Vervain


Vervain


Latin Name: verbena officinalis, verbena hastata
Alternative Name: enchanters herb, holy herb, verbena, blue vervain, holy wort, brittanica , enchanter’s plant, herba sacra, herb of enchantment, herb of grace, herb of the cross herbe de sacrée, juno’s tears, pigeon’s grass, pigeonwood, simpler’s joy
Forms Available: Above ground portions of the herb.

Vervain – verbena officinalis – Also known as Enchanters Herb, Holy Herb, Verbena, Blue Vervain, and Holy Wort. A Druid sacred herb, common in their many rites and incantations, this hardy perennial has deeply cut lower leaves and smooth upper leaves with small dense spikes of pale lilac-pink flowers. An ancient sacred herb of purification, visions, and love potions, it was included in liqueurs and aphrodisiacs. Vervain was so highly regarded by the Druids that offerings were placed on altars.
“Vervain” is a derivative of the Celtic fer -to drive away, and faen -stone, given to it because of its ability to purge calculi, gravel, from the bladder. A tea of the herb helps to increase breast milk and is helpful in lowering fever, especially of the intermittent type. It will benefit eczema and other skin eruptions. It is a kidney and liver cleanser. Jaundice, whooping cough, edema, mastitis, and headaches fall under its sphere. To make the tea, steep one tablespoon of the herb per cup of water for twenty minutes.
Externally, vervain is used in poultices for ear infections, rheumatism and wounds. Vervain is an emmenagogue -brings down the menses- and soothes the nerves. It is reputed to have aphrodisiac properties. It is a powerful lymphatic detoxifier and has a cleansing effect on the female organs.
Blue Vervain -Vervena hastata, the American variety, is a natural tranquilizer and is helpful with colds and fevers, especially when the upper sespiratory tract is involved. It will eliminate intestinal worms and is used externally for wounds. It is deistinguished from the European vervain by its deeper blue flowers and denser, bristly flower spikes. Blue vervain is also prepared in a standard infusion or tinctured in alcohol.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: A tea of the herb helps to increase breast milk and is helpful in lowering fever, especially of the intermittent type. It will benefit eczema and other skin eruptions. It is a kidney and liver cleanser. A powerful lymphatic detoxifier.

Other Uses: Use for Anointing; Banishing; Gather and burn at Litha; Altar Offering; Creativity; Energy; Strength; Power.


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