Herb of the Week – Vervain

This herb has long been with us throughout the world’s cultures. Among its common names are Witch’s or Enchanter’s Herb, Herb of the Cross, Juno’s Tears, Herb of Grace, and counter-magic herb. The Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Hebrews, and Indigenous Native Americans all used vervain in some form or another.

The Druids, the Pawnee, and tribes of the Southwest used vervain as an aid to dream and visionary work. This herb was also reputed to have grown around where Christ was crucified on the cross. As a luck charm, a bit of this herb, whether leaves or stems, worn around the neck was thought to bring luck and safety from misfortunes along the road. A bouquet of vervain flowers hung in the doorway of the nursery was said to bring knowledge and wisdom for the child within.

Magically, vervain is used in love spells and for sexual magic. This makes sense since this herb is ruled by Venus and is associated with the astrological sign of Virgo. Verbena is sacred to Diana, Hermes, Venus, and Hathor.

(Photo of Blue Vervain by James St. John, via Wikimedia Creative Commons)