The herbal and health information provided in this Web Site is intended as historical information only. The historical uses are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nothing listed within this Web Site should be considered as medical advice for dealing with a given problem. You should consult your health care professional for individual guidance for specific health problems. Persons with serious medical conditions should always seek professional care.
Blue Vervain, also known as American Vervain, False Vervain, Indian Hyssop, Purvain, Simpler's Joy, Traveler's Joy, Vervain, and Wild Hyssop, is a bristly perennial native to the northern U.S. and Canada and also to be found in England. The quadrangular stem reaches a height of 2 to 5 feet and bears leaves that are oblong-lanceolate, gradually acuminate, serrate, and 3 to 6 inches long. Some of the lower leaves are lobed at the base, making good on the botanical name. The small, deep blue or purplish-blue flowers are sessile in dense spikes, 2 to 3 inches long, which are arranged in a panicle. The fruit consists of four nutlets which ripen soon after the plant flowers.
Blue Vervain has been used as an antiperiodic, diaphoretic, emetic, expectorant, tonic, vermifuge, and vulnerary. Blue Vervain has been called a natural tranquilizer and is used as an antiperiodic for nervous problems. The warm tea, taken often, is recommended for problems. The warm tea, taken often, is recommended for fevers and colds, especially for getting rid of congestion in throat and chest. It can also be used for insomnia and other nervous conditions and is often effective for eliminating intestinal worms. Taken cold, the infusion acts as a tonic. Externally, Blue Vervain tea heals sores and wounds.
(This herbal ingredient can be purchased from Viable Herbal Solutions in powdered and capsule form as part of our Single Herb sales program.)
