Vervain is also called Herb of Grace, Herb of the Cross as it is believed that the herb was pressed into Christ’s wounds to stanch his bleeding.  Other common names include: Pigeon’s Grass, Holy Herb, Enchanter’s Herb, blue vervain, swamp verbena, wild hyssop, traveler’s joy, and Indian hyssop.

Folklore has it that vervain became a popular acne remedy. Those with pimples stood outside at night holding a handful of the herb wrapped in cloth over their pimples and the blemishes were supposed to disappear.