What does a vervain plant look like?
What does the vervain plant look like? Verbena Officinalis is a perennial plant with delicate jagged leaves and small, pale lilac five-petaled flowers on shoots. The vervain flower can bloom light blue to purple flowers, but some vervain will bloom with pink or white flowers. Although pretty, vervain flowers have no fragrance.
How do you identify blue vervain Verbena?
Blue Vervain Verbena hastata. Each flower spike has a ring of blue-purple flowers. The flowers at the bottom of the spike bloom first, and the ring of flowers appears to advance upward to the tips of the spike. Despite the name, some of these plants (depending on conditions) will produce flowers that are lavender and in some cases, even white.
What is vervain?
All You Need to Know Vervain, also known as verbena, Verbena officinalis, and herb of the cross, is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia ( 1 ). The plant belongs to the Verbenaceae family and has lobed, toothed leaves, and silky, pale-purple flowers.
What is the difference between blue and common vervain?
Common vervain is a native plant in Asia and Europe, whereas blue vervain is found growing most often in North America. Although both boast attractive purple flowers, the flowers of common vervain are silky, pale-purple, smaller, and less tubular than blue vervain.
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What is vervain herb used for?
Vervain is used in traditional medicine to treat infections and abdominal pain and to promote milk production in breastfeeding women.
Is vervain poisonous to humans?
Is vervain poisonous? The vervain plant is not poisonous and is generally recognized as safe as a food by the FDA.
Where do you find vervain?
This plant is in the Plant Family Verbenacea, but not to be confused with Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla). These are two different plants only belonging to the same Plant Family. Vervain is indigenous to the United States growing naturally along roadsides and tall grassy fields flowering between June and September.
What happens if you drink vervain?
Vervain is a digestive stimulant widely used in traditional medicine in North America. Bitter herbs are thought to stimulate digestive function by increasing saliva production and promoting both stomach acid and digestive enzyme production.
What is the difference between vervain and Blue Vervain?
The most noticeable distinguishing characteristic is that Hoary Vervain has fuzzy leaves, and Blue Vervain doesn't. Hoary Vervain's flowers are also slightly bigger than Blue Vervain's.
Is Lavender a vervain?
Vervain Family. Flowers of the Vervain family have a long corolla tube that extends out into 4 or 5 lobes, in our area generally 5 lobes. The flowers are small (!/6 to 1/3 inches or 1 cm wide), generally lavender, and come in spikes or small clusters. They grow on a stem that is about 2 feet or 65 cm tall.
Is vervain poisonous to vampires?
Vervain is a potent herb and a vampire's most well-known weakness. If a vampire makes physical contact with vervain in any form, it will burn them. If a vampire ingests vervain, the vampire's throat and digestive tract will be burned and they will become feverish and extremely weak.
Which vervain is medicinal?
The leaves of Blue Vervain can be dried and boiled with hot water to make tea with medicinal properties. Roots can also be processed and consumed for medical purposes such as a tonic, for calming the nervous system, relieving pain, and treating mental illnesses.
What does vervain symbolize?
On the Isle of Man Common Vervain is called Yn Ard Lus which translates as 'The Chief Herb'. It was used as a symbol of protection and many islanders would sew a piece of this plant into their clothing.
Is vervain good for skin?
It helps to rid the skin of any toxins left by bug bites, treats burns and eczema, and is great to use as a way to safe guard any wounds from the risk of infections. Because of its natural anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, blue vervain is used as a natural remedy against many skin infections.
Is vervain good for cough?
Therefore, it should help well for people who have a fever, suffer from a cough, asthma or have swollen lymph nodes. Vervain is a stimulant herb for the uterus in the sense that it stimulates contractions for pregnant women and triggers menstruation in women who are not pregnant.
How much blue vervain should I take?
Dosing. There is no clinical evidence to support specific dose recommendations for vervain. Traditional use for its astringent properties required 2 to 4 g daily in an infusion.
What kind of vervain is used in The Vampire Diaries?
Compared with its flashy garden verbena cousins, common vervain (Verbena Officinalis) is an unprepossessing plain Jane. You may know it for keeping Vampires free to walk in the sunlight if you are a fan of the CW'S Vampire Diaries.
Is vervain used for vampires?
Vervain is used to stop vampires from compelling humans. Its negative effects on vampires are a result of Nature's attempt to create a weakness for every strength that a vampire gained after being turned.
What happens if you eat Wolfsbane?
Wolfsbane is a member of the aconite family. If eaten, it causes including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea - and can lead to hypotension, sinus bradycardia, and ventricular arrhythmias - which can be fatal within two to six hours.
What is blue vervain used for?
Blue Vervain typically has a bitter taste but leaves and seeds can be soaked in cold water multiple times to offset the bitterness. The roots of the plant can be used for internal medicine to treat depression, anxiety, coughs, colds, fevers, stomachaches, cramps, jaundice, and headaches.
Where does Vervain come from?
Vervain, also known as verbena, Verbena officinalis, and herb of the cross, is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia ( 1 ). The plant belongs to the Verbenaceae family and has lobed, toothed leaves, and silky, pale-purple flowers. It’s used throughout the world as an herbal remedy because of the multiple beneficial compounds it contains.
What is the compound that is used in vervain?
This was attributed to verbenin, an essential component in vervain. Verbenin was even favored over bromide , a compound usually used in epilepsy treatment ( 11 ).
What is Vervain essential oil?
Vervain’s extract and essential oils may provide other potential health benefits, such as: 1 Anti-inflammatory activity. The topical use of vervain extract seems to have an anti-inflammatory effect on swelling caused by fluid retention ( 17 ). 2 Supports gum health. One study in 260 people suggests that a vervain decoction (herbal infusion) may benefit the management of chronic gingivitis or gum inflammation ( 18 ). 3 Supports heart health. A study in rats determined that treatment with verbenalin, or cornin, reduced heart tissue death and damage from inadequate blood supply ( 19 ). 4 Antidiarrheal activity. One animal study concluded that vervain root extract significantly delayed the volume and frequency of diarrhea, compared with a control ( 20 ).
What is Vervain used for?
Summary. Vervain is used in traditional medicine to treat infections and abdominal pain and to promote milk production in breastfeeding women.
How many compounds are in Vervain?
Vervain contains over 20 beneficial plant compounds, including iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, and triterpenoids, which may be responsible for its purported benefits ( 2. Trusted Source.
Does Vervain oil inhibit bacteria?
In one test-tube study, vervain essential oil was tested against two fungi and seven bacteria. It inhibited the growth of all microorganisms in a dose-dependent manner — meaning that the higher the dose, the higher the antimicrobial effect ( 13. Trusted Source. ).
Does Vervain oil kill rogue cells?
One test-tube study found that a concentration of 0.01% vervain essential oil increased the death of rogue immune cells obtained from those with chronic lymphocytic leukemia from 15–52%, suggesting that it may be useful for the development of new therapeutic agents ( 4 ).
How big are blue vervain leaves?
The blue vervain leaves are opposite, lanceolate (or oblong) reaching anywhere from 3 cm to 17 cm long and on average 5 cm wide. They are dark green, have a rough texture to the touch and are strongly veined. The margins are double-toothed or serrated.
What is a blue vervain?
Distinguishing Features. Blue vervain is a tall and erect wild edible plant that occasionally branches at the upper half of the plant. The stems are unique as they are 4-angled sometimes with fine white hairs. It emits no scent.
How tall does Blue Vervain grow?
Blue vervain depending on location, soil quality and weather conditions can grow anywhere from 30 cm to just over 2 metres tall.
Is blue vervain edible?
Edible Parts. Blue vervain had many uses in First Nation’s culture as food and medicine. The seed are edible when roasted and is ground into a powder (although they are somewhat bitter to taste). Leaves can be made into a tea or tossed into salads, soups, etc. The root can be collected all year round.
What is the botanical name of Vervain?
Vervain’s botanical name is Verbena officinalis, which is often what it’s called in scientific research. Vervain belongs to the plant family Verbenacea, not to be confused with lemon verbena. Lemon verbena is a completely different plant, but lemon verbena and vervain are in the same plant family. There are also varieties ...
Where does Vervain grow?
Where does it grow? Vervain is likely native to Europe, specifically the Mediterranean region, but it has been naturalized to other parts of the world, including North America. ( 3)
What are the aerial parts of Verbena officinalis?
The aerial portions (above-ground plant parts) of Verbena officinalis are used for medicinal purposes. These parts — namely the leaves and flowers — are known to contain active plant components, including glycosides (verbenin), alkaloids, tannins, bitter principles and volatile oil. These chemical plant compounds give vervain its antispasmodic, antipyretic (fever reducing) and diuretic abilities. ( 4)
What is the origin of Vervain?
Vervain Plant Origin. Vervain is an herb that goes by quite a few other common names including Simpler’s Joy, Enchanter’s Plant, Herb of the Cross, Juno’s Tears, Pigeon’s Grass, Pigeonweed, Herb of Grace, Wild Hyssop, Iron-weed, Wild Verbena, and Indian Hyssop. Vervain’s botanical name is Verbena officinalis, which is often what it’s called in ...
How to use vervain for gums?
For example, the early Celtic people used it in a mouth wash to help their gum problems. Combine 2 tablespoons of vervain with 1 cup of boiling water. Let it steep (like a tea) and then wait for it to cool down. It can then be used as a mouthwash.
What is Vervain plant used for?
In traditional herbal medicine, it has been used to treat headaches, insomnia, depression, anxiety, kidney stones, gout, jaundice and more . It also has been used to improve lactation for nursing mothers and as a natural treatment for painful menstruation. ( 1)
How long has Vervain been around?
Vervain has a really intriguing and mystical history that dates back thousands of years. Sometimes long-held traditional uses of herbs don’t mach up with current science. But, as you can see, research has actually backed up many of its historical uses.
Where does Verbena officinalis come from?
Verbena officinalis, commonly known as vervain, common vervain, verbena or common verbena, is a medicinal plant native to Europe. It is a well-known herb employed by humans since ancient Roman times. Verbena officinalis is one of many varieties of the plant and the most commonly used for medicinal purposes, although there have been voices that say all varieties have about the same curative properties.
Is vervain good for you?
Overall, the biologically active compounds in the plant such as beta-sitosterol, iridoid glucosides, apigenin, aucubin, verbenalin and verbascoside are responsible for the health benefits of vervain. However, it is important not to exceed the doses recommended by your healthcare professional. Should you exceed your recommended intake, you may risk unwanted side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or convulsions. Also, considering there is limited research on the effectiveness of the plant in the treatment of certain medical conditions, you may want to first discuss with your doctor the use of vervain as an alternative treatment.
Detailed Information
Flowers are in numerous slender spikes that arise from the leaf axils near the top of the plant, and branch at the top of the stem. Individual flowers are white, not more than 1/8 inch across, with 5 petals fused at the base into a short tube.
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Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?
What is a vervain?
Verbena Hastata, also known as the Blue vervain, American vervain or Swamp verbena is an herbaceous plant in the Verbenaceae family. Commonly seen all across North America, this type of verbenas is quite similar to the true Brazilian verbenas except that it can survive under more harsh weather conditions and produces beautiful blue flowers instead of purple ones.
How long does a white vervain flower last?
This herbaceous species is a perennial which means it has an average lifespan of two or more years.
What is a tuberous vervain?
This type of verbenas is a herbaceous shrub that grown an average of 24 inches high. The plant also spread widely across and is, therefore, a good choice for garden beds as well as growing in pots and containers besides pool and patios. The leaves are toothed and stalkless and accentuated by the vibrant purple and magenta blossoms. Tuberous Vervain flowers are considerably scented and growing them in large patches will uplift the place with a dreamy fragrance. Although original verbena rigida features hues of purple, the species has been interbred to create different cultivars and hence, you can now choose tuberous verbenas from a wide range of colors.
How long do verbenas live?
Verbenas are basically a perennial species which means that they generally live for up to two years or more. However, many types of verbena only flower once, completing their life and withering away within one year of plantation. But gardeners simply couldn’t let that get in the way.
How tall does Verbena bonariensis grow?
The plant is a true upright variety that can grow up to 6 feet tall and spread 3 feet across. The dull purple blossoms are strongly fragrant, appear during mid-summer and continue to provide a soothing sight for sore eyes until the first frost falls. Verbena Bonariensis is a pollinator attractor so, when you grow this variety also prepare to welcome a swarm of buzzing bees and cheerful butterflies flying in and out of your garden.
How tall are verbenas?
Reaching an average height of about 5 to 6 inches, this species has the lowest growth amongst all other verbena varieties but looks equally stunning nonetheless. Moss verbenas are the ultimate fit for rock gardens but are also grown commonly besides (or in between the rocks in) walkways in a regular garden. They can tolerate frost but bloom only during late summer and early fall.
Where does the verbena bonariensis come from?
This variety originated from South America where it is a common sight in most of the warm regions of Colombia, Chile, Brazil, and Argentina.
What does Vervain smell like?
What does vervain smell like? The typical vervain as well as most of the other vervain varieties has little to no smell. Only one varieties, lemon verbena or lemon beebrush (Aloysia triphylla) has a strong lemony, but grassy smell coupled with woodsy part notes. Vervain essential oil is made from this particular wide range instead of the typical vervain. What does vervain (tea) flavor like? Like many herbs, vervaine has a bitter flavor.
Where is Vervain native to?
Plant identification. Vervain is native to the Mediterranean region in Europe but develops wildly on bare and dry grounds often along roadsides. It is a slim plant with furry leaves alternatively arranged in a square-like stem and with beautiful lilac-coloured flowers.
What is the use of verbena leaves?
The leaves have been used for years and years as a blood purifier. Verbena is used internally for nervous exhaustion, depression, convalescent debility, asthma, migraine, and jaundice. Vervain can be used in equal areas with smartweed and peppermint leaves to cure appendicitis.
What is the plant that has purple flowers?
Vervain is a perennial plant from the mint family, identified by little purple-blue flowers and small spikes around the bud. This plant frequently occurs across Europe and traditionally traces to Roman times, where the vervain tea benefits were used for a wide range of medicinal treatments in the days before prescription pharmaceuticals.
Does Vervain help with sleep?
Traditional medical practices recommend vervain as a soothing sedative for people suffering from sleeplessness. Research has revealed that the compound in verbena responsible for causing sleep is verbenalin, an iridoid glucoside. 3) Digestive advantages.
Is vervaine a herb?
Like many herbs, vervaine has a bitter flavor. The typical vervain is a plant of many uses. Although it does not cure fully designed diseases on its own, it is fairly useful in improving overall health and nervous, intestinal and respiratory system health in particular.
Is verbena good for skin?
While it is a soothing organic diaphoretic, causing sweating in to lessen great temperature, verbena is generally used in combination with other medicinal herbs favoring respiratory tract health, notably elderberry. 5) Skin care and wound healing.
How are hybrid verbenas identified?
The various varieties of hybrid verbena are identified by their unique flower colors. There are notable selections:
What is hybrid verbena?
Hybrid annual verbenas are consistent bloomers often potted or used as garden bedding plants, planted in masses, or as front edging plants where the sprawling habit is put to good use.
What is a verbena x hybrida?
Most of the Verbenas widely used as bedding plants or low trailers in containers are named cultivars derived from hybrid crosses of various native verbena species. You often will see these labeled as " Verbena x hybrida", "Verbena x" or " annual verbena" to distinguish them from the native species forms.
How to kill verbena plants?
Unpotted verbena will likely be killed off by the first hard frost (when temperatures dip well under freezing) unless you pot it by digging up the plant by its root ball. Here's what to do: If potting, cut back the plant to less than half of its size. After digging it up, trim roots by half, as well.
How tall does a V hastata grow?
V. hastata (blue vervain) is a North American native that grows to 6 feet tall with purplish-blue flowers. It is hardy in zones 3 to 8.
When does V. tenuisecta bloom?
V. tenuisecta (moss verbena) has delicate, lace-like foliage and grows to 5 or 6 inches. They bloom during late summer and early fall and are hardy in zones 7 to 9.
Is verbena a deer resistant plant?
Verbena is both a deer- and rabbit-resistant plant, so take advantage of this by planting it at the edge of your property where animals frequently browse. Article Sources. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.
