The Vervain is no ordinary plant. It carries an association with the magical and spiritual practices of ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and the Celtic Druids.
Believed to have powers to protect against evil spells and negative energy and purify sacred places, the aromatic Vervain flowers were the chosen flowers in Rome for altars.
However, that should not undermine the plant’s medicinal properties. Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist, mentioned the plant’s virtuous properties in his two-volume work, Species Plantarum (1753).
Cultivated throughout Eastern Europe, North Africa, China and Japan, Vervain is the only member of its genus with a huge range.
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A perennial herb growing to a height of up to 7 feet, the plant produces small purplish-blue flowers from July to September. Highly attractive to wildlife, the plant bears coral red fruit, however, they are not edible.
Flaunting its lobed, toothed leaves and silky, pale-purple flowers, the plant is recognised as a herbal remedy with over 20 beneficial compounds, including iridoid glycosides, flavonoids and triterpenoids.
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Can you grow Vervain in your garden?
Known to thrive in the wasteland, roadside or dry grassland, Vervain can also be planted in gardens in mid-spring or early summer in hanging baskets or containers and for landscape borders and groundcover.
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Vervain: Quick facts
| Botanical name: Verbena Officinalis
Common names: Vervain, Blue Vervain, V Hastata, Simpler’s Joy, Holy Herb, Mosquito Plant, Wild Hyssop, Verbena, Yerba de Santa Ana, Enchanter’s Plant, Herb of the Cross, Juno’s Tears, Pigeon’s Grass, Pigeonweed, Herb of Grace, Prostrate Verbena, Erba Croce, Erba Dei Tagli Type: Perennial Family: Verbenaceae Native: Europe, Asia Soil: Limey, moist Sun: Full to partial Watering: Regular Suitable for: Outdoors |
Medicinal properties and benefits of Vervain
Traditional use and medical research support Vervain’s health benefits. The plant is traditionally used as a cure for dysmenorrhea, jaundice, gout, kidney stones, headache, depression, anxiety and insomnia. It is also used for lactation stimulation. Considered an astringent, Vervain acts as a diuretic and digestive tonic.
The flower’s glycosides, triterpenoids and essential oils may be effective in curbing tumour growth and killing cancerous cells. The plant extract can also be effective against certain brain-related conditions.
While Vervain flowers are used as a garnish in cocktails and alcoholic beverages, they can also be used as a herbal infusion. The plant is available in tincture form, as a powder or as an ointment. Vervain supplements come as capsules, tinctures, extracts, astringents, teas, powders and dried herbs.
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Vervain side effects
Vervain is not usually consumed as whole food and is not a replacement for standard medicine. It is only a herbal supplement. If taken in large quantities, the plant may cause side effects. Even though they are not common, Vervain supplements may cause indigestion and gas. Some people may experience skin rash.
Is Vervain toxic to pets?
Some plants in the Verbena family are toxic for pets. These include Lemon Verbena and Lantana. It is recommended that you build a pet-proof fence around your garden in case you have a toxic Vervain variety.
FAQs
What is Vervain used for?
Vervain has diuretic and digestive properties aside from being an astringent. It is used as a cure for dysmenorrhea, jaundice, gout, kidney stones, headache, depression, anxiety and insomnia.
Is Lavender a Vervain?
No, Lavender is not the same as Vervain. While Lavender and Verbena both belong to the Labiatae family, the former is a perennial shrub while the latter is a perennial herb.
Can we grow Vervain in India?
Yes, the high-humidity surroundings in India are perfect to grow Vervain in the summer. Vervain plants are available in India on various e-commerce sites.