VERVAIN
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                                    CULTIVATION:
     Vervain  is a perennial with thin, erect, stiff stems. It grows to about 3
     feet  in  height.  The leaves are oblong  and  toothed near the ground and
     lance-shaped  and deeply lobed higher up. The plant has flower spikes that
     bear small blue or lilac flowers.

     Vervain  needs  full sun, or light shade.  The soil should be well drained
     and fertile. Vervain grows easily from seeds planted in spring after frost
     danger  has  passed.  Germination is erratic and  may  take as long as 3-4
     weeks.  Although  it's  a  perennial,  this  herb  is  rather short-lived,
     however, it self-sows. Thin and transplant to 12 inches apart. Can also be
     grown indoor.

     Harvest  the  leaves and flower tops as  the  plants flower. Cut the whole
     plant when in bloom. Dry leaves or whole plant if required.

                                  CULINARY  USES:
     Vervain leaves have a reputation as an effective love potion, and for this
     reason was added to dishes and home made liqueurs.

     Vervain  does not have a lemon scent and should not be confused with lemon
     verbena.

                                  MEDICAL   USES:
     Vervain  is recommended today as a tranquilizer, expectorant, menstruation
     promoter, and in the treatment for headaches, fever, depression, seizures,
     wounds,  dental  cavities, and gum disease.  For a very bitter infusion to
     help  treat  headache,  mild  arthritis,  and  other  minor  pains,  use 2
     teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10-15 minutes,
     and  drink up to 3 cups a day.

     Chemically,  vervain  is quite different  from aspirin, but resent studies
     suggest  it  has  similar  effect, combining  mild  pain  relive with some
     ability to reduce inflammation. One study suggest the herb also has a mild
     laxative  effect. If you are depressed try  a cup of vervain tea, it might
     just  lift  you up. You can also drink  a cup as a sedative nightcap after
     nervous exhaustion.

     Studies  on  animals  have shown that  vervain  depresses  the heart rate,
     constricting  the  bronchial  passages, and  stimulate  the  intestine and
     uterus.  Because  it may depress heart  rate, anyone with congestive heart
     failure  or a history of heart disease should not use it. The same applies
     to  people  with  asthma or  other  respiratory  condition. Pregnant woman
     should  not use vervain because if  its possible stimulating effect on the
     uterus.

                                      WARNING:
     Vervain  should  be used in medicinal  amounts only in consulting with you
     doctor. If vervain causes minor discomforts, such as stomach or intestinal
     distress, use less or stop using it.

                                    OTHER  USES:
     The  leaves  can  be used as an  eye  compress for tired eyes and inflamed
     eyelids.