Verbena officinalis
A perennial herb with a
square, erect, stiff stem, loosely branched towards the top and
sparsely leafy. The opposite, dull-green leaves are pinnately
divided into oblong lobes, often with rounded teeth, the terminal
lobe the largest; the upper leaves are smaller and less divided.
The small, slightly two-lipped, pale-lilac flowers are arranged
in long terminal spikes. The corolla tube is almost twice as long
as the calyx. The fruit consists of four reddish-brown nutlets.
All parts of the plant are roughly hairy.
The flowering stems are used medicinally. Their constituents
include the glycoside verbenalin and verbenin, tannins, an
essential oil, mucilage, saponins and mineral compounds. These
substances give Vervain astringent, diuretic, stomachic, tonic,
diaphoretic, antispasmodic, vulnerary, mild sedative and hypnotic
properties. It is used internally in an infusion for various
disorders associated with the stomach, liver and kidneys. It is
also excellent for stimulating the metabolism, for treating
general nervous exhaustion, insomnia and migraine. Externally
Vervain is used in gargles and in compresses and bath
preparations for skin disorders. A tincture prepared from the
fresh plant is used in homeopathy.
Vervain grows wild in most parts of Europe in waste places and by
waysides, always in a sheltered spot. It is uncommon in the
British Isles, where it is native, and is mostly found only in
England and Wales. Vervain has long been associated with magic
and sorcery as well as with medicine. Roman soldiers carried it
in their packs to protect them, and lovers used it in love
potions. The common name, Vervain, is derived from verbena, which
was the classical Roman term for altar plants used in religious
ceremonies. Vervain was once believed to ward off plague and if
worn round the head it would keep away headaches and prevent
poisonous bites. It remains a popular herbal remedy for nervous
complaints.
Flowering time: July to September