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| Title: Vervain | |
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Charmed__X_3
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Date Posted：01/25/2009 17:37 PMCopy HTML Vervain Please remember that you cannot simply stuff a bunch of herbs in your mouth and feel better. Some are taken orally, but many are taken topically. Incorrect dosage or application can be harmful. Once you have found a herb that appears to meet your needs, you should seek expert advice before attempting to use it! Vervain - Verbena officinalis (Verbanaceae) Description: Branching perennial with slim angular stems that grow up to 3 ft. Bears long 3 lobed leaves that are dull green and toothed. Small light purple flowers appear in thin spikes in late summer. Medicinal uses: dropsy, rheumatism, stomach and liver disorders, fevers and nervous tension, eye complaints Used in spells relating to: Archangel Anael, Sleep, Love potions, Youth. |
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Re：Vervain Date Posted：01/25/2009 17:47 PMCopy HTML  VERVAIN: (Verbena officinalis) Also known as Enchanters Herb, Holy Herb, Verbena, Blue Vervain, and Holy Wort. A Druid sacred herb, common in their many rites and incantations, this hardy perennial has deeply cut lower leaves and smooth upper leaves with small dense spikes of pale lilac-pink flowers. An ancient sacred herb of purification, visions, and love potions, it was included in liqueurs and aphrodisiacs. Vervain was so highly regarded by the Druids that offerings were placed on altars. "Vervain" is a derivative of the Celtic fer (to drive away)and faen (stone), given to it because of its ability to purge calculi (gravel) from the bladder. A tea of the herb helps to increase breast mild and is helpful in lowering fever, especially of the intermittent type. It will benefit eczema and other skin eruptions, as it is a kidney and liver cleanser. Jaundice, whooping cough, edema, mastitis, and headaches fall under its sphere. To make the tea, steep one tablespoon of the herb per cup of water for twenty minutes. Externally, vervain is used in poultices for ear infections, rheumatism and wounds. Vervain is an emmenagogue (brings down the menses) and soothes the nerves. It is reputed to have aphrodisiac properties. It is a powerful lymphatic detoxifier and has a cleansing effect on the female organs. Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata), the American variety, is a natural tranquilizer and is helpful with colds and fevers, especially when the upper respiratory tract is involved. It will eliminate intestinal worms and is used externally for wounds. It is distinguished from the European vervain by its deeper blue flowers and denser, bristly flower spikes. Blue vervain is also prepared in a standard infusion or tinctured in alcohol. Parts Used: Above ground portions of the herb. Magical Uses: Vervain is a profoundly magical herb belonging to the sphere of Venus. Roman priests and priestesses used it as an altar plant - it was tied in bundles and used to ritually "sweep" and purify the altar. Druids placed it in water that was sprinkled on worshipers as a blessing. Vervain was picked at the rising of the Dog Star, at the dark of the moon, just before flowering. It was taken from the earth with the sacred sickle and raised aloft in the left hand. After prayers of thanksgiving were spoken the Druid or Druidess left a gift of honey to recompense the Earth for her loss. Vervain was once infused in wine and worn on the body to ward off the stings of insects and serpents. It is used in the bath as a protection from enchantments and to make dreams come true. Wearing or bathing in vervain places one under the influence of Diana. After washing your hands in the infusion, it will be possible to engender love in the one you touch. To dispel fears, light a candle daily and surround it with vervain. Speak aloud a prayer to the Gods and Goddesses asking for release from your fear. Do this as long as necessary. On the night of the full moon, go outside with a chalice filled with water, vervain and salt. Take also a candle and a piece of petrified wood. Dip the stone into the water mixture and then pass it through the candle flame. Touch the stone to your feet, hands, shoulders, and head. As you do this ask for the blessings of youth and beauty. Repeat the process seven times. Vervain is worn as a crown during Druidic initiatory rites and as protection for those who are working magic. Sprinkle throughout the home for protection and to bring peace. Keep some in the bedroom to bring tranquil dreams. Keep it in the home to attract wealth and to keep plants healthy. Sprinkle some on the garden as an offering to the elementals and other nature spirits. Drinking the juice of fresh vervain is said to cut sexual desire. Burn it to banish the pangs of unrequited love. Vervain is worn to recover stolen articles. Tucked into a child's cradle, the plant brings joy and a lively intellect. When burned, Vervain is powerful for warding psychic attack, but it is also used in spells for love, purification and attracting wealth. It is a powerful attractant to the opposite sex. Use for Anointing; Banishing; Gather and burn at Litha; Altar Offering; Creativity; Energy; Strength; Power. Vervain (Verbena Officinalis, also known as Herb of Grace, Herbe Sacrée, Verbena, Holy Wort, Pigeon's Grass, and Herba Veneris) was the altar-plant of the ancient druids, for the druids had the greatest veneration for the plant, and before gathering it they offered a sacrifice to the soil. They also held bunches of Vervain between their hands during their devotions. When the Romans sent messengers of peace to other nations they adorned their apparel with sprays of Vervain. Images of Venus Victrix were often crowned with wreaths of Vervain and Myrtle. Vervain was called "tears of Isis" by the Egyptians. The Romans credited powers of rekindling the flames of dying love to the plant, and gave it the name Herba Veneris (plant of Venus). During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, it became an instrumental component in the rites of witches and sorcerers. In Latin, the name means "sacred herb" and it was used for hundreds of years as a purification herb for altars in homes and temples, for it was considered an herb of magic. It was also the symbol for death. The name Vervain is derived from the Celtic "ferfaen", from fer (to drive away) and "faen" (a stone), as the plant was used for affections of the bladder in olden times. Magickal Uses: Vervain is a countermagick herb, an aphrodisiacal herb, an herb of fertility, protection, consecration, immortality, purification, love, and a visionary herb ruled by Venus. Its invocatory can be Diana, Hermes, or Medea. Vervain may be used to enhance the dreaming process, especially if working a Dream Quest. Use it to expand your divinatory skills. Vervain may be used to consecrate and empower any of your ritual tools, altar stones, wands, chalices or thuribles. Vervain makes a wonderful aspurger. Vervain is associated with the metallic element of Mercury, storing a small glass vial of this heavy liquid will help keep the Magick of your Vervain strong. Vervain is used with Opals and Agates. By working with this herb we can come to better understand the mysteries of immortality. Vervain has been used for a very long time to protect people against negative emotions. It is an excellent herb to include in spells and charms which protect the practitioner against the negative from both inner and outside forces. Vervain is used in home blessings as well. Many love spells and romantic formulas include Vervain because of its reputation of being able to empower any Magick. Gather Vervain at Midsummer with the previous year's dried Vervain tossed into the Midsummer fire. Vervain is most potent if fresh cut and worn when performing, for it increases the practitioner's skill and inspires the artistry. Medicinal and Other Uses: Vervain is used as an astringent, antispasmodic and fever-reducing agent. Vervain is an effective nervine useful for tension and nervous exhaustion. Vervain is not only effective against depression, but also strongly supports the detoxifying function of the liver. Chinese research has linked the plant with dilation of arteries in the brain, a likely explanation of its usefulness in treating migraines. **WC** Caution: Vervain used improperly can result in paralysis. It effects the parasympathetic nervous system, stimulating the uterus, and should not be used during pregnancy. Other Name(s): Verbena officinalis
Medicinal: Vervain is used to treat the liver and diseases related to the liver, exhaustion, fatigue, fever, insomnia, asthma, post-natal depression, as well as painful or irregular menses. It will also help increase the flow of a mother's milk. The Chinese use it to treat malaria, dysentery, and congestion. It is also a pain reliever and to reduce inflammation. Do not use during pregnancy. Religious: Vervain is used for cleansing incenses and baths. Buried in a field, it will make your crops abundant. It is burned to attract wealth, and hung above a bed to prevent nightmares, and above a baby's crib (out of reach!) to offer protection for the little one, and will enable the child to grow up with a love of learning and a happy outlook. Hung in the home it offers protection from negative spells, and is used as a pledge of mutual faith when given to a friend. Growing: Vervain is a perennial herb that grows 1-2 feet tall. It prefers full sun, average to rich soils, and is grown throughout temperate North America. It is rather short-lived, but self-sows. Harvest leaves and flower tops as the plants bloom. http://truewitchcraft.aimoo.com/url.cfm?link=2$ZCK8I4vV5hWe$J8lL326SLy8lkJkeK
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