Considered a sacred herb by the Romans as it was used to purify homes and temples, it was traditionally used for dropsy. In England it is commonly found growing by roadsides and in sunny pastures.

The aerial parts of the plant are used an effective nerve tonic, liver stimulant, urinary cleanser and fever remedy. They are also traditionally used to encourage milk flow and can be taken during labour to encourage contractions.

The plant also has a number of topical uses including sores, wounds and gum disorders.

Volatile oil - citral, bitter glycosides, tannins

Vervain is traditionally used as a relaxant tonic, promote milk flow, promote sweating, sedative, antispasmodic, liver restorer, laxative, uterine stimulant and bile stimulant, intermittent fevers.

Infusion This is traditionally used for insomnia and nervous tension, or to encourage sweating and stimulate the immune system in feverish conditions.

Tincture This is traditionally prescribed for nervous exhaustion and depression (combines well with oats), or as a liver stimulant for sluggish digestion.

Poultice This is traditionally applied to insect bites, sprains and bruises.

Avoid the herb in pregnancy as it is uterine tonic, may be taken in labour