Venerable Vervain

VERVAIN
Verbena officinalis

Note: Verbena hastata or Blue Vervain is the American Native


COMMON/FOLKLORE NAMES: Herb of Grace, Herbe Sacrée, Herb of the Cross, Juno's Tears, Pigeonwood, Pigeon Grass, Simpler's Joy, Verbena, Enchanter's Plant, Vervan, Van-Van

PARTS USED: Aerial parts: leaves, flowering heads.

HISTORICAL REFERENCES: In A Modern Herbal, Grieve tells us that "Vervain is derived from the Celtic ferfaen, from fer (to drive away) and faen (a stone)...". Another derivation is given by some authors from Herba Veneris, because of the aphrodisiac qualities attributed to it by the Ancients". Even the Egyptians considered the use of Vervain 'ancient', their own legend being that Vervain originated from the tears of Isis as she wept for Osiris.

The herb has long been sacred in holy circles, as early as the Druids and notably throughout the Roman period. Priests used it for sacrifices and for purification, tying the herb in bundles to ritually sweep the altars, hence the name Herba Sacra. The name Verbena, in fact, was the classical Roman name for 'altar-plants' in general, and for this species in particular.

Legend has it that Vervain (along with Meadowsweet and Water Mint) was one of the most sacred herbs of the Druids. Purportedly, a crown of Vervain was worn by Druids during initiatory rites, and Grieve shows us how its magical and medicinal paths cross when she relates in A Modern Herbal, "...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."

Christianity maintains that Vervain was discovered growing on the Mount of Calvary, where the leaves were used to staunch the blood of the wounds of the crucified Jesus. Hence the traditional belief that Vervain should be crossed and blessed with a special blessing or commemorative verse when gathered.

MEDICINAL USES:
Cautionary Notes:Avoid during pregnancy
A regular infusion of 1-2 teaspoons full of the dried herb in one cup of boiling water will ease tension and promote relaxation. Vervain is a natural sedative, but that's not all Vervain can be used for.

In fact, here is just a partial list of Vervain's internal and external uses:

• Strengthen the nervous system and counter nervous exhaustion
• Alleviate depression
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