Bach Flower Database

Botany: Verbena officinalis
Preparation: Sun Method
Represents: Enthusiasm

Vervain personalities are marked by a desire to live life to its utmost, giving 100% to everything they do. In a positive vervain state, these souls are dedicated warriors but in a negative state, they run too far and for too long until they simply run out of steam.

To be fair to the negative vervain personalities it is important to understand that they are acutely aware of life's call. They know they have a higher purpose and are eager to fulfill it to their very last breath. And they have an acute sense of social justice. Vervain people are the demonstrators who will be still there, holding up their signs for justice, long after everyone else is gone.

In a positive state, they can be laser-focused, highly effective leaders. In a negative state, however, they may take on too many tasks. At best, they risk burnout; at worst, they may find themselves encouraged to take risks or make tremendous sacrafices to "get it all done".

Imagine a young mother with several small children. This young woman is the head room mother for every one of our children's classrooms. In fact, she's so dedicated that her reputation around the school for being an effective party planner is almost legendary.

On party days, she runs herself ragged, hopping from classroom to classroom, trying to give each of her children equal attention. She zips in, distributes the cupcakes, then zips out--on to the next child's room. 15 minutes later, she's back--just in time to set up the beanbag toss.

This woman is in a negative vervain state. She is driven and idealist and is trying to do it all. The negative state won't allow her to ask for help. She IS a mother after all and she should be able to do it all. Or so she thinks.

One day--without warning--she comes down with a cold that, at least metaphorically, knocks her out of commission for days. This is typical of negative vervain personalities. It's as if their bodies force them to become ill just to get a little bit of rest.

The Positive Vervain State

Burnout is a common among vervain personalities; those in a positive vervain state avoid this by understanding that not every task needs to be attacked ferociously. They are tolerant, discreet people with an aura of poise and decorum. Though this, they are able to inspire and motivate others.