Verbena officinalis or Herb Venus,the old spice Vervain and Its Enchantment Use:From Black Magic to Christin Legend.

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Historical or traditional use of Verbena officinalis.

Vervain herb Extract INCI Name Verbena Officinalis Extract CAS 84961-67-1 EINECS ELINCS No 284-657-0 Blue Vervain Herb extract Verbena hastata photo picture image Due to its bitter taste, herbalists used vervain to improve digestion. Vervain was also used to treat people with depression and spastic pains in the gastrointestinal tract, as a mild diaphoretic (to induce sweating and promote mild fevers), and for all manner of female reproductive system problems when associated with melancholy or anxiety. Early 20th century Eclectic physicians (doctors who recommended herbal medicines) in the United States felt vervain might be helpful for mild digestive problems. Vervain also has a reputation as a traditional remedy for stimulating production of breast milk.

 Vervain grows wild in most parts of Europe in waste places and by waysides, always in a sheltered spot. It is uncommon in the British Isles, where it is native, and is mostly found only in England and Wales. Vervain has long been associated with magic and sorcery as well as with medicine. Roman soldiers carried it in their packs to protect them, and lovers used it in love potions. The common name, Vervain, is derived from verbena, which was the classical Roman term for altar plants used in religious ceremonies. Vervain was once believed to ward off plague and if worn round the head it would keep away headaches and prevent poisonous bites. It remains a popular herbal remedy for nervous complaints.

 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.

 Strangely, this unassuming plant was one of the most revered herbs used by the Druids. It was called hiera botane (sacred plant) by the Romans, who used it to purify their homes and temples. The ancient Egyptians and Chinese also considered the plant as having "hidden powers". It was the herb of prophecy for the magi, the mystic sages of Persia.

 The name Verbena, is a classical name for branches of laurel, olive, myrtle, cypress, and other trees used in religious rites.
 Vervain herb Extract INCI Name Verbena Officinalis Extract CAS 84961-67-1 EINECS ELINCS No 284-657-0 Blue Vervain Herb extract Verbena hastata photo picture image

 Vervain is used extensively by perfumery houses because of its delicate aroma.

 Gerard gives an interesting treatise on the herb in his herbal. He recommended it for "Tertian and Quartaine Fevers," but derided those who promoted it as a cure for the plague. He also warned against using the herb for "witchcraft and sorcery."
 The herb has long been used for dropsy. Modern research has identified cardioactive glycosides as being responsible for this action.
 The herb also has antidepressant qualities, an idea that goes back to Pliny, at least. However, its action is weak unless taken in large doses, which are poisonous.
 The Aztecs called it "medicine for urinating" and used the mashed roots as a diuretic.

 In early 18th century "New Spain", the Jesuits prescribed the herb as a remedy for headache, jaundice, and other ailments. Mexicans today use "verbena" tea to treat bad colds and flu.

 Native American tribes also used the herb medicinally, mainly as a treatment for circulatory problems, headaches, insomnia, and hepatitis. The Teton Dakotas boiled the leaves to make a drink used to treat stomachache. The Omahas used the leaves for a beverage tea. The Mesquakies used the root as a remedy for "fits". The Menominis made a tea from the roots to clear up cloudy urine. The Chippewas took the dried flowers and pulverized them to make a snuff to stop nosebleeds. The Iroquois made a root decoction and used it to treat intestinal worms.

 A report from 1785 stated that American Army physicians used the plant as an emetic and expectorant when they could not find anything else, and found it to be a successful remedy.

 The dried aerial parts were officially listed in the National Formulary from 1916 to 1926 as a diaphoretic and expectorant.

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citations1.Verbena officinalis or Herb Venus,the old spice Vervain and Its Enchantment Use:From Black Magic to Christin Legend.

last edit date:1st,July.2009.