Verbena officinalis – What are the indications, contraindications, drug interactions?

Verbena officinalis (vervain) is a pituitary balancing herb (similar to Vitex agnus-castus) that increases LH and decreases FSH, thereby increasing the progesterone:estrogen ratio. It also acts as a bitter digestive stimulant.

Indications:

• Estrogen imbalance
• Hypo Progesterone conditions
• PMS, premenstrual acne
• Amenorrhea
• Anovulatory cycles
• Hyperprolactinemia
• Insufficient lactation, galactorrhea
• Dyspepsia, hypochlorhydria, anorexia
• Biliary insufficiency, biliary dyskinesia
• Atonic constipation

Contraindications:

• Gastritis, hyperchlorhydria, peptic ulcer disease, GERD
• Acute cholelithilasis
• Biliary obstruction
• Acute diarrhea
• Pregnancy

Interactions:

• May decrease the efficacy of oral contraceptives pills 
• As with all herbs that affect intestinal transit time, Verbena can alter absorption of drugs and should not be taken simultaneously (especially with cardiac glycosides, diuretics, antiarrhythmics corticosteroids, etc.

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This post was written by Omar Rifai