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 | Vervain Other Names: Herb of Grace. Herbe Sacrée. Herba veneris.
Botanical Name: Verbena officinalis
Family: N.O. Verbenaceae |
Description: |
| In England the Common Vervain is found growing by roadsides and in sunny pastures. It is a perennial bearing many small, pale-lilac flowers. The leaves are opposite, and cut into toothed lobes. The plant has no perfume, and is slightly bitter and astringent in taste. The name Vervain is derived from the Celtic ferfaen, from fer (to drive away) and faen (a stone), as the plant was much used for affections of the bladder, especially calculus. Another derivation is given by some authors from Herba veneris, because of the aphrodisiac qualities attributed to it by the Ancients. Priests used it for sacrifices, and hence the name Herba Sacra. The name Verbena was the classical Roman name for 'altar-plants' in general, and for this species in particular. The druids included it in their lustral water, and magicians and sorcerers employed it largely. It was used in various rites and incantations, and by ambassadors in making leagues. Bruised, it was worn round the neck as a charm against headaches, and also against snake and other venomous bites as well as for general good luck. It was thought to be good for the sight. Its virtues in all these directions may be due to the legend of its discovery on the Mount of Calvary, where it staunched the wounds of the crucified Saviour. Hence, it is crossed and blessed with a commemorative verse when it is gathered. It must be picked before flowering, and dried promptly. |
Habitat: |
| Europe, Barbary, China, Cochin-China, Japan. |
Constituents: |
The plant appears to contain a peculiar tannin, but it has not yet been properly analysed.
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Medicinal Usage: |
It is recommended in upwards of thirty complaints, being astringent, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, etc. It is said to be useful in intermittent fevers, ulcers, ophthalmia, pleurisy, etc., and to be a good galactogogue. It is still used as a febrifuge in autumn fevers.
As a poultice it is good in headache, earneuralgia, rheumatism, etc. In this form it colours the skin a fine red, giving rise to the idea that it had the power of drawing the blood outside. A decoction of 2 OZ. to a quart, taken in the course of one day, is said to be a good medicine in purgings, easing pain in the bowels. It is often applied externally for piles. It is used in homoeopathy.
Fluid extract, 1/2 to 1 drachm. |
Ancient Lore: |
VERVAIN (Common) VERBENA OFFICINALIS
Used with lard, it helps swellings and pains in the secret parts.
A perennial growing to about 18 inches (46 cm) high with broad leaves at ground level a squarish stalk and long spike of lilac or pinkish-white flowers.
Where to find it: Waste ground, roadsides and dry grassland.
Flowering time: Midsummer.
Astrology. A herb of Venus.
Medicinal virtues: Excellent for the womb. It strengthens and remedies all cold distempers of it as Plantain does the hot. It opens obstructions and is cleansing and healing. It helps the yellow jaundice, the dropsy and the gout. It kills and expels worms in the belly and causes a good colour in the face and body. It strengthens as well as corrects diseases of the stomach, liver and spleen. It helps the cough, wheezings, shortness of breath and defects of the reins and bladder, expelling gravel and stone. Used with honey it heals old ulcers and fistulas in the legs.
Modern uses: As a nervine, it is combined with Mistletoe and Valeriana and given by infusion. On its own, it is a good remedy for coughs and colds, but may be combined with remedies such as Colt's Foot and Horehound. In the early stages of colds and fevers, the warm infusion will induce sweating and may be combined with Yarrow. Its astringent properties make it of use in acute diarrhoea. |
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