Vervain

Identity

Common Name

Vervain

Scientific Name

Verbena officinalis

Botanical Family

Verbenaceae

Native Region

Europe and the Mediterranean

Cultivation Regions

Europe, Asia, Worldwide temperate

Plant Parts Used

Aerial parts

Synonyms

Common Vervain, Herb of Grace, Verbena, Holy Herb

Caffeine Level

Caffeine Free

A slender upright perennial with opposite lobed green leaves and tall narrow spikes of tiny pale lilac tubular flowers. Long revered across European and Mediterranean traditions.

Historical Background

Sacred to the Celts and Romans as 'herb of grace' and 'holy herb', vervain was used in ritual and medicine for nerves, digestion, and as a gentle tonic; a mainstay of European folk practice.

Earliest recorded uses: Nervous tension, gentle relaxation, weak digestion, and as a restorative tonic.

Cultural significance: Revered in Druidic, Roman, and Christian folk tradition; long a protective and healing plant of hedgerows.

1. Classical

   Romans and Celts revere vervain in ritual and medicine.

2. European

   Used as a nervine and digestive tonic in folk practice.

Traditional Uses

These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.

Flavor & Aroma

Aroma: Faint, green and herbaceous

Tea Information

Research Summary

Iridoids and verbascoside are studied for mild anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory effects; clinical evidence is limited.

Evidence levels reflect the currently available scientific literature and may change as new research emerges. Where evidence is limited or conflicting, this is stated plainly.

References & Sources