Blue vervain

Blue Vervain

Verbena hastata

Botanical Family: Verbenaceae (Verbena family)

Botanical Description

Verbena hastata is an erect perennial growing 60-150cm tall. Square stems bear opposite, lance-shaped, toothed leaves. Slender spikes of small, violet-blue flowers bloom from bottom to top over several weeks. Native to North American wetlands and meadows.

Medicinal Actions

Primary actions: Nervine, bitter tonic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, galactagogue.

Traditional uses: Native American tribes used blue vervain for numerous conditions. In Western herbalism, it is considered the remedy for the “Type A” personality – tense, driven, perfectionist people who hold stress in their neck and shoulders.

Constitutional type: Indicated for those who are wound too tight, can’t relax, grind their teeth, and push themselves relentlessly.

Body Systems Affected

Nervous: Primary affinity – relieves tension, especially in neck and shoulders. Calming without sedating.

Digestive: Bitter tonic; aids digestion through nervous system calming.

Reproductive: Traditional galactagogue; also used for menstrual cramps.

Safety Information

Generally safe for most people.

Pregnancy: Avoid – traditional emmenagogue.

Nausea: Very bitter – may cause nausea if taken in excess.

Growing Guide

Hardiness: Zones 3-8. Very cold hardy.

Light: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist, fertile soil. Tolerates wet conditions.

Sowing: Cold stratify seeds 4-6 weeks before sowing.

Spacing: 30-45cm apart.

Harvesting

Part used: Aerial parts (leaves and flowering tops).

When to harvest: During flowering.

Drying & Storage

Dry at 35°C (95°F). Store in airtight containers for up to 1 year.