vervain flower essence

Photo credit: Image by FRANCO PATRIZIA from Pixabay

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

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.

For a detailed explanation of how to take the Bach flower essences and where to buy them, please visit my post here: Flower Essences: How to Use. And while I know that it's taking me an awfully long time, I will reassure you that I'm still slowly but surely working through each and every one of the flower essences! You can find them all conveniently located here: flower essences. Individually, this is what I've managed to accomplish so far:

• impatiens

• clematis

• mimulus

• agrimony

• chicory

• centaury

• all about Bach flower essences

I hope I've answered all of your questions on how to take the remedies, but if not, feel free to reach out to Melinda via our contact page! Thanks so much for reading, and I hope your day is an awesome one ♥

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 :)

flower essence cheat sheet.pdf

Download PDF • 555KB

Much love & thanks for reading,

Melinda

Bach Flower Practitioner