About Vervain
Vervain was sacred to the Romans and the Druids — used to cleanse altars, seal oaths and bless homes. It was gathered at the rising of the Dog Star, with an offering left in its place.
One of the most sacred herbs in Druidic and Roman tradition, used in oaths and blessings.
History & folklore
The Romans called vervain herba sacra, 'the sacred herb', and used it to sweep altars clean. The Druids gathered it at the rising of the Dog Star when neither sun nor moon was in the sky, leaving honey in its place. Christian legend said vervain staunched Christ's wounds on the cross, so it became known as 'holy herb'.
Correspondences
- Traditional uses
- Protection, purification, love
- Latin name
- Verbena officinalis
- Element
- Earth
- Planet
- Venus
- Best day
- Friday
- Moon phase
- Waxing moon — for drawing things toward you
- Intentions
- Protection, Cleansing, Love
Ways to work with it
- Sprinkle a vervain wash on your altar to cleanse it before ritual.
- Carry a sprig when making a promise you intend to keep.
- Add to a love or protection sachet.
Growing & gathering
Vervain is a slender, wiry plant with tiny lilac flowers, found in dry, sunny waste places. It's easy to grow from seed. Harvest the flowering stems in summer and hang to dry.
Avoid during pregnancy. Don't confuse it with lemon verbena, a different plant.
Spells to try
Pairs well with
HawthornProtection, love, Beltane
BasilProtection, prosperity, love
DillProtection, love, money
ParsleyPurification, protection, lustCorrespondences are traditional associations gathered from folk practice and modern craft books. They vary between sources, and they are not medical advice. Read our editorial approach.