Forming a Relationship with Blue Vervain: The Plant That Inspired Our Soothing Salve
Nature speaks in whispers, synchronicities, and serendipities, often inviting us to connect in ways we might not expect. When you hear the phrase "form a relationship with plants," what comes to mind? For some, it means consuming or cooking with them. For others, it's noticing the plants you pass by daily—maybe you know their names, maybe you don't. Forming a relationship with plants can be as simple as an everyday interaction, or as profound as feeling their presence in your life. This is a story of one such whisper that, with time, blossomed into something beautiful.
Discovering Blue Vervain
When I heard about Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata), my interest was piqued. Considered a nervine herb, meaning an herb that supports the nervous system, this plant was described as ideal for "overachievers," "list-makers," and "Type-A folks." There were other descriptions that were more intense, but these ones resonated with me. Blue Vervain is said to support the release of the need for control that this specific type of person holds deeply too. (Is this sounding like you reading this?) It certainly sounded like me, though I have been step by step releasing the old ways.
For those interested, here's a study on the phytochemicals found in Blue Vervain.
Blue Vervain sounded like something I wanted to explore further.
Here in PA, I knew it grew wild, though I had never seen it growing at our farm. So, I asked some friends to keep an eye out for it on hikes and walks. I was very surprised when just a few weeks later, Verbena hastata found me.
The Healing Power of Plants
This is exactly what I am talking about when I speak about forming a relationship with the Natural world. Nature, and plants, do not talk in words like we communicate with one another. In this case, I thought of the plant, which sparked curiosity and intention, and the plant revealed itself to me. It's the perfect example of how magnetic we are to our desires when we have focused intention. Nature is alive, plants are alive, and I believe they have their own consciousness. I also believe that the desire to know, especially from an open and curious heart, allows for what you desire to blossom before your eyes. In this case, it happened to be a literal flower!
David and I were walking the dogs past an area where David had redistributed topsoil earlier in the year, and there it was, in great abundance as well. We suspect the seeds had been dormant in this topsoil and now had a chance to thrive. It's funny how just when you are looking for her, she appears. Isn't this relative to so many things in our life?
We collected beautiful purple flowering tops and leaves, of course leaving plenty for the land. I tinctured a good amount, then was curious about the effects of the Blue Vervain topically, hence our Soothing Salve was born.
Introducing Our Soothing Salve
We created a test batch mixing the Blue Vervain with calendula and chamomile. On my skin, the salve was lovely, hydrating, and soothing, without leaving greasy residue. In the winter, my hands crack and bleed, so this salve would be perfect.
During the testing phase, our friend, Morgan, was coincidentally experiencing severe eczema on her hands. We will just share her words, because nothing can quite compare:
"The Soothing Salve has been a miracle worker for my severe eczema. Before using the (magical) salve, intense inflammation flared up almost every day. I tried all other natural remedies and nothing else helped. After using the salve just one time, I saw immediate results. These photos show my hand before trying the salve and just three days later. Not only does the salve soothe inflammation, but it's also extremely hydrating and removes any itchiness. I use it daily to keep my skin hydrated and the inflammation at bay. I am so grateful a natural product like this one exists!"
This leads to the other motivation for creating our salve. There is a lack of natural skincare products in the market, especially products free of essential oils used as fragrance and that use plants grown without chemicals like glyphosate. I'm not writing this out of fear, but out of inspiration.
Yesterday we had a friend over who eats very well. People ask her about what it's like to be so "restrictive" with her eating, and she beautifully describes her just wanting to consume clean, healthy food. It's not restrictive; she just doesn't want to eat toxins.
Our Goal To Create Toxin Free Skin Care In Harmony With The Earth and Skin
We want to create clean, whole plant extract, toxin-free skincare. Verbena hastata, Blue Vervain, is just one of the magical plants to reveal itself to us. This is just the start, and I cannot wait to share who else has presented themselves and how this relationship will manifest.
We meditate on reconciliation with the wild, beautiful, natural world. If Earth is our mother, does she not hold us always in love and harmony?
We and all of our products to align to this idea of Gifts From The Earth and Soil, Nurturing The Soil and Skin.
Want to experience this magic for yourself?
