Dormilón*, or Blue Vervain (Verbena spp), is tall and graceful with spikes of violet-blue flowers. It’s been used for centuries as both medicine and magic. It was considered sacred by the Druids and widely used in European folk traditions. In New Mexico, it’s traditionally been used to treat insomnia and cold/flu symptoms.
Blue Vervain is well known as a bitter tonic—its taste is so strong! Yet it’s that potent bitterness that helps wake up sluggish digestion and supports the liver when life’s stressors has left things feeling stagnant. Blue Vervain isn’t only about the gut. It’s also a gentle nervine, easing tension in the mind and body. If you’re the kind of person who carries stress in your neck and shoulders—or if headaches seem to creep in as you push yourself to get everything done—this just might become your favorite herbal remedy.
Because of its cooling and relaxing nature, Blue Vervain is especially suited for those who embody a go-go-go lifestyle. Just a little can go a long way in helping to unwind that tension and bring us back into balance. Even in tincture form, small doses are often best with this one—3-5 drops might be all you need. You can also make an infusion to drink it as a tea, but I have a strong preference for tincture frankly because of the taste. Honey can only tame that bitterness so much!
Blue Vervain is also used to support healthy menstrual cycles, ease PMS-related irritability, and, in some cases, encourage milk flow for nursing. That said, it’s a strong plant and should not be used during pregnancy. Too much can bring on nausea and just a general feeling of ickiness in the gut, all thanks to its intensely bitter taste.
If you find yourself burned out, holding stress in your body, or struggling to slow down at the end of the day, Blue Vervain is a beautiful reminder to soften and come back to the heart center. This wildflower doesn’t just help us physically—it can remind us how, for generations, we used to live in a way that honors our own rhythms.
The roots are actually very potent, almost too potent. So although you could use the roots, it’s really best (and easier) to just harvest the flowers along with some of the upper leaves. I started a fresh(ish) tincture and can’t wait until it’s ready.