vervain

/ˈvɜːveɪn/

Etymology

From Middle English verveyne, from Old French verveine, from Latin verbēna. Doublet of verbena.

Why this word is great

VERVAIN — [Noun] Any herbaceous plant in the genus Verbena, especially Verbena officinalis, historically valued for medicinal properties. From Middle English verveyne, from Old French verveine, from Latin verbēna ("leafy twig, sacred bough"). Unlike "verbena" (which conjures garden borders and lemon-scented cultivars) or "sage" (which lingers in kitchens and stuffing), "vervain" is the herb of apothecaries and altars. It is the bruised leaves steeped in vinegar for a poultice, the sprigs tucked under pillows to ward off nightmares, or the faint purple blooms pressed between the pages of a grimoire—a quiet testament to humanity’s enduring faith in the earth’s hidden remedies.

noun

Any herbaceous plant in the genus Verbena especially if used for medicinal purposes, primarily Verbena officinalis, common in Europe and formerly held to have medicinal properties.“The Yarrow, where-with-all he stops the wound-made gore: The healing Tutsan then, and Plantan for a sore. And hard by them againe he holy Vervaine finds, Which he about his head that hath the Megrim binds.”