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In early times, vervain was prescribed so frequently for so many conditions. It has been called Simpler’s Joy, blue vervain, verbena, herb-of-the-cross, enchanter’s herb, and Indian Hyssop. During the Middle Ages vervain became a popular acne remedy. From there, it evolved into a treatment for other skin problems. It was recommended to cleanse the skin, take care of dandruff, and a treatment for jaundice, gout, cough, wheezing, bleeding gums, shortness of breath, kidney stones, fever, plague, and congestive heart failure. Colonists introduced European vervain into North America and it quickly went wild. They also found Native Americans using the American form of vervain, also known as Indian hyssop, to treat fever and gastrointestinal complaints and to clear cloudy urine. Vervain Medicinal Uses The standard prescription to “take two aspirin and call me in the morning” has long been attributed to doctors. But an herbalist might say the same thing, substituting vervain for aspirin. No wonder they call this herb simpler’s joy. Chemically, vervain is quite different from aspirin, but German and Japanese studies suggest that it has similar effects, combining mild pain relief with some ability to reduce inflammation. These findings support vervain’s traditional use in treating headaches, toothache, wounds, and kidney stones. One study suggests that vervain has a mild laxative effect to treat constipation. Vervain Dosage and Preparation For a bitter tea to help treat headache, mild arthritis, and other minor pains, use 2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Drink up to 3 cups per day. You can mask the bitterness of vervain with honey, sugar, and lemon, or mix it with another drink or tea. Vervain Safety Animal studies have found that vervain depresses the heart rate, constricts the bronchial passages, and stimulates the intestines and uterus. Because it may slow the heart rate, it should not be used by anyone with a history of heart disease. The possibility of bronchial constriction may cause problems for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions. Intestinal stimulation may aggravate gastrointestinal conditions like colitis or Crohn’s Disease. Herbalists recommend vervain as a tranquilizer, expectorant, menstruation promoter, and treatment for headache, fever, depression, seizures, wounds, dental cavities, and gum disease.
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