What does this rating mean?
Vervain (scientific name: Verbena officinalis) is a small flowering plant. Its flowers and leaves have been used as a traditional herbal remedy.
This is not known.
There is no scientific evidence on whether vervain works for depression.
Dietary supplements and herbal remedies may produce side effects or have negative interactions with prescribed medications or other supplements. They should always be taken under the supervision of a health care professional.
It may not be safe to use vervain during pregnancy. Because there are no studies which have looked at the use of vervain for depression, we cannot say whether or not there are any other potential side effects.
Vervain can be purchased as dried leaves (for making tea) or as liquid drops from some health food shops.
Given the lack of evidence on vervain, it cannot be recommended as a treatment for depression.
Last reviewed and updated: 27 November 2023
These treatments are very useful. They are strongly supported as effective by scientific evidence.
These treatments are useful. They are supported by scientific evidence as effective, but the evidence is not as strong.
These treatments are promising and may be useful. They have some evidence to support them, but more evidence is needed to be sure they work.
