Vervain probably originated in the Mediterranean region. Today, however, the plant is widespread throughout the northern hemisphere and in all temperate climates of the earth. The material used medicinally comes from wild collections in southeastern Europe.
In herbal medicine, people use the aerial parts of vervain (Verbenae herba) collected at flowering time.
Vervain: characteristics of the plant
Vervain is a perennial herbaceous plant up to one meter high. The tetragonal stems are woody at the base, and the sparse leaves are opposite and unevenly notched. The plant also bears small, pale-purple flowers that stand in slender spikes 10 to 25 centimeters long.
The medicinally useful material consists of the tetragonal, rough stems, ovate leaves and leaf fragments with notched tips, flowers standing in spikes, and brown cleaved fruitlets, which easily break into four smaller parts.
Smell and taste of verbena
Vervain does not emit any particular odor. The taste of the herb is tart and bitter.
