Blue vervain – Verbena Spp

Description

Blue Vervain gets its name from the Celtic word ferfaen, which means ?to drive away? (fer) and ?stone? (faen). Also called Herb of Grace, Herb of the Cross and Swamp Verbena, this water-loving perennial reputedly invokes protection from snakes and other misfortune if worn or carried as a charm. Unlike some other Verbena species, blue Vervain lacks any scent, but does produce similar flower stalks that support multiple small, pale blue blossoms. The leaves yield a reddish stain when macerated, which remains on the skin if applied as a poultice. Blue Vervain leaves and flowers, together, are tinctured for topical use. The leaves bruised, or the juice mixed with vinegar, does wonderfully cleanse the skin, and take away morphew (dandruff).” Culpeper also recommended vervain to treat jaundice, gout, cough, wheezing, bleeding gums, shortness of breath, fever and kidney stones.

European animal studies show vervain depresses heart rate, constricts the bronchial passages, and stimulates the intestine and uterus. Because it may depress heart rate, anyone with congestive heart failure history or a history of heart disease should not use it. The possibility of bronchial constriction might cause problems for asthmatics and those with other respiratory conditions. Intestinal stimulation might aggravate chronic gastrointestinal conditions, for example, colitis. And pregnant women should steer clear of vervain because of its possible effect on the uterus? except possibly at term and under the supervision of a physician to help induce labor. iridoids; verbenin; verbenalin; bastatoside, essential oil, and mucilage. Combine with other herbs, spices and flowers in tea blends. May increase the effects of diuretics.