The exact origin of Vervain is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from the southern Europe region in the Mediterranean area. Since then, Vervain has been introduced to other regions of the world. This plant can grow wild in most types of soil, spreading slowly and staying low to the ground until it blooms from mid-summer to early fall.
Vervain is a Latin name for sacred plants used in religious ceremonies. The common name Vervain is said to originate from the ancient Celtic words “fer,” meaning “to remove,” and “faen,” meaning “stone,” referring to its use in treating kidney stones.
Vervain is a perennial plant with slender, serrated, green leaves that are simple and unbranched but have teeth on the outer edges. The leaves grow opposite, arranged in pairs, and overlap each other. The flowers of Vervain are quite attractive, with small, pale purple five-petal blooms on spikes. The colors of Vervain flowers vary in shades of white, red, pink, purple, and blue. Despite its beauty, Vervain flowers have no fragrance.
The Meaning of the Plant Horse TailVarious cultures have assigned multiple symbols to the horse tail plant. Horse tail has been used for medicinal, ceremonial, and superstitious purposes for thousands of years. Ancient cultures throughout Europe held it in high regard as the herb of love and the herb of strength.Egyptians believed that the first resurrection happened from the tears of the goddess Isis when she mourned the death of the god Osiris. In ancient Persia, the people also regarded the horse tail plant as a sacred herb. Some use horse tail for making wishes during prayer or seeking good fortune. The plant is also a symbol of healing, creativity, and happiness. It is believed to protect against harm and evil.The name “horse tail” means altar plant. In ancient Rome, this herb was considered holy and was used on altars in temples. The branches of the plant were tied together and used to clean the altars.Inside homes, horse tail is believed to prevent lightning strikes. In medieval times, it was carried for good luck. Some superstitiously bury the plant in their gardens for prosperity.
The horse-tail plant has been a symbol of supernatural and religious power in various cultures throughout history. Ancient Druids in Ireland believed in its supernatural abilities, while worshippers of Thor in Scandinavia used it in rituals to summon mysterious strength. The Greeks and Romans also considered it a sacred plant, using its branches to purify their temples. The Greeks called it “hierobotane,” or “holy plant,” while the Romans referred to it as “herba sacra” or “sacred herb.” It was even used to bless altars in Roman times. In Christian mythology, the horse-tail plant is associated with the healing of Christ’s wounds on the cross, which is why it is sometimes called the herb of the cross. Native American tribes, such as the Aztecs, used the plant’s roots and flowers for natural remedies, including treating urinary issues and headaches.
Benefits and Use of Horseweed
Horseweed is a good medicinal herb to treat menstrual problems, bronchitis, headaches, kidney stones, infections, joint inflammation, gout, diarrhea, muscle spasms, anxiety, and insomnia. It is also considered as a remedy to restore health after a long period of illness. The plant has the ability to relieve pain, reduce fever and inflammation, and can be used as a mild laxative. It is believed to be an effective treatment for depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Horseweed is also used in various products such as skin creams, ointments, and tea.
Sometimes, plants that are very familiar to us and can be seen growing everywhere in the garden, hide a rich history and profound meaning through different civilizations and cultures. If you are looking for long-lasting flowers during the hottest days of summer, consider planting horseweed. By planting horseweed, your garden will have more colors without requiring too much effort to care for like other types of flowers. You can immerse yourself in the sunny space that horseweed brings.
