Blue vervain is a member of the verbena family with a history of use that dates to ancient Egypt. Historically, the herb has been used to ease congestion and cough. In fact, blue vervain was used to prevent medieval peasants from becoming victims of plague. To the Iroquois, a cold infusion of the leaf was a sure-fire way to make an obnoxious person go away. But to eastern European pagans, the same would draw true love near.
 
The dried herb is edible but bitter, and may be added to teas, salads and soups. It can also be infused in oil or tinctured and added to lotions, creams, soaps, ointments, facial toners and perfumes.