Verbena hastata, Verbena officinalis of the Verbenaceae (vervain) family

History & Growing:

Often called “holy or sacred herb” or “herb of grace”, blue vervain has a deep historical and spiritual history. Vervain is a tonic, restorative herb used for hundreds, if not thousands, of years for digestive support and nervous renewal. The Druids used the herb ceremoniously, and in Christian folklore it was said to grow at the foot of the Cross; it was also said to have been used to staunch bleeding from Christ’s wounds when he was taken down from the Cross. Greeks and Romans were cited to use the herb ceremoniously as well. Pagans apparently used the herb in love potions, so its use is not restricted to just religious history! Verbena hastata is native to North America and is used similarly to Verbena officinalis, which is native to Europe, Africa, China and Japan. Juliet Blankespoor notes Verbena hastata is her choice for colds, flus and fevers, while Verbena officinalis is her choice for nervous tension. Their appearance and growing style, she goes on to note, is slightly different. I grow and use North American, or Verbena hastata, and find it to be a wonderful for nervous tension. Vervain enjoys sun and well-drained soil. The aerial portions (leaves and flowers) are harvested in summertime when the plant is in flower. The beautiful blue flowers are thin and spike-like; the plant is almost fairy-like in its appearance! It is a perennial, and can grow up to 3 feet tall.

Parts Used Medicinally: Aerial portions

Supplementation Forms: Tea, tincture, poultice/compress, wash

Taste: Bitter! Acrid.

Energetics: Cooling & Drying

Actions:

• Anodyne
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-anxiety & depressant
• Bitter
• Cholagogue
• Relaxant Diaphoretic (opens pores to promote sweat during fever)
• Diuretic
• Emetic
• Emmenagogue
• Galactagogue
• Nervine sedative

Organs & Body Systems Blue Vervain Acts On:

• Digestive System (liver)
• Nervous System
• Reproductive System
• Musculoskeletal System
• Immune System

Traditional Uses:

• Topically to staunch bleeding and heal wounds
• Fevers, stomach cramps, diarrhea, edema, urinary complaints, sore eyes, and sores that are slow to heal
• It has been used as a tonic for many years
• Used as an early epilepsy seizure treatment
• Religious uses:  
  • Roman and Greek priests used it to anoint and sweep the alter
  • Druids used vervain as a symbol of holiness, spiritual cleansing, purification and protection against evil spirits
  • Vervain is said to have grown on Mount Calvary and was used to heal Christ’s wounds
  • In Germany, brides wore vervain as a symbol of long-lasting and harmonious union. Mothers are said to hang the herb around children’s necks for protection from sickness and wickedness
  • Juliet Blankespoor, The Healing Garden

Current Uses & Research:

• Digestive Relief
  • As a bitter herb, blue vervain stimulates bile production which in turn aids overall digestion. Vervain improves absorption and the body’s detoxification process.
  • Vervain can help cool a “hot liver”
• Anxiety & Depression Support, Insomnia
  • Blue vervain is surprisingly (or perhaps not so surprisingly?!) under-researched for how prized it is as a tonic herb. Because it supports the digestive system as well as the nervous system, blue vervain is a stunning support system for chronically ill & chronically exhausted people.
• Reproductive System
  • Research on the herb indicates it demonstrates both estrogenic and progestogenic activity. This can be very helpful for women, both menstruating and menopausal. (Chevallier) It’s a FANTASTIC remedy for hot flashes!!!
  • Blue vervain stimulates the uterus, and can be beneficial for delayed menses (but should be avoided during pregnancy for this reason). Its antispasmodic properties also help to relieve uterine cramping & PMS related symptoms. Its also stimulates the production of breastmilk
• Muscle tension & Headaches
  • Vervain can help relax tension headaches. It can be especially indicated for headaches associated with menstruation. Vervain is so bitter that it can send a shiver down your spine! It has a particular affinity for tension between the shoulders, upper back and neck region, which makes it an ally for those who suffer from stress, poor posture, and migraines/tension headaches associated with tension in that area in addition to high stress levels and/ or chronic fatigue.

Blue Vervain’s Superpower: Blue vervain seems specifically indicated for those who are very driven, who hold on too tightly (aka your classic “Type A” person), and – as Michael Wood says -are “avid list makers” and as such feel nervous anxiety, exhaustion and burnout along with tension in the upper back and neck region. Blue vervain is especially potent for those with a hot temper! This herb is tonic resource for frazzled, controlling, temperamental folks who struggle with sleep and tension.  

When to reach for blue vervain & in what form:

• When you’re experiencing tension that manifests in the upper back and neck along with “hot” anger and irritability.
• Because blue vervain is so bitter, I’ve found the tincture to be most palatable in a blend. The tea is a fine way to receive its medicinal properties but it is tough to drink!

Dosage:

• Tea: 1 teaspoon dried leaf in 8 oz hot water up to 3 times per day
• Tincture: 2-3 ml up to 3 times per day

(Blankespoor)

Contraindications:

• Not for use in pregnancy
• High doses can incite stomach pain, diarrhea, headache nausea & vomiting
• Consuming iron with blue vervain lessens iron supplementation’s absorption

Planetary, Elemental & Dosha Discussion:

• Air plant (tall, spindly, blue flowers spiking upwards)
• Venus rulership (“the Great Relaxant” planet, relationships, female reproductive system)
• Sajah Popham speaks to vervain’s patterns beautifully, stating its specifically indicated in excess vata constitutions, or where this is excess wind/fire. It’s cooling for the hot, excited pitta dosha (fire) and relaxant for the tightly bound vata dosha (though vata is cold and dry just like vervain, so formulating is key for tonic uses). Kapha doshas can benefit from its drying, digestive properties.

Citations and Recommended Readings:

Blue Vervain: The Burned-Out and Overworked Remedy by Sajah Popham

The Herbalist’s Approach to Liver Heat by Sajah Popham

The Healing Garden, Juliet Blankespoor

Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, Andrew Chevallier

Body Into Balance, Maria Noel Groves