Gervâo

(Stachytarpheta sp)

Family: Verbenaceae
Genus: Stachytarpheta
Species: cayennensis, jamaicensis
Synonyms: Stachytarpheta urticifolia Sims, Verbena cayennensis, Verbena jamaicensis
Common Names: Gervâo, Brazilian tea, verbena cimarrona, bastard vervain, blue verbena , wild verbena, blue flower, rooster comb, jarbao, rat tail, vervain, verveine, blue vervain, verveine a queue de rat, blue porterweed, gewongan, rumput tahi babi, selaseh dandi (spotted basil)
Phytochemicals: apigenol-7-glucuronide, alpha-spinasterol, gamma-amino butyric acid, chlorogenic acid, citral, dopamine, friedelin, geraniol, hentriacontane, hispidulin, ipolamiide, luteolol-7-glucuronide, n-dotriacontane, n-nonacosane, n-pentriacontane, n-tetratriancontane, n-triacontane, n-tritriacontane, salicylic-acid, scutellarein, stachytarphine, stigmasterol, tarphetalin, ursolic acid, verbascoside.
Part Used: Whole plant, leaf

HERBAL PROPERTIES AND ACTIONS

Main Actions: reduces histamine supresses coughs relieves spasms reduces acid prevents ulcers stimulates digestion protects gastric tract reduces inflammation expels worms protects liver dilates blood vessels kills larva

Other Actions: relieves pain increases urination promotes menstruation reduces fever lowers blood pressure increases milk flow mildly laxative sedates promotes sweating heals wounds

Standard Dosage: Leaves. Infusion: 1/2 cup twice daily; Tincture: 2-3 ml twice daily; Capsules: 1-2 g twice daily.

Gervâo is a weedy annual (and sometimes perennial) herbaceous plant that grows 60–120 cm tall. It is indigenous to most parts of tropical America and, although some consider it a semi-invasive weed, it is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental plant for its blue flowers and deeply-serrated, dark green leaves.

Gervâo contains flavonoids, terpenes, phenols, and steroids. Several of these plant chemicals have been documented with biological activities that may help explain the plant's indigenous uses (especially for liver ailments and respiratory problems). The first of these is an iridoid glycoside called verbascoside (also called acetoside), found in several plants in the Verbenaceae genus. In clinical research, this powerful antioxidant phytochemical has been documented with neuroprotective, antiviral, antibacterial, liver protective, cardioactive, and antitumorous effects. A flavonoid in gervâo called scutellarein has been documented with cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and antiviral actions. Another flavonoid found in gervâo called hispidulin is also found in verbena and vervain and is considered one of the main "active" chemicals in all three plants. Hispidulin has been reported to have anti-asthmatic, bronchodilator, and antispasmodic properties; liver detoxifing actions; and helps to normalize sticky blood.

The first biological activity studies were published on gervâo in 1962 by researchers in India who reported that the plant demonstrated antispasmodic and vasodilator activities in several small animal studies. In 1990, two clinical studies reported that leaf extracts evidenced larvicidal effects, which might help explain its long history of use for intestinal parasites. In 1998, the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of gervâo were demonstrated in rats.

Another area of research has verified gervâo's longstanding use for gastric and intestinal disorders. In a 1995 Brazilian study, a gervâo extract demonstrated anti-diarrhea effects. Another (1997) Brazilian study demonstrated antacid, antiulcer, and laxative effects . In this study, a water extract of the whole plant increased intestinal motility, protected against ulcers from various chemical agents, and inhibited gastric secretion. These researchers noted the same histamine-blocking properties in this ulcer model that was observed in the anti-inflammatory model, along with another possible pathway of action. They concluded that "whatever the mechanisms involved, the present data confirm the plant's effectiveness as antacid/antiulcer and laxative."

In herbal medicine today, gervâo is regarded as a safe, natural remedy when prepared in decoctions and infusions (taken orally or applied externally). A researcher in Panama, however reported toxic effects and even death at the highest dosages. While gervâo is a well known and popular natural herbal remedy in South America for digestion and liver problems, colds, flu, asthma, and as a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory, practitioners in North America are just beginning to learn about its many uses.

Following- up, a brief summary of worldwide ethnomedical uses of gervâo.

Region	Uses
Amazonia	for asthma, fever, stomach pain
Bahamas	for abortions asthma, bronchitis, chest colds, childbirth, itch, skin problems, sores, worms
Belize	for boils, colds, cough, fever, flu, heart problems, intestinal parasites, liver disorders, nervousness, neuralgia, sores, stomachache
Brazil	for acid reflux, allergies, amebic infections, arthritis, bile insufficiency, bronchitis, bronchial phlegm, chest pains, colds, constipation, contusions, cough, cuts, debilitation, diarrhea, digestive problems, dysentery, dyspepsia, eczema, edema, erysipelas, fever, flu, gastritis, gastrointestinal disorders, hemorrhoids, hepatitis, high blood pressure, hoarseness, intestinal parasites, liver disorders, liver support, lung problems, menstrual disorders, rheumatism, skin problems, sores, stomachache, syphilis, tumors, ulcers, urinary complaints, venereal disease, water retention, worms, wounds, yellow fever, and to increase perspiration
Cuba	for abortions, constipation, depressing the central nervous system, diabetes, excessive mucous, fevers, hypertension, lactation aid, menstrual problems, spasms, urinary insufficiency
Haiti	for constipation, digestive complaints, edema, erysipelas, intestinal parasites, menstrual disorders, nerves, sores, tumors, worms, and as a sedative
India	for abortions, dysentery, fever, inflammation, rheumatism, skin ulcers
Mexico	for gonorrhea, menstrual difficulties, nerves, pain, syphilis, yellow fever, and to promoting perspiration
South America	for birth control, intestinal parasites, menstrual difficulties, worms
Trinidad	for blood cleansing, boils, chest colds, constipation, coughs, dysentery, eczema, eye disorders, eye wash, fever, flu, intestinal parasites, lactation stimulation, rashes, rectitis, stomach, vitiligo, worms
West Indies	for childbirth, intestinal parasites, lactation stimulation, menstrual disorders, skin parasites, worms
Elsewhere	for abortions, bile insufficiency, birth control, boils, bruises, cataracts, constipation, diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, edema, erysipelas, fever, hair loss, headache, heart support, inflammation, intestinal parasites, liver disease, malaria, menstrual irregularities, nausea, rheumatism, rhinitis, sores, sprains, stomach, tumors, venereal disease

GERVÂO PLANT SUMMARY

Main Preparation Method:	infusion
Main Actions (in order):	antihistamine, bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, antacid, antiparasitic
Main Uses:	for allergies and respiratory conditions (cold, flu, asthma, bronchitis, etc) for digestive problems (indigestion, acid reflux, ulcers, constipation, dyspepsia, slow digestion) as a general pain-reliever and anti-inflammatory for various internal/external painful inflammatory disorders to tone, balance, strengthen, protect and detoxify the liver (and as a liver bile stimulant and for chronic liver conditions) for intestinal worms and internal/external parasites
Properties/Actions Documented by Research:	analgesic (pain-reliever), antacid, anti-anaphylactic (reduces allergic reactions), antidysenteric, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antiulcerous, bronchodilator, gastrototonic (tones, balances, strengthens the gastric tract), hepatoprotective (liver protector), larvicidal, laxative, neurasthenic (reduces nerve pain), vasodilator
Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:	abortive, amebicide, antiparasitic, antitumorous, bile stimulant (liver), blood cleanser, cough suppressant, central nervous system depressant, decongestant, diaphoretic (promotes sweating), digestive stimulant, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge (reduces fever), gastroprotective (to protect the gastric tract), hepatotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the liver), hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), lactagogue (promotes milk flow), menstrual stimulant, nervine (balances/calms nerves), refrigerant (lowers body temperature), sedative, tonic (tones, balances, strengthens overall body functions), vermifuge (expels worms), wound healer
Traditional Preparation:	One-half cup of a whole herb infusion is taken one to two times daily or 1–3 ml of a 4:1 tincture is taken twice daily. If desired, 1–2 g powdered herb in tablets, capsules, or stirred into juice or water daily may be substituted.
Contraindications:	Gervâo has been used in herbal medicine as an abortive agent and, therefore, is probably contraindicated during pregnancy. Gervâo has been documented with vasodilator properties and, therefore, may lower blood pressure. Those with low blood pressure or those on antihypertensive medications should consult their doctor before using gervâo. Stachytarpheta cayennensis (but not S. jamaicensis) has been reported to contain a small amount of naturally-occurring salicylic acid. This phytochemical is the natural precursor to aspirin. Those allergic to aspirin should probably avoid using this plant product.
Drug Interactions:	None reported, however the plant might potentiate heart and blood pressure medications.

WARNINGS: Information, statements and products on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. The natural properties of the botanicals are only referred to their common uses among folk and herbal traditions. Our products are not intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease as well. It's not meant to give any suggestion of diagnosis or disease treatment. Please see a doctor when needed.