VERVAIN
Verbena officinalis
Note: Verbena hastata or Blue
Vervain is the American Native
COMMON/FOLKLORE NAMES: Herb of Grace, Herbe Sacrée, Herb of the Cross,
Juno’s Tears, Pigeonwood, Pigeon Grass, Simpler’s Joy, Verbena,
Enchanter’s Plant, Vervan, Van-Van
PARTS USED: Aerial parts: leaves, flowering heads.
HISTORICAL REFERENCES: In A Modern Herbal, Grieve tells us that
"Vervain is derived from the Celtic ferfaen, from fer (to drive away) and
faen (a stone)...". Another derivation is given by some authors from Herba
Veneris, because of the aphrodisiac qualities attributed to it by the
Ancients". Even the Egyptians considered the use of Vervain ‘ancient’,
their own legend being that Vervain originated from the tears of Isis as she
wept for Osiris.
The herb has long been sacred in holy circles, as early as the Druids and
notably throughout the Roman period. Priests used it for sacrifices and for
purification, tying the herb in bundles to ritually sweep the altars, hence the
name Herba Sacra. The name Verbena, in fact, was the classical Roman name for
'altar-plants' in general, and for this species in particular.
Legend has it that Vervain (along with Meadowsweet and Water Mint) was one of
the most sacred herbs of the Druids. Purportedly, a crown of Vervain was worn by
Druids during initiatory rites, and Grieve shows us how its magical and
medicinal paths cross when she relates in A Modern Herbal, "...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."
Christianity maintains that Vervain was discovered growing on the Mount of
Calvary, where the leaves were used to staunch the blood of the wounds of the
crucified Jesus. Hence the traditional belief that Vervain should be crossed and
blessed with a special blessing or commemorative verse when gathered.
MEDICINAL USES:
Cautionary Notes:Avoid during pregnancy
A regular infusion of 1-2 teaspoons full of the dried herb in one cup of boiling
water will ease tension and promote relaxation. Vervain is a natural sedative,
but that’s not all Vervain can be used for.
In fact, here is just a partial list of Vervain's internal and external uses:
- Strengthen the nervous system and counter nervous exhaustion
- Alleviate depression
- Treat headaches, including migraine and stress related (as a tea or a
poultice)
- Suggested for disorders of the liver and gallstones
- Promotes the onset of menstruation
- Eases menopausal symptoms
- Increases mother’s milk
- Makes a good mouthwash for infected gums
- Reduces fever
- Externally, Vervain can be used as a rinse or poultice for use as a
benefit to eczema, to staunch blood flow or wounds, for itching, arthritis,
minor burns and bruises, and headaches
GARDENING WITH VERVAIN:Vervain is a perennial preferring rich soil and
full sun. It reaches about 2’ tall (or spreads) with small, pale purple
flowers which bloom mid-late summer. The leaves are long, broad and somewhat
toothed; dark green on the upper side, while sort of grayish underneath. They
appear as opposites on the stem. The stalk is square, branching into several
parts. Vervain root is small and long.
Folklore says to bury a Vervain leaf in the garden to help plants thrive.
MAGICAL USES: White Vervain is reputed to have the strongest properties,
but Blue Vervain may be used as well.
GENDER: Feminine
ELEMENT: Earth
PLANET: Venus, Jupiter, Sun
DEITIES: Venus, Diana, Cerridwen, Mars, Juno, Jupiter, Thor, Aradia, Medea,
Hermes
Vervain has as many magical uses as medicinal, if not more. As one can see from
the Deity correspondences, the view of Vervain as a magical herb crossed many
cultures and continents, from the Egyptians and Greeks through the Celts, Welsh
and many other European peoples. Vervain's widespread use as a sacred herb of
protection and purification, as well as its use as a mild aphrodisiac, carry
forth today.
Vervain is an ideal herb for the making of wands, for purifying and consecrating
ritual tools, for use in the ritual bath, or worn for protection.
In addition:
- Sprinkle Vervain throughout the house or ritual area or burn as incense to
bring peace and protection.
- Place Vervain in the bedroom will bring tranquil dreams
- Wear Vervain as a crown for protection during magical work.
- Use it in the Chalice as an offering or to gain insight
- Offer Vervain as a child’s blessing, to bring the child joy and love of
learning
- Burn Vervain to banish feelings of a love unreturned.
- To dispel fears, lighting a candle and surrounding it with Vervain. Speak
aloud, asking your Deity for help in releasing your fears. (From A
Druid’s Herbal by E.E. Hopman)
Hopman also tells us to "Strew Vervain on the garden as an offering to the
fairies and elementals who help it grow."
In A Compendium of Herbal Magick, Beyerl says that Vervain is of great
benefit to the singer, "increasing the quality of sound and providing the
musician with a greater ability to work to improve (their) skills", as well
as for poetic inspiration. It is "...most potent if fresh cut and worn when
performing."
For magical purposes, Vervain is traditionally gathered at Midsummer or at
the rising of the Dog Star, at the dark of the moon, thus when neither the sun
nor moon are in the sky (Hopman). The remainder of the previous year’s dried
Vervain should be tossed into the Midsummer fires.
Vervain’s association with Druidry should not be overlooked by those
following that path or the Celtic traditions today. For any student, Vervain is
a must for the Magical Cabinet!
The Vervain pictures are from Henryetta’s
Herbal Pics Page and Vascular
Plant Image Gallery, both of which I highly recommend for the most
comprehensive herbal picture pages I’ve ever found! Watch for them to be added
to my 5 Star Recommended links!
NEXT WEEK: Pinching Pennys! (Pennyroyals, that is...)
