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Vervain | | Name : | Vervain | | Synonyms : | Americanvervain
Falsevervain
Indianhyssop
Purvain
Simpler'sjoy
Traveler'sjoy
Vervain
Wildhyssop
| | Family : | Verbenaceae | | Parts Used : | Roots, leaves, stems | | Habitat : | Native to the northern United States and Canada, found also in England.Fields, thickets, waste places, in dry hard soils, along roadsides. | | Description : | In England the Common Vervain is found growing by roadsides and in sunny pastures. It is a perennial bearing many small, pale-lilac flowers. The leaves are opposite, and cut into toothed lobes. The plant has no perfume, and is slightly bitter and astringent in taste. The name Vervain is derived from the Celtic ferfaen, from fer (to drive away) and faen (a stone), as the plant was much used for affections of the bladder, especially calculus. Another derivation is given by some authors from Herba veneris, because of the aphrodisiac qualities attributed to it by the Ancients. Priests used it for sacrifices, and hence the name Herba Sacra. The name Verbena was the classical Roman name for 'altar-plants' in general, and for this species in particular. The druids included it in their lustral water, and magicians and sorcerers employed it largely. It was used in various rites and incantations, and by ambassadors in making leagues. Bruised, it was worn round the neck as a charm against headaches, and also against snake and other venomous bites as well as for general good luck. It was thought to be good for the sight. Its virtues in all these directions may be due to the legend of its discovery on the Mount of Calvary, where it staunched the wounds of the crucified Saviour. Hence, it is crossed and blessed with a commemorative verse when it is gathered. It must be picked before flowering, and dried promptly. | | Constituents : | The plant appears to contain a peculiar tannin, but it has not yet been properly analysed. | | Uses : | It is recommended in upwards of thirty complaints, being astringent, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, etc. It is said to be useful in intermittent fevers, ulcers, ophthalmia, pleurisy, etc., and to be a good galactogogue. It is still used as a febrifuge in autumn fevers.
As a poultice it is good in headache, earneuralgia, rheumatism, etc. In this form it colours the skin a fine red, giving rise to the idea that it had the power of drawing the blood outside. A decoction of 2 OZ. to a quart, taken in the course of one day, is said to be a good medicine in purgings, easing pain in the bowels. It is often applied externally for piles. It is used in homoeopathy.
Fluid extract, 1/2 to 1 drachm. | | Dosage : | Infusion: use 2 tsp. rootstock or herb with 1 pint of boilingwater. For a tonic, take 2-3 tsp., 6 times a day, cold.
Tincture: take 10-20 drops at a time. | | Safety : | Avoid blue vervain during pregnancy; it is a uterine stimulant; maybe taken during labor. | | Myths : | Historically, blue vervain has been associated with sorcerers, witches,and magic. In ancient times, it was bruised and worn about the neckas a charm against headaches and venomous bites. An old legend reputesvervain to have been used to staunch the wounds of Christ on Calvary.
It was the divine weed that was sprinkled on the altars of Jupiter,the herba veneris employed in rites of love and a sacred plant (hierabotane) of the Druids. Latter-day magicians wear a crown of vervainas protection during the evocation of demons. Blue vervain, an ancientherb used by Druids, Egyptians, Persians, and British herbalists fora vast range of ailments, is no longer considered to have healingproperties. Grown today for ornamental purposes. | | Sold : | Capsules |
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