vervain flower essence
- Melinda
- Sep 2
- 13 min read
Updated: Sep 9
Vervain flower essence
"Those with fixed principles and ideas, which they are confident are right, and which they very rarely change. They have a great wish to convert all around them to their own views of life. They are strong of will and have much courage when they are convinced of those things that they wish to teach. In illness they struggle on long after many would have given up their duties." ~ Edward Bach, The Twelve Healers and Other Remedies
A Vervain blockage:
fanatical
overly-focused
tense
nervous
"lunatics"
controlling
high-strung
incensed by injustice
overly enthusiastic
Positive expression of:
inspiring
motivational
tolerant
respectful
calm
the "wise woman"
good listener
open-minded
Verbena officinalis
Oh, how I wish I'd known about Vervain flower essence a decade or so ago; it would have saved me so much trouble! While my enthusiasm can still be off the charts, now I'm able embrace the live-and-let-live mindset fully (most days, anyway!). I can relate to virtually all of the flower essences at one point in my life or another, but Vervain really stands out from the crowd. Not having had the support of flower essences until quite recently meant that I had to, unfortunately, learn things the hard way. The really hard way. But hey, at least I learned it, right? (laughs nervously, while wiping the sweat from her brow)
fanatics & lunatics
As always, we'll start with what things look like if this energy is being expressed poorly before we move on to the positive and beautiful expression. And if you're wondering what that poor version presents as, you need to look no further than the closest "fanatic."
Vervain types really do have a set of values and principles that they live by. They, quite admirably, walk their talk. They're not the type to simply spout their beliefs, they'll actually go to extremes to follow through on them. Not even the threat of jail or physical danger is enough to thwart a Vervain on a mission, and they want nothing more than to leave a lasting and beneficial mark on the world.
Which, in my opinion at least, doesn't sound like a very negative portrayal (yet). As a recovering Vervain individual, I still do walk my talk every day. With every bite I eat, every biodegradable bag I purchase, every all-natural soap I make, and every meadow I grow. But the thing that separates the "bad" from the "good" here is an inability to allow others to walk their own unique path. A path that, quite often, looks very different than the one a Vervain individual thinks you should be walking. But as intelligent and knowledgeable as Vervain folks often are, "live and let live" is a hard—if not impossible—concept to wrap their overly-active brains around.
but here's why...
In an effort to convert those around them, high-strung Vervain personalities will bombard you with one argument after another. Overly enthusiastic, they will pummel you endlessly with all of the reasons "why" (or "why not"). These narrow-minded and rigid souls suffer endlessly because they have a very definite idea of what the world should look like, and they're hyper-aware of how far from the ideal we actually are; consequently, they can't seem to relax until all has been put to right—through their eyes anyway. This, of course, would be an impossible job for anyone, but perhaps if they talk often enough, loudly enough, and persuasively enough, they will succeed in convincing you that what they believe is the best. For you. For them. For all involved.
Quick in speech and quick in movement, they are exhausting. Not only to you, but to themselves as well. Even to the point of nervous breakdowns, illness, disease, and physical exhaustion. But even then? They carry on, unable to relax. It often seems as though nothing can stop them, and they get agitated at how little they are able to accomplish. Part of the reason for this is always glaringly obvious to everyone around them, but they have yet to understand that "it is by being rather than doing that great things are accomplished." (Edward Bach)
an important distinction
A hallmark sign of one in need of Vervain is obvious tension. Impatiens types are also tense, so one might need to look a little bit deeper to decide which of the two essences would be more appropriate, especially if tension is the most pressing problem (remember, though, that no harm can come from choosing the wrong essence!).
Vervain individuals are very social, and often involved in the community. Impatiens types, however, want nothing more than to be left alone. So if tension is present but a person would rather company, then it's more likely they need Vervain. If a person is tense but desires solitude, then I'd be more likely to reach for Impatiens. A small distinction, but an important one.
the flip side
The positive expression of Vervain is still an individual who lives by and stands up for their morals and ethics—that part is fundamental and doesn't change. The obvious difference is that now they possess the capacity to realize that their personal opinion isn't the only one. The absolute. In contrast to the negative expression, the healthy Vervain soul is able to listen respectfully to those whose opinions differ from their own, and even when faced with a viewpoint that they vehemently oppose, they can meet it with tolerance. No longer compelled to convert all around them, live and let live becomes possible.
In the negative state, Vervain folks will never change their mind, perhaps even when they feel they should. Positively, they can now keep their minds fluid and open to new perspectives, changing their minds when they feel the information presented to them has worth and value that supersedes the opinion they held prior. Able to now use their energies in a loving way, they present more as the calm Wise Woman/Man instead of the overwhelming zealot. No longer forcing others to bend to their will and beliefs, they lead by example, inspiring others in a way that the negative type will never be capable of. Instead of trying to single-handedly save the world, the healthy Vervain walks their talk in a way that motivates others to do the same.
"Are you one of those burning with enthusiasm: longing to do big things, and wishing all done in a moment of time? Do you find it difficult to patiently work out your scheme because you want the result as soon as you start? Do you find your very enthusiasm making you strict with others; wishing them to see things as you see them; trying to force them to your own opinions, and being impatient when they do not follow?"” Edward Bach
(Because I'd like these flower essence posts to function all on their own, the next parts will be a repeat of things you've already heard if this isn't the first post of mine you've read.)
only one
It's important to remember that if only one of the aforementioned blockage symptoms resonates with you, then giving Vervain a try is still a good call. There will be certain personality types that exhibit nearly all of the symptoms nearly all of the time, but that's not always the case.
where to buy
If you don't already have the essences on hand (and you're thinking that Vervain might be just the essence for you!), there are two options I would recommend you explore. I buy my bottles through Flower Essence Services and the essences are prepared by Julian Barnard exactly as Bach prepared his. Barnard's line of essences is called: Healing Herbs Bach Essences and the reason I choose them is because they're prepared with organic ingredients. The preservative used is organic brandy but even if, like me, you don't consume alcohol, there's another way besides consumption to use them if you wish.
The second option is the original Bach line, still made by Nelsons which is the company Bach originally gave his essences to. These are prepared with either alcohol or vegetable glycerin if the alcohol concerns you and you'd prefer to avoid it. I'll just add here that if you make a dosage bottle as outlined below, the amount of alcohol will be minuscule, having been diluted multiple times. Alcohol is considered a Group 1 carcinogen, however, so do what you feel is best for you and your health.
how to use
There are several ways in which you can take the remedies, and all of them are simple! Remembering that even if you choose the wrong essence they can do no harm (they simply won't have an effect), you can experiment and choose the avenue that suits you best. I have my preferences, but I encourage you to play around and see what works most effectively for you :)
No matter which brand you purchase, you'll use it in exactly the same way. The small bottles you purchase are called stock bottles (diluted from the original Mother Essence), and the first method involves making yourself a further diluted dosage bottle. This is the most cost-effective method and the one I typically recommend, especially for chronic issues. Once the dosage bottle is made, it's extremely easy to add it to whatever you're drinking throughout the day.
Stock bottle: The bottle that you will purchase; this bottle is more concentrated. If you take the drops by mouth, you'll taste the preservative.
Dosage bottle: The bottle you will create, using the specific essences you need; this bottle will be much, much more diluted. If you take the drops by mouth, there won't be much, if any, flavor unless you add an additional preservative.
Dosage Bottle
Fill a 1 ounce glass dropper bottle with clean spring water. Distilled water is not recommended, and I have found that this "dead" water doesn't seem to work nearly as well. It will preserve the essences for longer if you aren't using any additional preservative, but it doesn't pack nearly the same (gentle) punch. For whatever reason, the essence doesn't seem to be able to impregnate distilled water.
To this spring water, you will add 2 drops of your Vervain flower essence. There is usually no need to add any preservative if the bottle will be used with 2 or 3 weeks, especially if you store it in the refrigerator. Make sure the dropper never comes into contact with your mouth or fingers, and it should keep fine. You could, however, replace 25% of the spring water with either brandy or vegetable glycerine to preserve it for longer. If you're using multiple essences (up to 6), add 2 drops of each of them to this bottle as well.
Add 4 drops of this diluted dosage bottle to whatever you're drinking throughout the day. The energetic vibrations will imprint on the water, so essentially you're getting a hit of Vervain with every sip that you take. This method is great for children, adults, pets, or even plants. You will continue on with this until the symptom(s) passes. In the case of an acute flare-up, this may only be for an hour or a day. In the case of a chronic condition, I'd take the essence for 3 weeks and then reevaluate. If you feel the need to continue and aren't using any preservatives, I'd prepare a fresh bottle at this time.
You can also drop 4 drops from the dosage bottle directly into your mouth as needed. I tend to prefer adding the drops to my drinks throughout the day when using the dosage bottle, especially for chronic emotional issues. This is mostly because I get in more of the essence(s), but this is entirely up to you. You can always pop your dosage bottle into your purse/pocket and carry it with you, taking drops throughout the day.
Making a dosage bottle is my preferred method when you're working with multiple essences at the same time (which happens frequently) or when you anticipate the essences will be needed long-term. It'll save you the time of having to sort through all of your essences and drop them in individually whenever you need some support.
Stock Bottle by Mouth
Take two drops of the stock bottle (the original bottle you purchased) and drop directly into your mouth. I have experimented with both myself and my family, and I find this to be one of the two most effective ways to approach an acute emotional flare. Usually within minutes I can feel a shift, and then the mood begins to blessedly lift. This lifting will almost always expose new emotional issues underneath, and I continue working with the revealed emotional blockages until I'm feeling better.
If, after 15 minutes or so you haven't felt any change (or enough of a change), take another two drops by mouth.
If, after another 15 minutes you still haven't felt any kind of shift, no matter how minute, it's quite possible that the wrong essence has been chosen. Sometimes it's difficult to differentiate between moods and there is definitely some trial and error involved. If you're certain that it is the correct flower essence, I would then switch over to a glass of water with 2 drops of the stock bottle added and sip it throughout the day (see below: Stock Bottle in Drinks).
This way most certainly isn't the most cost-effective method, but it is easy and works well, especially short-term. The bottles preserved with brandy will taste like alcohol and the ones with vegetable glycerine will taste sweet.
Stock Bottle on Skin
You will do exactly as described as when taken by mouth, except now you'll drop them onto your skin. I generally drop the essences onto my wrists and rub them together, but you could probably apply them anywhere. Remember, they're energetic in nature and the rules are far less rigid than what most people are accustomed to.
Some flower practitioners may disagree, but so far I have found this method to be as effective as dropping into the mouth for acute negative moods. I think taking it by mouth makes one think of a traditional medicine and so the mind has an easier time accepting what it (most likely) can't understand, but your energetic field surrounds your entire body; thankfully, the flower essences can work with it in a number of ways.
This is an excellent approach to use with children. Just the other day, my young niece wasn't feeling well—dizzy and light-headed. I pulled out the appropriate essence and without thinking, went to drop it into her mouth. She recoiled with a "does it taste bad?" so I instead applied it to her arm. After the first dose she felt better, so I gave her another. After the second, the next time I saw her she was smiling, chatting, and eating again :)
I would recommend this method only with the essences preserved with brandy. They'll dissipate quickly and leave no residue whereas those with glycerine will leave a stickiness behind.
Stock Bottle in Drinks
Instead of the mouth or the skin, simply drop 2 drops of the essence directly into the drink you're drinking.
One of my girls likes to make up a fresh glass each morning to address the moods that she feels pressing on her when she wakes; she calls this her Trauma Cup ;) She'll sip from it periodically, making it last for the entire day. If the glass runs low, you can leave some of the essence water and refill; I've found the essences will impregnate the fresh water and continue their work. You can also simply make up a fresh glass with fresh essences.
This method would be helpful if you feel as though your emotions are continually shifting. Daily, you'll peel back fresh layers of emotions to be dealt with. Eventually you'll almost certainly reach a chronic personality blockage that will require more than simply a day to work through, but you can continue on with this method for chronic issues if it's most convenient for you.
patience, diligence & time
I think it's important to note that your response to the essences won't always be immediate. I can almost always, quite quickly, find relief to the acute moods that strike, but chronic deep-seated issues usually take longer. I've been working with someone on their guilt issues for several months now (they add drops from a dosage bottle to their water throughout the day) and just recently they've begun to feel a welcome shift.
If you know your emotion (for example, I've had to work a lot of frustration as of late!), then keep on keeping on with the essences. Give them time. I personally believe that some of these blockages are carry-overs from other lifetimes and won't disappear overnight. With time and patience, however, I've seen some remarkable shifts that make your diligence well worth it. In the end, does it really matter whether it takes an hour, two weeks, or four months if you can finally shake an emotional blockage that saps too much of the joy from your days? Continually addressing my emotions has given me a lightness and newly focused clarity that only enhances the hard work of living life as a human. And all it took was a commitment to sipping water ;)
Additionally, I think it's very important to add that I anticipate needing the support of flower essences for the duration of my lifetime; I don't think of them as a tool to use and then discard, but to continually reach for in times of emotional distress. People are generally a seething bundle of emotions—often negative ones—and I think that's just part and parcel of being a human. While souls may be universally "good," not all people are. And because we're social creatures and require at least a modicum of interaction, we'll get plenty of chances to work on those negative emotions that we struggle with most. While flower essences are excellent at helping us tackle our chronic issues, they're also invaluable for supporting us with the day-to-day struggles. In my home, my essence kit is kept in a spot that is available to all, day or night, and there's always someone rummaging through the bottles in search of just the right helpmate!
working with infants
Flower essences are safe to use, even with the smallest of babies. I wish desperately that I'd known about essences when my girls were young because they would have been such an awesome tool to have in my mama tool-belt! Upon reincarnation, I think some souls have a much more difficult time re-acclimating to the human body and struggle with being so helpless and restricted again. I believe flower essences would have made a world of difference for some of my girls (and definitely myself!).
Obviously, though, babies can't speak. In this case, it's up to the caregiver to assess the baby's behavior. It's often easy enough to tell when a baby is irritated, scared, weak, or in pain. Look to what their body and face are showing you. This would also be helpful with anyone unable to speak. Are they feverish and restless? (Agrimony) Irritable with being unwell? (Impatiens) You can apply the essences directly to their skin, knowing that they can do no harm. Hardworking mamas could also benefit greatly from the support of flower essences, both during pregnancy and then for those challenging days (and sleepless nights) beyond!
And that'll wrap it up for Vervain! Next on tap: Centaury. Below you can find my cheat sheet that should tide you over until I get through all thirty-eight of the flower essences :)
Much love & thanks for reading,
Melinda
Bach Flower Practitioner
.jpg)
.jpg)
