Plant Series: Blue Vervain

Plant Series: Blue Vervain

Welcome to our new newsletter series, where we’ll focus on the plants themselves – materia medica, formulation, preparation making, and more.

Blue vervain’s Latin name is Verbena hastata. Verbena officinalis and Verbena brasiliensis can also be used interchangeably with Verbena hastata.

Thoughts on Blue Vervain

From Thomas Easley, RH

As an herbalist with 25 years of experience, I often find it difficult to pinpoint my favorite herb when asked. Instead, I usually share my top five or ten go-to herbs, and one that consistently shines is Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata). Today, I’d like to delve into the captivating world of Blue Vervain, its remarkable properties, and the fascinating history behind its use.

It’s particularly effective for ambitious, driven individuals who tend to hold tension in their neck and shoulders. For them, Blue Vervain’s calming effects can be transformative, effortlessly clearing their minds. If you match the specific indication as a “stiff-necked overachieving listmaker who has a hard time asking for help” I’d recommend sitting down or being near a chair when taking it, as suddenly not having thoughts in your mind may surprise you to the point to going weak in the knees.

Blue vervain is indicated for “stiff-necked overachieving listmakers who have a hard time asking for help.”

Blue Vervain’s specific indication highlights its efficacy for overachieving, hard-driving individuals who hold tension in their neck and shoulders. In addition to its relaxing properties, Blue Vervain boasts other fascinating qualities depending on the preparation used.

For instance, a strong infusion can induce relaxation but also cause sweating, nausea, and vomiting due to its bitterness. I recall a memorable blind tea tasting during which students who had overindulged in Blue Vervain infusion ended up giddily laughing and occasionally projectile vomiting – all without the distress normally associated with nausea and vomiting.

If you’re using Blue Vervain as a diaphoretic (to promote sweating), it takes a large dose of the infusion to be effective, so I advise adding anti-nausea herbs like spearmint, peppermint, ginger, or chai spices to the infusion. This combination works wonders for those who have stopped sweating, no matter the reason, including taking medications like antihistamines or anticholinergics. I’ve seen it work on people who can’t remember sweating, even when overheated, for decades.

Preparation Notes

From The Modern Herbal Dispensatory

Blue vervain growing in Thomas’ herb garden in North Carolina.