Blue vervain (Verbena hastata) is a native wildflower you’ll find growing in wet meadows and along creek banks right here in Iowa. Its slender spikes of tiny purple-blue flowers bloom from midsummer into fall. Native peoples and early American herbalists valued it as a relaxing herb, and today it’s a favorite nervine among herbalists. Blue vervain is traditionally used to: relax tension in the body and mind ease the tight neck and shoulders that come with stress calm an overactive, “can’t shut it off” mind support comfortable digestion as a bitter herb It’s especially loved by people who push hard and find it hard to slow down. How to use it: steep 1 teaspoon, covered, in hot water for 10 minutes. Blue vervain is very bitter, so blend it with mint, lemon balm, chamomile or a little raw honey to make it more pleasant. A little goes a long way! Cautions: avoid during pregnancy and while nursing. Large amounts may cause nausea. Talk with your provider if you take blood pressure medication or sedatives. Sold by the ounce.
