How to Use Vervain

Vervain is also known as Enchanter’s Plant, Herb of the Cross, Pigeon Grass, Simpler’s Joy and Juno’s Tears. It is a perennial herb that grows 1 to 2 feet tall. It prefers full sun, average to rich soils, though it is native to the Mediterranean; it is grown throughout temperate North America. Though it is quite short-lived, it does self-seed. The leaves and flower tops should be harvested as the plants bloom. Some hybrids are used as ornamental flowers. The type of Vervain used in healing is Verbena officinalis.

Things You'll Need

• Vervain - dried herb or supplements

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Instructions

How to Use Vervain

• 1

  Vervain tea makes an excellent remedy for colds and fevers. It's mildly tranquilizing effect helps to calm chesty coughs and in weak infusions it is gentle enough to give to children. It is also believed to relieve respiratory infections. It clears congestion and will help with the release of phlegm from the nose and throat.

• 2

  The tannins contained in vervain make it useful for treating bleeding teeth and gums. If you are prone to these symptoms or suffer from gingivitis, a warm infusion of vervain as a mouthwash will ease these symptoms.

• 3

  Use vervain tea as a tonic. Its active ingredients are particularly soothing for nervous tension or nervous exhaustion. These properties also make it a great tonic for people recovering from a chronic illness. For the same reasons it may also be useful for relieving insomnia.

• 4

  Vervain also helps to aid the digestion, helping with the absorption of food and preventing excessive bloating or indegestion. Its bitter constituents can also relieve gastrointestinal pains. Studies have shown that vervain can also protect against the formation of kidney stones.

• 5

  As an ointment, vervain can be used to treat eczema, hives, weeping sores, small wounds, burns, insect bites and stings.