The ancient Romans held all species of the Vervain root in admiration and used the sacred herb to sanitize their homes and temples. In addition, they knew several therapeutic advantages of the herb and used it to treat numerous disorders. Incidentally, despite its multi-purpose use, the vervain is a commonly growing herb that does not appear to be different from many other plants. In ancient times, remedies prepared with the herb were often used to cure snakebite and diarrhea.
At the same time, the root of Vervain herb was chewed by people with a view to strengthen their teeth and gums. Interestingly, the herb served to diverse purposes a love potion for the medieval witches and a substance to cure people from the influence of the ominous spell cast by these witches.
In fact, over the years, the therapeutic properties of Vervain have made the herbalists as well as the common people to regard the herb as an effective cure for almost all diseases or disorders. For instance, in the ancient times the herbal medicine practitioners often recommend the herb to treat ailments such as colds, apparent nervous problems, fevers, and gout as well as skin infections. Even today, many herbalists prescribe vervain tea as a stimulant, astringent, diuretic and diaphoretic to alleviate fever by encouraging sweating. In addition, the herb is still considered to be an effective sedative or tranquilizer, anti-spasmodic that reduces cramps and muscle pains and an aphrodisiac for arousing sexual desire. Vervain is also an excellent stimulant or tonic that helps to calm down nerves and soothe anxiety.
The most commonly used species is European vervain (Verbena officinalis), though blue vervain (V. hastata) and V. macdougalii, among others, are probably interchangeable. V. officinalis is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa and has spread to North America. Other medicinal species are native to North America. The leaf and flower are used in herbal medicine.
The active constituents of vervain have not been thoroughly demonstrated. Glycosides, such as verbenalin and aucubin, and a volatile oil may all contribute to its activity. For thousands of years, blue vervain has been used as an herbal remedy. The Chinese used this herb to treat malaria, dysentery, and congestion. It was also used during the middle Ages to help cure plagues. Blue vervain was also used by Native Americans as a natural tranquilizer for treating nervous conditions, along with female problems. In Germany, modern research has been found to support the use of blue vervain for the nervous system and for pain relief.
Vervain can be found at your local or internet health food store in capsule form. Always look for name brands like Solaray remedies to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase for internal use.
*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Vervain is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.