Blue Vervain
“Simpler’s Joy” was also called verbena or just plain vervain. Several varieties are known—rose vervain, lemon vervain and Indian hyssop. The abilities of this plant are so many that it may at first be difficult to understand and remember. We’ll just summarize the major benefits so you can get to know this favorite of Hypocrites. (You may wish to use it as an alternative to lobelia and boneset for respiratory problems.)
Scientific name: Verbena Hastata
Common names: Simpler’s Joy, Traveler’s Joy, Wild hyssop, Indian hyssop, American vervain, Blue vervain, False vervain, Purvain, Verbena.
Description: Perennial growing erect from 3-4 feet tall, with opposite branches. The leaves are petiolate, serrate, acuminate and hastate. The flower is small and purplish-blue, sessile and arranged in long spikes. It flowers from June to September. It’s square stem gives it away as a member of the mint family.
Where found: Grows throughout Europe, Asia and America, especially along roads, walls and fences and in dry, grassy fields. It is considered a weed but is sometimes cultivated for herbal use.
History: In ancient times it was a universal remedy. In China it was used for malaria difficulties, dysentery (root), and to act on the blood (stalk/leaves), relieving congestion and toxic materials. Others used it for mad dog bites, stanching blood from wounds, and it’s Celtic name (“Ferfaen”) meant “to drive away a stone.” It was therefore used for urinary and gallbladder problems. Vervain was considered a cure-all and sacred plant, and is mentioned as one of the plants helping to save those of the Medieval plagues.
Parts Used: Whole plant
Properties: Antipyretic (against fevers), Diaphoretic (causing perspiration), Expectorant (clearing mucous congestion), Astringent (to reduce swelling, bind or contract tissue), Antispasmodic (stop muscle spasms, cramps), Nervine (strengthen nerves), Relaxant, Tonic, Galactogogue ( increases mother’s milk), Emmenagogue (promotes menstruation), Analgesic (for pain), Anti-inflammatory.
Constituents: Iridoids, verbenalin and verbenine glycosides, essential oil, tannin, bitter principle, and mucilage.
Selected sources:
The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine, Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph. D., Keats Pub., New Canaan, Conn., 1986.
The Way of Herbs, Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., Pocket Books, NY, 1990 ed.
Back to Eden, Jethro Kloss, Woodbridge Press, Santa Barbara, CA, 1981 ed.
