Medicinally, vervain is used largely as
a nervine and liver tonic, bitter and stimulating for the digestion, and
as an ideal tonic in convalescence and debility. It is sedating and is
included in a number of over-the-counter remedies for anxiety and stress.
It can also be helpful for neuralgia and migraine, taken internally or
applied topically in the form of a compress. Vervain combines well with
oats for combating depression and is a useful herb for nursing mothers,
relaxing the nervous system to take the tension out of feeding time and
stimulating milk flow.
John Gerard, who clearly had little time for
folk traditions, warns his readers not to listen to "odde olde wives
tales" of vervain that told of "witchcraft and sorceries".
As late as the 17th century the plant was still being used in
fortune-telling rites - a practice that can be traced back at least to
Druidic times.
The Romans called it hiera botane (sacred
plant) and used it to purify homes and spread on Jupiter's altars. Well
into the Christian era it was castigated as a witch plant, or as the 11th
century Physicians of Myddfai warned, "Give no heed to those who say
that it should be gathered in the name of the devil." The Druids,
according to Pliny, collected it when the "dog star could be seen in
the heavens" and even today many regard it as a strong spiritual herb
capable of healing holes in the human aura.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
