All of the tinctures I'm seeing with a quick 'Google search' all contain poppy as well - I'm not sure you would want that or not. But, any 'good, quality brand' will work.
Dosing would be dependent on your needs, but remember that combining tinctures will bring out a synergistic effect, so stick with lower dosing and the thought of "low and slow", as you will likely need different doses than many, as we rarely all need the same level of support.
PS!! Don't forget to double check that you aren't already taking something that might interfere with or cross react with these herbs.
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Post by alyeska on Oct 14, 2018 7:54:14 GMT
Well, as the article explains, for insomnia, it's best pared with passionflower or valerian. My problem is I like BOTH of those herbs!!! LOL! I love valerian for help with muscle tension that seems never ending (and incredibly painful), and I love passionflower for it's 'sedative' actions. They are not strong sedative actions, but I can certainly feel it! So, for my situation, I'd prefer the passionflower/blue vervain combination most likely. For me, I prefer to use what is known as 'simples' - single herb tinctures. That way I can mix and match as needed during my ever constantly changing needs. Others find the simplicity of combination tinctures better. So, if you need only the help with the inability to get and stay asleep, I'd suggest that you try out the passionflower and blue vervain, either as simples that you control the dose of each, or as a combination tincture. If you need the help in relaxing your muscles (because heat and relaxation techniques just aren't enough), and the muscle tightness is part of why you aren't sleeping, then I'd suggest at least starting off with the valerian and blue vervain tinctures. All of the tinctures I'm seeing with a quick 'Google search' all contain poppy as well - I'm not sure you would want that or not. But, any 'good, quality brand' will work. Dosing would be dependent on your needs, but remember that combining tinctures will bring out a synergistic effect, so stick with lower dosing and the thought of "low and slow", as you will likely need different doses than many, as we rarely all need the same level of support. PS!! Don't forget to double check that you aren't already taking something that might interfere with or cross react with these herbs. Ok, how do I double check about taking something that might interact or cross react? Email my LLMD? You seem to know a lot more about this stuff than he does!
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Post by Admin/ Traveler on Oct 14, 2018 15:46:02 GMT
Unfortunately, the best resources for checking for interactions are usually the ones you have to pay for. I refuse to pay for them - I mean, seriously, how do you choose if you can only afford to pay for one??? - so I do it the hard way and sit in front of my computer and look for studies that have been done on the herb and the medication - or whatever I am thinking I need to check. I do this a lot for my hubby, who has to use warfarin daily to control blood clots. I'm looking at his using Valerian for muscle cramps (as his back is still deteriorating from the injuries, degenerative disk disease, and arthritis) - and warfarin interacts with a TON of things!! There is so very little that he can use, as he's allergic or can't use most pharmaceuticals because of his warfarin use - and the same goes for herbs. It's a long process, but it can work. But, with that said, I like to find what actions the herb has first, so I can then look at the actions of the other meds/herbs being used - if they have the same actions, they may not be safe to use together, or you may need to use more than one herb to get the effectiveness you need. My best example (well that I can think of right now! LOL!) is that of motherwort and avena sativa (milky oats). Both are 'nervines' and can be too much for many to use together. They will calm the nervous system, so if you are using too much, then it will deplete the healing that you are trying to achieve. So we do have to be careful. I like sites that have information like these for the herbs: www.herbrally.com/monographs/blue-vervain/ Look at what they call the 'energetics' and 'properties' to gain the information I was talking about. You should be able to find the energetics and properties of each herb you look up. On this site, for Blue Vervain, they state: "Energetics: Slightly cooling, drying and relaxing (Easley) Properties: Nervine (nerve relaxant), bitter, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, hypotensive, mild sedative, antispasmodic, febrifuge, relaxant, emetic (in high doses) (Easley) (Wood)" Make sure you understand the meaning of each of those above terms - in the beginning I had to look them up online every single time!!! Now, I do know the meaning of most of those terms used now - but I often double check to make sure that I'm still thinking clearly about each herb - fewer mistakes benefits everyone!!! LOL! I'm not as familiar with this site, but since I came across it easily, I'll share it too: thenaturopathicherbalist.com/herbal-actions/l-r/nervine/One of the things I like most about using this site sometimes is that it helps remind me of the difference between things like nervine tonics, Nervine relaxants and nervine stimulants. Sure don't want to get those mixed up!!! Tonics are the best to use for us, as we are looking to calm and heal the nervous system, and while the nervine relaxants can (and often are useful for a time, especially in the beginning of treatments), it's the tonics that will help calm and heal the nervous system, as it actually "feeds" it. A couple of other sites that I often use in my looking for herbs and their actions: www.starwest-botanicals.com/content/stress_relief.htmltheherbalacademy.com/nervine-herbs-help-soothe-stress/ I also like this site, for basic information on herbs - it's very easy to understand his way of writing for me: www.rjwhelan.co.nz/herbs_A-Z.html Then you have to look at the actions of the meds/supplements/herbs you are on/comparing against. Where to go all depends on what you are looking for. Pharma meds, I suggest using things like these two sites: www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html (this one often will have information on herbs as well) www.rxlist.com/drug-interaction-checker.htm From there, it's about comparing the interactions and learning about each item more. Or, you can ask me about specific combinations and I may be able to look things up and share my 'pathway' with you! LOL!
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Post by alyeska on Oct 14, 2018 21:46:33 GMT
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
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Post by Admin/ Traveler on Oct 15, 2018 0:09:02 GMT
Lol! I took one look at my previous post and all I could think was, "and she read all of that! Wow!" I really rattled on! Ha ha ha! But that is my basic process to figure out my herbs.
Oh and I ALWAYS start off with very low doses so I can watch how my body responds as I build the dose up.
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Post by alyeska on Oct 19, 2018 5:18:31 GMT
Lol! I took one look at my previous post and all I could think was, "and she read all of that! Wow!" I really rattled on! Ha ha ha! But that is my basic process to figure out my herbs. Oh and I ALWAYS start off with very low doses so I can watch how my body responds as I build the dose up. I’ve been having really vivid semi-nightmares. Do you think this could be the blue vervain? Not horrible, but difficult situations in my dreams that stay with me most of the following day. That’s new.
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Post by Admin/ Traveler on Oct 19, 2018 18:24:05 GMT
I'm not finding anything that indicates that the Blue vervain can potentially cause nightmares, much less vivid nightmares. But, I know that it's a symptom of these infections. I had recurring, very disturbingly vivid nightmares more than once in my life, and the only thing that has always been with me has been these infections - plus they appear on a 'master symptom list' for Lyme (the top of p;age 7). : PDF for Master Symptom List for Lyme Disease BUT - with that said, if the nightmares continue, or if you feel that you just can't take it any more, then it's time to stop the vervain and see if it's a new symptom from the infections, or brought on by your use of the vervain. You'll need to do this while you are in the cycle of having the nightmares to see if dropping the vervain makes a difference or not. Of course, please ask someone you trust if you have any questions about any of this!!!
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