Vervain, Blue

Sow indoors in early spring. For best results cold-moist stratify (mix seed with moist sand, seal in plastic bag and keep in fridge) for 2-3 weeks prior to sowing. Seeds may continue germinating for up to 3 months so do not discard prematurely and keep the soil damp.

Whilst blue vervain – indigenous to America – has similar therapeutic activity to its relative Verbena officinalis, the European vervain, it looks very different. Its magenta-blue flowers grow to eye height by mid-Summer luring the eye and bees towards them.

Favoured for use in the Native American tradition, it was later written about by the famous Eclectic physicians Harvey Felter and John Uri Lloyd in King’s American Dispensatory and William Cook’s Physiomedical Dispensatory where it is considered a ‘relaxant tonic’. It has a bitter and astringent flavour that can cool a hot head and a hot liver. It is used as an anxiolytic nervine for acute and chronic stress leading to spasms, cramps and tension making it useful for headaches, digestive stagnation, nervous tics and muscle spasms. As it helps smooth the flow of the emotions it can dissipate irritability and digest indigestible experiences, helping mild depression. Its especially relevant for symptoms of menstrual anxiety and cramps and menopausal heat and anxiety, but its not to be used in pregnancy.

It goes well with motherwort, skullcap and lemon balm for anxiety and with tonics like ashwagandha and milky oatseed for nervous exhaustion.

Harvest the aerial parts just as it comes into flower, avoiding any discoloured lower leaves. Then immediately cut into smaller pieces and dry by laying out on an open rack or, even easier, tie the stems into bunches and hang upside down to dry.

As a tea, use 1-2 teaspoons (1.5-3g) in a cup of boiled water steeped for 15 minutes a couple of times a day.

To make a tincture infuse 1 part herb to 5 parts with the alcohol @ 40%.