Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 09:02 pm
Vervain is little known as a medicinal plant. But in the past it was appreciated by many cultures. But is it safe to use and non-toxic? Or should one beware of it?
Weakly poisonous, but no known poisonings.
Vervain should not be confused with the highly toxic aconite. Vervain is considered to be slightly toxic, but no cases of poisoning have been reported to date. It is the ingredient called verbenalin that has a negative effect on liver function in high doses.
You can mindlessly sow vervain on your balcony or in the garden and use it for mouth and throat diseases, intestinal problems, inflammations and poorly healing wounds. It acts:
- soothing
- diuretic
- analgesic
- anti-inflammatory
- and caution during pregnancy: induces contractions
Tips & Tricks
Vervain tastes pleasantly spicy when prepared as a tea and can also be used well for smoking over an incense screen. In doing so, it emits a scent that is distantly reminiscent of popcorn.