Verbena hastata
Blue Vervain
Verbenaceae
At a Glance
- Common name
- Blue Vervain
- Scientific name
- Verbena hastata
- Family
- Verbenaceae
- Region
- North America
- Plant part
- Aerial parts
- Caffeine
- Caffeine Free
- Evidence
- Insufficient
- Safety review
- Safety information on file
Safety & Cautions
Safety information on fileBotanical Description
An erect slender perennial 50-150 cm tall with toothed lance-shaped leaves and tall thin spikes of tiny blue-violet five-petalled flowers; the aerial parts are the part used.
Also known as: American Vervain, Simpler's Joy, Wild Hyssop
Historical Background
Blue vervain has been a sacred herb of European and Native American traditions for centuries, used in rituals and as a nervine and digestive. The Celts and Druids called it 'enchanter's plant,' and its airy blue flower spikes remain a gentle calming herb in modern practice.
Earliest recorded uses: Used in European and Native American traditions for centuries; a sacred nervine and digestive herb.
Traditional preparations:
- Aerial-part infusion
- Nervine blend with skullcap & lemon balm
- Bitter digestive tea
Traditional Uses
These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.
Traditional European Herbalism
Sacred nervine, calming, and digestive herb; ritual plant.
Modern Herbalism
Calming nervine and gentle digestive tonic.
Flavor & Aroma
Aroma: Herbal, slightly bitter, green, earthy
Tea Preparation
Modern Evidence
Blue vervain has a tradition as a calming nervine and digestive. Clinical evidence is insufficient; preclinical work shows mild relaxing and anti-inflammatory activity, but it is not a treatment for anxiety, insomnia, depression, or any disease.
Evidence levels describe the state of research for the traditional use discussed here, not a recommendation. Historical use does not imply effectiveness.
Related Herbs
Entry last updated August 4, 2026