Vervain

Origin: Afrida, Asia, Australia, Europe

Family: Verbenaceae
Scientific Name: Verbena officinalis

Folk Names: Blue vervain, brittanica, common verbena, enchanter’s plant, herba sacra, herb of enchantment, herb of grace, herb of the cross, holy herb, iron-herb, Juno’s tears, mosquito plant, pigeon-grass, pigeonwood, simpler’s joy, verbena, vervan, wild hyssop

Magical

Element: Earth
Day: Friday
Planet: Venus
Zodiac: Taurus
Associated Celebrations: Midsummer
Deities: Aradia, Isis, Juno, Jupiter, Kerridwen, Mars, Thor, Venus

Parts used: Plant

Magical Properties: Cleansing, purification, clairvoyance, divination, protection, love

Lore

Ancient Rome: Bundles of vervain were used to cleanse the altars in Jupiter’s temples.

It was believed that carrying vervain could bring everlasting youth.

Magical Uses

• Burn vervain to dispel unrequited love.
• Wear a crown of vervain for protection when invoking spirits.
• Place vervain in the home to protect it from lightning and storms.
• Scatter vervain around the home to calm emotions and promote peace.
• Sprinkle an infusion of vervain around the premesis to drive away negative forces.
• Place vervain in a baby’s cradle to ensure it grows up happy, and with a love of learning!
• Bury vervain in the garden (or place in the home) to attract wealth, and ensure plants thrive.
• To ensure a dream-free sleep, place vervain in the bed, hang around the neck, or drink an infusion prior to sleeping.
• If someone you know has stolen something from you, confront them while wearing vervain, and you’ll get your items back.