Bach Flower Remedies
Vervain

Verbena officinalis

Vervain grows up to 1m high from a perennial rootstock with rather strong bushy stems. Last year's dead stalks often remain with the plant. The stems are square in section and like the leaves they are hairy. Leaves are pinnate and opposite, deeply lobed and toothed, being smaller higher up the plant. Flowers are small (4-5mm) pale mauve or pink, opening progressively along a slender spike with small fruits forming below. Only a few flowers open at one time.

Flowering Period

Vervain flowers from June to September.

Preparation

Vervain is prepared by the sun method. The flowering spikes are picked from as many different plants as possible. The cut stems are floated on to the bowl of water.

Uses

Over enthusiasm, a sense of injustice and the pursuit of a cause.

Vervain people feel very strongly about questions of principle and justice, and often go to great lengths to defend what they believe to be right. They will stand up for those who suffer unfair treatment and are not afraid to speak out in defense of their cause. They want others to believe as strongly as they do and will therefore invite discussion and debate as it gives them a chance to offer their point of view and put their argument forward. The intention is always to persuade others to see things the way they do - they don't want to force people to obey as Vine types do, but rather to convert them.

On a more general level, Vervain types are enthusiastic people who enjoy a challenge and will work hard at any project that they believe in. If their efforts are thwarted they become frustrated and can suffer much tension as a result.

Vervain animals are usually active and excitable and may seem highly strung. They may find it hard to keep still, and always appear interested and eager to be involved in what is going on: dogs jumping up on visitors and racing around the park to join in the ball games are Vervains.

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