Vervain
Vervain, also known as
Simpler's Joy , Herb-of-the-cross, Ma Bian Cao and
Pigeon's Grass,, is native to the New World from Canada south to southern Chile, but some are also native in the Old World, mainly in Europe.
Vervainwas brought from Europe to North America by the Puritans. Currently, the herb is common in North America like the continent’s native species American Verbena.
Vervain has a long documented history of association with magic.
Vervain was used by the druids and sorcerers in their ceremonies. The ancient Romans held all species of the
vervain in admiration and used the a sacred herb to sanitize their homes and temples.
Vervainwas, at one time, believed to be an aphrodisiac, being sacred to the goddess, Venus.
Vervain served diverse purposes - a love potion for the medieval witches and a substance to cure people from the influence of the ominous spell cast by witches.
The Egyptians dedicated the
Vervain herb to their Goddess of birth Isis and commonly used it in their love potions .
According to legend, the wood of this plant was used for the Cross of Christ, afterwards being reduced to a parasite.
Herbal infusions of
Vervain are still being used by herbalist as a digestive aid and sedative. In ancient times, remedies prepared with the herb were often used to cure snakebite and diarrhea. The root of
Vervain was chewed to strengthen their teeth and gums. Today, many herbalists prescribe
Vervain tea as a stimulant, astringent, diuretic and diaphoretic to alleviate fever by encouraging sweating.
Also available:
Blue Vervain Seeds
