Vervain
One of our first posts here was of Blue Vervain (Verbena Hastata), which is native to USA. This is our European Vervain species. There are very few plants whose use has spanned thousands of years, has been used across as wide a range of cultures from all over the world, which can also claim to have both magical and medicinal properties. Vervain (Verbena Officinalis) just happens to be one of those plants. It has more common names than any other plant I know, many of which obliquely reference spirituality in some way. According to the Irish Druids, the plant had supernatural powers and the Chinese believe the plant bestows supernatural powers upon the user. Both the ancient Greeks and Romans considered it to be a holy plant, using it to purify their temples and to bless altars. In Christian mythology, Vervain is believed to be the plant which was used to staunch Christ’s wounds when he was taken down from the cross, hence one of its common names, ‘Herb of the Cross’. Hildegard of Bingen also extoled its virtues as a healing herb. Usually, it’s taken as in infusion, in water, or as a tincture. Due to Vervain’s intensely bitter taste - which most modern palates will not be accustomed to - tincture is probably the better option as you only need a few drops of it, rather than a whole mug.
- It’s a nervine which nourishes the nervous system and has a tonic effect on liver, kidneys and lungs.
- Recent research from USA has confirmed that Vervain normalizes thyroid hormone levels and can be used to support either over-active or under-active thyroid conditions.
- Ancient Romans considered it to be a potent aphrodisiac.
- Parkinson (1640 AD) thought it to be a ‘heal-all’ type of plant, and recommended it for “generally all inward paines and torments of the body”.
- Considered a very effective remedy at the onset of a cold or flu.
- Works very well for the symptoms of menopause, cooling hot flushes and calming emotions.
- Where there is a fever, Vervain can encourage sweating whilst preventing the temperature from becoming too high. It combines well with Linden blossom or Elderberry in such cases.
- Safe and gentle enough for children, the elderly and those recovering from illness.
- Settles stress related digestion problems and calms racing thoughts.
- Can also be used externally to bathe wounds or the fresh plant can be bruised and placed on the affected area as a poultice.
Please Note:
As stated above, Vervain is intensely bitter and doesn’t mix well with a sugary diet. Speaking from experience, if you were to eat or drink something rather sweet, either just before or just after taking Vervain, you may feel a bit sick. That would be the digestive equivalent of slamming your car into reverse whilst driving at 100 mph. If that happens, try to remember that the sugar was the culprit, not the Vervain.
It’s very unlikely that you will be able to find wild Vervain anymore, and if you do, as it’s so rare, I would recommend that you do not harvest it. Better to plant some in your garden. It’s a perennial so you’ll only have to sow it once and you’ll have it forever. Alternatively, if gardening isn’t your thing, you could source some fresh or dried from a reputable supplier………..ahem……………..
