Organic Blue Vervain Loose Leaf Tea

Organic Blue Vervain Loose Leaf Tea: This tea is nothing more and nothing less than clean, dried leaves of Verbena hastata, cut for loose-leaf brewing. It carries a rich, earthy, decidedly bitter flavor and is naturally caffeine-free, so it can be poured at any hour. Packed loose for a fresher, more robust cup, hot, iced or blended, it is offered in 4oz, 1lb and 10lb sizes.

The herb: Blue vervain (Verbena hastata) is a tall North American perennial in the verbena family, Verbenaceae, found in wet meadows across the eastern and central United States and Canada, with slender purple-blue flower spikes in midsummer. It is a cousin of European vervain (Verbena officinalis), sacred to the Romans and the Druids, and Native American communities brewed it as a bitter tea. The bitterness comes from iridoid glycosides, chiefly verbenalin and hastatoside.

What's in it: The leaf carries iridoid glycosides (verbenalin, hastatoside), flavonoids, tannins and a little volatile oil. The iridoids give the cup its bracing bitterness; the tannins add astringency and body. There is no caffeine.

Dosage, first time: Steep 1 teaspoon of leaves in each cup of boiling water (about 200°F) for 5 to 10 minutes, strain and taste. A shorter steep is milder; ten minutes brings out the full bitterness. Add honey or lemon if the first cup is strong for you.

Regular use: Regular drinkers keep to one teaspoon per cup and adjust the steep to taste. Because it is caffeine-free, timing does not matter, though its bitter profile makes it a natural after-dinner cup. Many people blend it with mint or chamomile.

What to expect: Expect a reflective, earthy cup with a bitter backbone; users describe it as grounding and settling, a tea for winding down rather than perking up. It is not a mild or sweet tea. For a softer wind-down companion, see our Organic California Poppy Loose Leaf Tea.

Side effects: Vervain is generally well tolerated at tea strength. Large amounts can cause nausea or vomiting, the traditional signal to cut back. The tannins can reduce iron absorption from food, so drink it between meals. Reduce the amount or stop if you feel unwell.

Interactions and cautions: Vervain has traditionally been avoided in pregnancy because it was regarded as a uterine stimulant, so do not use it if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult a healthcare professional before drinking it regularly if you take any medication, particularly blood-thinning medications or iron supplements.

Ingredients and storage: 100% Dried Blue Vervain Leaves (Verbena hastata). Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from light.

Common questions: Is blue vervain tea bitter? Yes, noticeably, and a ten-minute steep makes it more so; honey or lemon balances it. Is blue vervain the same as lemon verbena? No, lemon verbena is Aloysia citrodora, a citrus-scented shrub, while blue vervain is the bitter North American Verbena hastata. Can blue vervain tea be served iced? Yes, brew it strong, chill it and pour it over ice with lemon.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Blue vervain is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.