Description

Vervain (Verbena hastata) is a member of the vervain family with small, blueish-purple flowers that bloom in summer. Found across North America, blue vervain has been utilized for its healthful properties for centuries by Native Americans and later by folk herbalists. The herb was traditionally steeped as blue vervain tea but can also be tinctured, made into a syrup, or incorporated into bath and body products like foot soaks and creams.

Verbena hastata is native to North America and is incredibly similar in appearance and properties to its European cousin Verbena officinalis, whom it is often mistaken for. It grows with wild abandon in the Great Plains section of America, and can be found elsewhere on prairies, in meadows, and open woodlands. Other common names for blue vervain include American blue vervain and wild hyssop.

Several of the names for vervain (Herb of the Cross, Herb of Grace, Holy wort) refer to the legend that the wounds of Jesus were dressed with vervain when he was taken down from the cross. This is disputed among biblical scholars as it is not referenced anywhere in modern bibles. It was also used as an ingredient in pagan love potions.

Rosemary adds a delightful flavor to cuisine all across the world. The younger leaves are preferred for a sweeter flavor, standing up well to cooking, even at high temperatures. The smell of rosemary is piney and fresh; familiar but also distinctive. It is baked into breads and crackers, and is classically used as a rub for pork and lamb.

Food manufacturers add rosemary to meats and sauces as an antioxidant and stabilizer. The herb is also used to make liqueurs, such as Benedictine and Danziger Goldwasser.