Vervain vs Albizia

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Vervain

Verbena officinalis

Nervine

Albizia julibrissin

Nervine

Vervain

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Albizia

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

One of the most sacred herbs of the ancient Druids and Romans, used as a nervine, digestive, and fever remedy.

Called the "tree of happiness" in TCM, its bark and flowers are used for depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

Active Compounds

Verbenalin, Hastatoside, Verbascoside, Aucubin

Saponins (julibrosides), Flavonoids, Tannins, Lignan glycosides

Traditional Uses

Anxiety, Insomnia, Fever, Digestive weakness

Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, Trauma/grief

Modern Uses

Nervine, Bitter digestive tonic, Galactagogue, Mild antidepressant

Anxiolytic, Antidepressant-like, Sedative, Anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

2-4g dried herb as tea 3x daily

6-15g dried bark in decoction or 3-5g flowers as tea

Contraindications

Pregnancy (uterotonic), Iron supplementation (reduces absorption)

Pregnancy, Sedative medications

Side Effects

GI upset, Contact dermatitis, Drowsiness

Drowsiness, GI upset

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E