The Vervain and Yellow Fever

Abstract

ALLOW me to say a few words on the report of the English Vice-Consul at Ciudad, Bolivar, concerning the efficacy of the Vervain plant as a remedy for yellow fever and black vomit (NATURE, March 21, p. 412). The plant in question is Stachytarpha jamaicensis, Vahl, a very common and rather troublesome weed, called in Spanish America “Verbena,” in the British West Indies “Vervain,” and in the Brazils “Gervaô.” Its medicinal properties have been greatly exaggerated, though it is certainly somewhat aromatic and astringent; but in yellow fever and black vomit its efficacy is next to nothing. For a good description of the plant and some notes on its supposed and real virtues, I refer to Auguste de St. Hilaire, “Plantes usuelles du Brésil,” plate 39 (Paris, 1824). Another tolerably good figure is given by Sloane, “The Natural History of Jamaica,” plate 107, 1, who mentions several diseases against which it was used in his times (and probably still), stating finally, that “it is good against charms.”