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It’s unbelievable how this Vampire phenomenon has hit our culture! On TV, in movies, in books – we just can’t seem to escape these blood sucking bachelors. And just as many vampire stories there are out there, there are even more vampire legends. What harms a vampire- Garlic? A wooden stake in the heart? How about a little flower.

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In the CW hit show “Vampire Diaries” we’re seen people use something called Vervain to combat a threatening vampire. It doesn’t kill the vampire. It just sort of evens the playing field, weakening a vampire enough to get a stake through the heart or lock him away in a casket.

If you think this Vervain is something totally made up by the people at the CW, well then you’re dead wrong. Vervain, also called Verbena, is a type of flower. It’s been in use since at least the middle ages where it was often used as a type of herb.

But Vervain is no simple flower or herb. Even before people have been writing about vampires falling in love with high school girls, the flower has been associated with divine and supernatural forces. There’s a popular story about how Vervain was used to try to stop Jesus’ wounds from bleeding after he was taken down from the cross. Other ancient legends claim this flower can protect you from vampires.

Image via Wikipedia

It’s good to remember that while vampires may be the current hot thing in our culture, it’s definitely not new or original. So it’s great to see one of these vampire stories looking back into real culture and legends for elements to add to the tale.

So, here’s what you need to know to stay safe from vampires: Mix Vervain in a tea, wear it in your hair, put the oils in a bath. However you use it, just keep this stuff around and supposedly you and your neck will remain puncture-free. Unless, of course, you’ve become smitten with the likes of Edward, Damon and Stefan… then I guess Vervain is just not for you.