August 21, 2002

VERVAIN

Latin Name: Verbena officinalis

Alternate Names: Holy Wort, Herb Of The Cross, Ma Bian Cao (Chinese)

Family: VERBENACEAE

Parts Used: Above ground portion.

Properties: Anticoagulant, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Antitumor, Aphrodisiac, Astringent, Bitter Tonic, Cardiotonic, Cholagogue, Diaphoretic, Digestive Tonic, Diuretic, Emetic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Febrifuge, Galactagogue, Hepato-stimulant, Nervine, Sedative, Sudorific, Vasoconstrictor, Vulnerary.

Internal Uses: Acne, Anorexia, Anxiety, Appendicitis, Asthma, Cirrhosis, Cough, Depression, Dysmenorrhea, Epilepsy, Fever, Gallstones, Gout, Headache, Hemorrhage, Hepatitis, Hysteria, Insomnia, Jaundice, Labor Contractions, Mastitis, Migraine, Neck Cancer, Nervousness, Neuralgia, Ovarian Cysts, Pain, Pneumonia, Premenstrual Tension, Scrotum Cancer, Seizure, Spleen Cancer, Stress, Tuberculosis

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Used for cancerous growths of neck, scrotum and spleen. It helps migraines related to menstrual cycles and headaches caused by nerves. Vervain is known to affect the parasympathetic nervous system and stimulate uterine activity. As a digestive aid, it improves nutrient assimilation.

Topical Uses: Bruises, Burns, Cavities, Eczema, Gingivitis, Hemorrhoids, Neuralgia, Sore Throat, Wounds

Topical Applications: Poultice for hemorrhoids, wounds, burns and bruises. Salve for eczema and neuralgia. Use as hair tonic, eyewash. Gargle for sore throat. Powdered herb has been used to brush teeth. Use as mouthwash to prevent cavities and to treat gum disease

Culinary uses: Liqueurs.

Energetics: Pungent, Bitter, Cold.

Chemical Constituents: Glycosides (verbenaline, verbenine), essential oil, mucilage, saponins, tannins.

Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy, except during labor. Large doses may cause vomiting.

Comments: The name Vervain is derived from the Celtic word, ferfaen, which means 'to drive away stone', as this herb has been used for bladder stones. Verbena may also be a corruption of herba veneris, meaning 'herb of Venus'. At one time it was called Herba Sacra as it was used in ancient sacrifices and to decorate altars. Romans would carry it as a symbol of peace. Christians used Vervain sprigs to sprinkle holy water. Vervain has been used for casting spells, for purification, to induce visions, and in love potions. It has been worn as an amulet. So esteemed was Vervain that it was once used to treat venomous snake bites and prevent Bubonic Plague.

Vervain is used as a Bach Flower Remedy for one who does too many jobs at once as it can increase understanding and enable one to slow down.

The common name Vervain includes Verbena hastata (the American variety) which is used interchangeably with Verbena officinalis (the European variety).

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), August 21, 2002

Answers

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), August 21, 2002.