ΠΕΡΙΣΤΕΡΕΩΝ
Verbena officinalis
(Vervain)
Botanical info:
Vervain is a perennial herb growing up to 70 cm high, with an upright habitus. The lobed leaves are toothed. It grows naturally by roadsides and in sunny pastures. It is native to Europe, Anatolia, and north Africa. Flowering from April to May.
Hippocratic legacy:
a. In Bareness:
a. The root of vervain is recommended against bareness.
Other uses:
It is recommended in upwards of thirty complaints, being astringent, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, etc. It is said to be useful in intermittent fevers, ulcers, ophthalmia, pleurisy, etc., and to be a good galactogogue. It is still used as a febrifuge in autumn fevers. As a poultice it is good in headache, ear neuralgia, rheumatism, etc. In this form it colors the skin a fine red, giving rise to the idea that it had the power of drawing the blood outside. A decoction taken in the course of one day, is said to be a good medicine in purgings, easing pain in the bowels. It is often applied externally for piles. It is used in homoeopathy.