Vervain

(Verbena offinalis)

Also Called: Enchanter's plant, herb of the cross, holy herb, Juno's tears, pigeon's grass, pigeonweed, simpler's joy, European vervain.

Description: European vervain is an annual or perennial native of the Mediterranean region.
The whitish, branched, spindle-shaped root or rootstock sends up a stiff, quadrangular stem branched near the top.
The leaves are opposite, oblong to lanceolate, entire and sessile at the top, deeply cleft and petioled at the bottom.
The white or purplish flowers grow in slender spikes from June to October.

Parts Used: The whole plant.

Properties and Uses: Actions: Astringent, antispasmodic, bile stimulant, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, galactogogue, hepatic restorative, laxative, nervine, relaxant tonic, sedative, uterine stimulant, vulnerary.

Medicinally it is largely used as a nervine and liver tonic - bitter and stimulating for the digestion - and an ideal tonic in convalescence and debility.
It is sedating and is included in a number of over-the-counter remedies for anxiety and stress.
It can also be helpful for neuralgia and migraine - taken internally or applied topically in the form of a compress.
It is a useful herb for nursing mothers - relaxing the nervous system to take the tension out of feeding time and stimulating milk flow.
Vervain combines well with oats for combating depression.

In addition to the normal uses, the decoction is said to be good for eczema and other skin conditions.
It has also been used for whooping cough, dropsy, jaundice, and kidney and liver problems.
An infusion or decoction is used to help heal wounds.
European vervain is considered by some to be an aphrodisiac, and it is said to secure the favour of the ladies.

As late as the 17th century the plant was still being used in fortune-telling rites - a practice that can be traced back at least to Druidic times.
John Gerard - who clearly had little time for such folk traditions - warns his readers not to listen to "odde olde wives tales" of vervain that told of "witchcraft and sorceries".

The Romans called it hiera botane (sacred plant) and used it to purify homes and spread on Jupiters altars. Well into the Christian era it was castigated as a witch plant - or, as the 11th-century Physicians of Myddfai warned, "Give no heed to those who say that it should be gathered in the name of the devil."
The Druids, according to Pliny, collected it when the "dog star could be seen in the heavens" and even today many regard it as a strong spiritual herb capable of healing holes in the human aura.

Preparation and Dosage:
Cold Extract: Use 1 tbsp. of the plant with 1 cup water; let stand for 8 to 10 hours. Take 1 cup a day.
Powder: Take '/4 to '/2 tsp. three times a day. Tincture: Take 20 to 40 drops in water, as needed.

Caution: Vervain should be avoided in pregnancy but can be taken in labour to stimulate contractions.