Ingrid O’Donnell
Forgotten uses of Vervain (Verbena officinalis): traditional practice in Britain
Abstract
Vervain (Verbena officinalis) is a herb of longstanding usage, applied by the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians for its medicinal, magical and religious properties. The objectives of this study were to investigate whether some medicinal knowledge of Vervain has been lost and to surmise whether there could be any benefits to the modern world in trying to rediscover why Vervain was so valued in earlier times. The literature review indicated that the writings of the Physicians of Myddfai provide a more accurate record of native British traditional herbal knowledge than subsequent ‘British’ herbals. The Physicians of Myddfai used Vervain to treat the tuberculous condition of ‘scrofula’. No such usage of the plant is referred to in more modern herbals. No firm scientific evidence could be found for the ability of Vervain, or any of its constituents, to treat any tuberculosis-related conditions. However, it was observed that the Vervain constituent verbascoside, is a major representative chemical constituent of the family of plants called Scrophulariaceae - after their supposed abilities to treat scrofula. Verbascoside is also a well-documented anti-bacterial compound and levels in Vervain are highest after flowering. The Physicians of Myddfai recommended gathering the entire plant, including the roots, after flowering. This is contrary to current herbal practice of gathering only the aerial parts prior to flowering. For anti-tuberculous medicines to be effective, they must have reduced toxicity and be effective at low doses to allow prolonged therapy. Vervain has low toxicity and fits this picture well. Incidence of tuberculosis-related diseases, such as scrofula, are on the increase, both in the developed world (where these diseases are often associated with HIV infection) and in poorer countries. It is argued that traditional local herbal knowledge offers a useful and appropriate starting point for research into prophylactic and curative measures against any disease.
