Blue Vervain Seed Pack

This is the larger and louder American cousin of our native vervain, also used as a nervine and a long-term tonic for anxiety and stress-related disorders. 

Whilst this blue vervain has similar therapeutic activity to its European relative Verbena officinalis, it looks quite different. Its magenta-blue flowers grow to eye height by mid-Summer, luring the eyes and bees towards them. 

Blue vervain is a perennial that flowers in its second year of growth. In full bloom it can grow up to 2m, and when fully laden with flowers it can topple over under its weight, so it is best grown amongst sturdy companions to provide support. It grows best in full sunshine, and prefers relatively moist, loamy or sandy soil. Harvest the aerial parts as soon as it comes into flower. 

Sowing and Growing  

Sow indoors in early spring. For best results cold-moist stratify (mix seed with moist sand, seal in plastic bag and keep in fridge) for 2-3 weeks prior to sowing. Seeds may continue germinating for up to 3 months so do not discard prematurely and keep the soil damp. 

Uses and Benefits 

Whilst blue vervain – indigenous to America – has similar therapeutic activity to its relative Verbena officinalis, the European vervain, it looks very different. Its magenta-blue flowers grow to eye height by mid-Summer luring the eye and bees towards them. 

Favoured for use in the Native American tradition, it was later written about by the famous Eclectic physicians Harvey Felter and John Uri Lloyd in King’s American Dispensatory and William Cook’s Physiomedical Dispensatory where it is considered a ‘relaxant tonic’. It has a bitter and astringent flavour that can cool a hot head and a hot liver. It is used as an anxiolytic nervine for acute and chronic stress leading to spasms, cramps and tension making it useful for headaches, digestive stagnation, nervous tics and muscle spasms. As it helps smooth the flow of the emotions it can dissipate irritability and digest indigestible experiences, helping mild depression. Its especially relevant for symptoms of menstrual anxiety and cramps and menopausal heat and anxiety, but it's not to be used in pregnancy. 

It goes well with motherwort, skullcap and lemon balm for anxiety and with tonics like ashwagandha and milky oatseed for nervous exhaustion. 

Harvesting and Preparation 

Harvest the aerial parts just as it comes into flower, avoiding any discoloured lower leaves. Then immediately cut into smaller pieces and dry by laying out on an open rack or, even easier, tie the stems into bunches and hang upside down to dry. 

As a tea, use 1-2 teaspoons (1.5-3g) in a cup of boiled water steeped for 15 minutes a couple of times a day. 

To make a tincture, infuse 1 part herb to 5 parts with the alcohol @ 40%. 

Minimum 150 seeds per pack.