Blue Vervain Herb Profile
Also known as
Verbena hastata and officinalis, Verbena, Common Verbena, Common Vervain, Eisenkraut, European Vervain, Herb of Grace, Herb of the Cross, Holy wort, Juno's Tears, Pigeon weed, Simpler's Joy, Turkey Grass, Swamp Vervain, Mosquito Plant, and Wild Hyssop.
Introduction
The blue vervain or verbena is a creeping perennial of the mint family, growing close to ground and bearing numerous, small lilac-blue flowers. The term vervain comes from the Celtic ferfaen, from fer (to drive away) and faen (a stone), referring to the plants historical use in treating kidney stones. Verbena hastata is native to North America and is incredibly similar in appearance and properties to its European cousin Verbena officinalis, whom it is often mistaken for. It grows with wild abandon in the Great Plains section of America, and can be found elsewhere on prairies, in meadows, and open woodlands. The Dakota tribe’s name for it translates as "medicine". It was used by Native Americans for colds, coughs, fevers, and stomach cramps.
Constituents
Mucilages, bitters, iridoid glycosides (hastatoside, verbenalin), caffeic acid, essential oil.
Parts Used
The above-ground parts of the plant gathered before flowering, dried.
Typical Preparations
Traditionally used as a tea, but also as a tincture, syrup, foot soak or bath herb, salve or cream.
Summary
Blue vervain is a diuretic used to treat bladder infections, an analgesic tea for hemorrhoid sufferers (usually drunk but also useful as a wash), an expectorant used to treat chronic bronchitis, and an antirheumatic used to relive joint pain. Several of the names for vervain (Herb of the Cross, Herb of Grace, Holy wort) refer to the legend that the wounds of Jesus were dressed with vervain when he was taken down from the cross. This is disputed among biblical scholars as it is not referenced anywhere in modern bibles. It was also used as an ingredient in pagan love potions.
Precautions
Since the herb can stimulate uterine contractions, avoid during pregnancy.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
