Monday, February 20, 2012

Vervain

Vervain is the reason I make soap.
When I lived in the South of France, I learned to order un infusion de vervain in the cafe.  Somehow it seemed a healthier choice than the lovely coffee.   Only later did I learn of vervain's magical and calming properties, and that it was considered a powerful medicinal.
Called "lemon verbena" in this country erroneously, vervain is a very hard to find herb on this side of the ocean.  What is used in the US as lemon verbena has a different latin name, Verbena triphylla, and this plant is native to South America, not the Mediterranean.
The two species are similar, but not the same thing.



True vervain is verbena officianalis, and has been known since the Roman times as a medicinal herb, reducing anxiety, strengthening the immune system, and helping with migraines.


If your holiday soap is getting small, time to order a new bar -- I have my inventory back in stock and can ship immediately!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/emtheartist