Vervain is fairly easy to grow in your own garden or planters, often used as border or trailing plants.  some species require moist growing conditions, while others are quite drought tolerant. Vervain, a perennial, usually grows tall and slender and has thin spikes which hold beautiful clusters of white to pink to purple flowers. In gardens and outdoor planters, Vervain’s fragrance is known to attract butterflies, which adds charm to their beauty. The fragrance of Vervain makes it an excellent choice to add to sachets.

Other names for Vervain

Altar Plant, Blue Vervain, Demetria, Dragon’s Claw, Enchanter’s plant, Ferfaen, Frog-foot, Herba Scara (or Sacree), Herb of the Cross, Herb of Grace, Herba Verneris (herb of venus), Holy Herb, Holy Plant, Holywort, Juno’s Tears, Mercury’s Moist Blood, Peristerium, Persephonion, Pigeon’s Grass, Pigeonwood, Sagmina, Simpler’s Joy, Swamp Verbena, Tears of Isis, Verbena, Vervan, Van Van, Verbein, Verbena, Verbinaca, Wild Hyssop.

Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)

photo credit: tlindenbaum 

Common Vervain (Verbena officinalis)

Photo credit: Jerry...

In Native America, Vervain seeds were used to make pinole (a flour) and the plant was used as a medicine. Throughout the course of history, Vervain has been used to treat insomnia and other nervous conditions, as it has a calming effect.

The Native American Pawnee tribes used Vervain as an aide to improve their dreams and has been used for centuries by poets and other writers to help with their inspiration.

When brewed as a tea, vervain has also been used to treat other conditions including dysmenorrhea, jaundice, kidney stones, headaches, depression, anxiety, nausea and diarrhea, and colic. In addition, vervain has also been used as an aphrodisiac and to help stimulate lactation.

Vervain, because it causes uterine contractions in females, has been used as a form of birth control, similar to the morning-after pill of modern times.

Vervain is said to help with minor skin irritations (as a additive to bath water) and to help heal wounds because of its antibacterial properties.

Interactions and Side Effects of Vervain

There are no well documented known interactions between Vervain and other medications that may be prescribed by a physician or purchased over-the-counter.

It is very important to note that Vervain should not be taken by pregnant women, especially during their first trimester of pregnancy, as it is known to cause miscarriage.

Traditional Use

Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)

Due to its bitter taste, herbalists used vervain to improve digestion. Vervain was also used to treat people with depression and spastic pains in the gastrointestinal tract, as a mild diaphoretic (to induce sweating and promote mild fevers), and for all manner of female reproductive system problems when associated with melancholy or anxiety.

Early 20th century Eclectic physicians (doctors who recommended herbal medicines) in the United States felt vervain might be helpful for mild digestive problems. Vervain also has a reputation as a traditional remedy for stimulating production of breast milk.

Active Constituents

The active constituents of vervain have not been thoroughly demonstrated. Glycosides, such as verbenalin and aucubin, and a volatile oil may all contribute to its activity. No human studies have documented the use of this herb for any condition.

How much is usually taken?

A tea of vervain leaves and flowers is prepared by adding 1-2 teaspoons (2-4 grams) to a pint (500 ml) of hot water which is left to steep, covered, for 10-15 minutes.  Three cups (750 ml) per day are typically recommended by doctors. The taste of the tea is fairly disagreeable, therefore, most people prefer a tincture. Tincture, 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 ml) three times per day, is also suggested.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

No adverse effects of vervain have been reported. Vervain should be avoided during pregnancy. Although, traditionally, its use was during the last two weeks of pregnancy to facilitate labor. Vervain should be used during pregnancy only under the guidance of a healthcare professional experienced in herbal medicine.

Source:  Blue Shield CA