Vervain is also known as herb of grace.
In early folklore, superstitions endowed vervain with various powers. It was supposed to be able to open locked doors. If a piece was hung around the neck it kept bad dreams at bay. As a supposed aphrodisiac it was used in love potions.
Medically, it was regarded as an antidote to poisons and the bites of mad dogs and snakes. Early herbalists used it to cleanse the body of impurities.
Vervain was recommended as a treatment for nervous disorders and for hysteria. It was thought to raise the spirits of people who were suffering from depression.
Anemia was treated with it, as were ulcers, pleurisy and intermittent fevers. As an antispasmodic it was used to reduce muscular spasm in some disorders. It was also used to treat eye disorders and to improve the supply of milk in nursing mothers.
Externally it was used in poultices as a remedy for earache, headaches and rheumatism. Also externally, it was used as a remedy for hemorrhoids.
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