Dr. Sebi, in a video at Usha Village, showed the Jamaican Blue Vervain species when referring to the herb and how he used it.
Here are Jamaican Blue Vervain (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis) herbal formulas you can use for teas, tinctures, and therapeutic blends. This herb, often referred to as Nervine, Vervine, “Blue Vervain” or “Jamaican Vervain,” is highly regarded in traditional Jamaican and African herbal medicine for its nervine, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and mild laxative properties.
1. Blue Vervain Nerve Tonic Tea
Purpose: Calm nerves, relieve stress, support restful sleep.
Ingredients:
- A handful of fresh Blue Vervain leaves and flowers
- 1/2 tsp dried chamomile (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried lemon balm
- 1 cup boiling spring water
Directions:
- Combine herbs in a cup or teapot.
- Pour boiling water over and steep for 10–15 minutes.
- Strain and sip warm, preferably before bed.
Use: 1–2 cups daily for stress or insomnia.
2. Blue Vervain Liver & Lymph Detox Blend
Purpose: Stimulate liver function, cleanse lymphatic system, support skin and immune health.
Ingredients:
- A handful of fresh Blue Vervain leaves and flowers
- 1 tsp dandelion root or burdock root
- 1/2 tsp sarsaparilla root
- 1/2 tsp yellow dock root
Directions:
- Simmer roots in 2 cups water for 10–15 minutes.
- Remove from heat, add Blue Vervain, and steep 10 more minutes.
- Strain and drink 1 cup in the morning, 1 in the evening.
Use: Use daily for 7–14 days during seasonal cleanses.
3. Respiratory Relief Steam
Purpose: Clear congestion, soothe sinuses, ease coughs.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp Jamaican Blue Vervain
- 1 tsp thyme or eucalyptus leaves
- 1 tsp mullein
Directions:
- Boil water and pour over herbs in a large bowl.
- Place a towel over your head and inhale the steam for 10 minutes.
Use: As needed during respiratory infections, colds, or allergy flare-ups.
4. Uterine & Hormonal Support Formula (Women’s Blend)
Purpose: Help regulate menstrual cycle, ease cramps, support hormonal balance.
Ingredients:
- A handful of fresh Blue Vervain leaves and flowers
- 1 tsp red raspberry leaf
- 1/2 tsp yarrow
- 1/2 tsp nettle leaf
Directions:
- Steep herbs in 2 cups hot water for 15 minutes.
- Strain and drink 1–2 cups per day.
Use: Begin use a week before menstruation, or as a tonic 3–4 times weekly.
5. Tincture Formula for Anxiety & Detox
Purpose: Fast-acting support for anxiety, mild depression, nervous exhaustion, and lymph detox.
Ingredients:
- A handful of fresh Blue Vervain leaves and flowers
- 1 part passionflower
- 1/2 part lobelia (optional, strong!)
- 1:5 vegetable glycerin
Directions:
- Fill a glass jar with herbs (dried or fresh, chopped).
- Cover with glycerin completely.
- Seal and store in a dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain and store in amber bottles.
Dosage: 10–30 drops in water up to 3x daily.

6. Fresh Blue Vervain Nervine Juice (Raw Blend)
Purpose: Calm the nerves, cleanse the lymph, uplift mood.
Ingredients:
- A handful of fresh Blue Vervain leaves and flowers
- 1 cup spring water
- (Optional) A few fresh soursop leaves or a small piece of cucumber for taste
Directions:
- Blend all ingredients thoroughly.
- Strain through a fine mesh or cloth.
- Drink immediately for full potency.
Use: Once daily, preferably on an empty stomach in the morning or before sleep.
7. Fresh Blue Vervain Infused Bath
Purpose: Pull toxins through the skin, calm the nervous system.
Ingredients:
- 2 large handfuls of fresh Blue Vervain leaves
- Warm spring water (not boiling)
Directions:
- Lightly crush the fresh herb and add to a tub or basin of warm water.
- Soak body or feet for 15–20 minutes.
- Let air dry if possible to absorb more of the herb’s properties.
8. Fresh Blue Vervain Compress
Purpose: For swollen glands, joint pain, or skin eruptions.
Directions:
- Crush or mash fresh Blue Vervain leaves.
- Apply pulp to affected area.
- Cover with clean cloth or gauze for 15–30 minutes.
- Repeat as needed.
9. Blue Vervain and Guinea Hen Weed Tea
Purpose: Boosts immune system, supports detoxification, and reduces inflammation; used for colds, flu, and general wellness.
Ingredients:
- 1 handful fresh Jamaican Blue Vervain (leaves or flowers)
- 1 tsp dried Guinea Hen Weed (Petiveria alliacea)
- 1 cup boiling water
- Optional: Agave or ginger for flavor
Preparation:
- Combine herbs in a cup, pour boiling water over them, and steep covered for 10–15 minutes.
- Strain and sweeten if desired. Drink 1–2 cups daily during illness or as a tonic.
Notes: Guinea Hen Weed is valued in Jamaica for its antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties. This blend is popular for respiratory issues and cleansing.
10. Blue Vervain and Sarsaparilla Root Tonic
Purpose: Supports hormonal balance, enhances energy, and promotes detoxification; often used for men’s and women’s reproductive health.
Ingredients:
- A handful of fresh Blue Vervain leaves and flowers
- 1 tsp dried Sarsaparilla root (Smilax spp.)
- 2 cups water
- Optional: ginger for taste
Preparation:
- Simmer herbs in water for 15–20 minutes to make a decoction.
- Strain and drink 1 cup daily, often in the morning for energy.
Notes: Sarsaparilla is a traditional Jamaican “blood purifier” and aphrodisiac. This tonic is marketed as a vitality booster but lacks robust clinical evidence.
11. Blue Vervain, Dandelion, and Burdock Detox Tonic
Purpose: Supports liver and kidney function, promotes detoxification, and aids urinary health.
Ingredients:
- A handful of fresh Blue Vervain leaves and flowers
- 1 tsp dried Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale)
- 1 tsp dried Burdock root (Arctium lappa)
- 2 cups water
Preparation:
- Simmer herbs in water for 15–20 minutes to make a decoction.
- Strain and drink 1 cup daily for 1–2 weeks as a cleanse.
Notes: Dandelion and Burdock are diuretic and liver-supporting herbs. Avoid long-term use without medical advice due to potent detox effects.
Additional Notes
- Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy or if using sedatives. May lower blood pressure.
- Parts Used: Aerial parts – leaves and flowers.
- Taste: Bitter, earthy.
Important Notes from the Dr. Sebi Perspective:
- Avoid dried Blue Vervain unless no other option exists. Dr. Sebi said the Blue Vervain must be used fresh to get the best benefits.
- Do not boil — use cool or slightly warm water only.
- Use freshly picked, wildcrafted plants (never cultivated with chemicals).
- Combine only with other approved herbs if making a blend (e.g., burdock, sarsaparilla, yellow dock).
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References
- Jahno Herbs (www.jahnoherbs.com): Jamaican vendor detailing Blue Vervain’s traditional uses for anxiety, colds, and hormonal health.
- Sunshine Herbs (sunshineherbsja.com): Lists Blue Vervain blends for detoxification, vitality, and relaxation.
- WebMD – Vervain (www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-154/vervain): Notes uses for anxiety, sleep, pain; cautions for pregnancy, side effects.
- Herbpathy – Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (herbpathy.com): Describes traditional uses for nervous system, respiratory, and menstrual issues.
- Lans, C. (2007). “Ethnomedicines used in Trinidad and Tobago.” Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 3:13. Supports Caribbean herbal uses.
- McKay, D. L., & Blumberg, J. B. (2007). “Rooibos tea bioactivity.” Phytotherapy Research, 21(1): 1–16. Confirms Rooibos’s antioxidant benefits (Hibiscus substitute).
- Mountain Rose Herbs (www.mountainroseherbs.com): Details on Nettle, Lemon Balm, Rooibos for nutritional, calming, and antioxidant properties.