Vervain

Not to be confused with a different species in the verbena family, the highly scented lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora), vervain, like so many other lilac-flowered plants, is primarily a nervine. It is considered specific for long standing nervous tension, especially helpful when a patient has been chronically stressed for an extended time. According to the Dorothy Hall vervain person-picture they are “detail” people, “conscientious, always busy and somewhat irritable.” This is echoed by UK herbalist Lucy Jones who says: “I always think of it for people who make lists…Vervain is specific for those who are perfectionists and carry the weight of the world on their shoulders…” She says another way of viewing this is that they carry most of their tension in their neck and shoulders. 

Vervain is also strongly bitter, which stimulates the liver and bile secretion, enhancing digestion. As a hepatic herb vervain encourages hormone balance meaning it can be helpful for menstrual irregularities, period pain, menopausal symptoms and premenstrual tension. Vervain also plays a role in balancing blood sugar and counteracting depression through its liver supporting action. 

It's no wonder then that Juliette de Bairacli Levy, deemed one of the grandmothers of contemporary herbalism, declared vervain a cure-all which, “along with red clover (Trifolium pratense), is known as God’s gift to man… In the plague years, vervain was one of the herbs recommended as a safeguard.” De Bairacli Levy said that while vervain is beneficial for all “ills” it is especially valuable for fevers. 

References

Hall D. Dorothy Hall’s Herbal Medicine. Sydney:Lothian. 1988. p301

Jones L. A Working Herbal Dispensary. Aeon Books:Glasgow. 2023. p362

Jones L. A Working Herbal Dispensary. Aeon Books:Glasgow. 2023. p362

de Bairacli Levy J. Common Herbs for Natural Health. Ash Tree Publishing:New York. 1997. p.165