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Information about the herb Vervain
Verbena officinalis , also known as Herb of Grace is part of the Verbenaceae plant family. Vervain is a perennial
herb that grows throughout temperate North America, but originally from Europe,
Barbary Coast, China, Japan.
Botanical Name: Verbena officinalis
Plant Family: Verbenaceae
Common Names: Herb of Grace, Herb of the Cross, Herbe Sacree, Herba veneris, Holy Herb
History: The name Vervain is derived from the Celtic ferfaen from fer, 'to drive away' and faen, 'a stone' as it was used for affections of the bladder, especially calculus (stone formation).
The name Verbena was the classical Roman name for altar plants in general and for this species in particular. Priests used it for sacrifices from where the name Herba Sacra comes.
Tradition: Legend has it that it staunched the wounds of Jesus on the Mount of Calvary and afterwards was:
- carried for general good luck
- used as a pledge of mutual good faith
- worn as a charm around the neck for headaches
- worn as a charm around the neck for snake and other venomous bites
Vervain was:
- buried in a field to make crops abundant
- burned to attract wealth
- hung above a bed to prevent nightmares
- hung in the home it offers protection from negative spells
- hung out of reach above a baby's crib for protection and to enable the child to grow up with a love of learning
- and a happy outlook
- used as a pledge of mutual faith when given to a friend
- used by the he Druids in their lustral water
- used for cleansing incenses and baths
- used to protect one from witchcraft
- used widely by magicians and sorcerers
Contains:
- alkaloid
- bitters
- glycosides
- tannins
- volatile oil
Action:
- antiperiodic [an agent which counteracts periodic or intermittent diseases such as malaria etc.]
- diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration]
- expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous and secretions from the respiratory passages]
- tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]
- tranquilizer
- vermifuge [an agent to expel parasitic worms, especially of the intestines]
- anthelmintic [an agent that destroys or expels intestinal worms and/or parasites; vermicide; vermifuge]
- antispasmodic [an agent which relieves or eases muscular spasms, cramps or convulsions]
- aphrodisiac [an agent for arousing or increasing sexual desire or potency]
- astringent [a binding agent that contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges of mucous and fluid from the body]
- diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration]
- diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
- emetic [an agent that causes vomiting]
- emmenagogue [an agent that promotes menstrual flow]
- febrifuge [an agent that reduces or eliminates fevers]
- galactagogue [an agent that encourages or increases the secretion of milk]
- nervine [an agent that has a calming or soothing effect on the nerves, any agent that acts on the nervous system to restore the nerves to their natural state]
- sedative [a soothing agent that reduces nervousness, distress or irritation]
- sudorific [an agent that promotes or increases perspiration]
- tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]
Medicinal Parts Used: Leaves, flowering heads, stems
Vervain is used for:
Brain and Nervous Conditions
- depression
- fits and convulsions
- insomnia
- mental stress
- migraine and headache caused by nerves
- nervous disorders
- physical and emotional/mental problems that affect the nervous system
- restorative remedy for nervous exhaustion and debility
- strengthens the nervous system
- Mistletoe and Valerian are sometimes combined with Vervain for nervous conditions
Female Conditions
- helps increase the flow of breast milk
- painful or irregular menstruation
- post-natal depression
- promotes the onset of menstruation
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- acute diarrhea
- benefits the digestive system
- eases pain in the bowels
- stomach disorders
- stimulates digestion
Genitourinary Conditions
- bladder stones
- kidney trouble
Inflammatory Conditions
- reduces inflammation
Liver Conditions
- biliary tract complaints
- gallstones
- jaundice
- stimulates liver function
- treats liver diseases
Metabolic Conditions
- stimulates metabolism
Parasitic Conditions
- worms in children
Respiratory Conditions
- asthma
- coughs (combined with Horehound)
- in early stages of colds (can be combined with Yarrow) to promote sweating
- pleurisy
- throat conditions
- whooping cough
Other
- autumn fever
- relieves pain
- beneficial in convalescent states
- exhaustion and fatigue
- in early stages of fevers
- intermittent fevers
- ophthalmiarelaxant in cases of muscle tension
- ulcers
In Chinese Medicine it is used to treat:
- congestion
- dysentery
- malaria
Also used for:
- coughs and colds
- gout
- nerves
Externally it is used for:
- wounds
Externally it is used for:
- ear neuralgia
- eczema
- headaches
- hemorrhoids
- rheumatic pain
- rheumatism
- skin ailments
- tooth decay and gum disease
- ulcers of the mouth and gums
- weak, sore or inflamed eyes
Another variety of Vervain [Verbena hastata] is indigenous to the United States
Dosage:
Recommended dosage is as follows:
- 20-40mL per week of 1:2 fluid extract
Caution:
- Do not use during pregnancy
Global Herbal Supplies has Vervain available in the following forms:
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
