Also known asVerbena hastata and officinalis, Verbena, Common Verbena, Common Vervain, Eisenkraut, European Vervain, Herb of Grace, Herb of the Cross, Holy wort, Juno’s Tears, Pigeon weed, Simpler’s Joy, Turkey Grass, Swamp Vervain, Mosquito Plant, and Wild Hyssop.IntroductionThe blue vervain or verbena is a creeping perennial of the mint family, bearing numerous, small lilac-blue flowers. Verbena hastata is native to North America and is incredibly similar in appearance and properties to its European cousin Verbena officinalis, whom it is often mistaken for. It grows with wild abandon in the Great Plains section of America, and can be found elsewhere on prairies, in meadows, and open woodlands. The Dakota tribe’s name for it translates as “medicine”.ConstituentsMucilages, bitters, iridoid glycosides (hastatoside, verbenalin), caffeic acid, essential oil.Parts UsedThe above-ground parts of the plant gathered before flowering, dried.Typical PreparationsTraditionally used as a tea, but also as a tincture, syrup, foot soak or bath herb, salve or cream.SummarySeveral of the names for vervain (Herb of the Cross, Herb of Grace, Holy wort) refer to the legend that the wounds of Jesus were dressed with vervain when he was taken down from the cross. This is disputed among biblical scholars as it is not referenced anywhere in modern bibles. It was also used as an ingredient in pagan love potions.PrecautionsSince the herb can stimulate uterine contractions, avoid during pregnancy.For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.