If the extent of your vervain knowledge starts and ends with The Vampire Diaries, don't fret--we're here to expand your herbal knowledge. Vervain is a powerful herb which does more than ward off vampires. In fact, it was even used in ceremonies by the Druids of ancient Britain and Gaul as it was credited with magical properties. While it may not be mythically magical, it is medicinally magical. Once taken as a cure-all, vervain is now known used for digestive upsets, nervous system tension, convalescence, headaches & migraines, and other uses.
History & Folklore
Vervain has a long traditional use stemming from both China and Europe. It was even dubbed the "sacred herb" in the 1st century, and for many centuries after it was taken as a cure-all medicine. Surprisingly, little research into vervain has occurred to date. The studies which have been preformed concluded vervain is an anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and liver-protectant.
Habitat & Cultivation
Vervain is a slender perennial growing wild throughout Europe, N. Africa, China, and Japan. Vervain grows under sunny skies and from well-drained soil. It will grow to be 3 feet tall with thin, wispy stems and groupings of small lilac flowers. It is propagated from seed in spring or autumn, and the aerial parts are harvested in summer when in flower.
Uses
Digestive tonic improves the absorption of food and the function of the digestive system
Nervous system helpful for restoring the nervous system, and reducing nervous tension; with mild antidepressant action it is useful in to treat anxiety and long-term stress
Convalescence because vervain improves digestion and restores the nervous system, it is an ideal tonic for chronic illness recovery
Headaches & migraines alleviates headaches; used to treat migraines caused by menstruation
Other uses to treat jaundice, gallstones, asthma, insomnia, premenstrual syndrome, flu, and fevers
Parts used
Aerial parts used for thousands of years in Europe and China, vervain has a tonic effect on the nervous system and digestion
Key Actions
Nervine
Tonic
Mild bitter
Mild antidepressant
Constituents
Bitter iridoids (verbenin, verbenalin)
Volatile oil
Alkaloids
Triterpenes (beta-sitosterol)
Flavonoids
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 149.
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