Healing with Flower Essences

Flower essences and flower essence therapy are a unique alchemy. They are homeopathic in nature using the plant's own energies to promote healing. Using the philosophy that 'like heals like'. The energy extracted from a single flower contains it's energy life force. Every bloom carries a stamp, much like humans carry DNA, containing the generative energy needed for reproduction. Through photosynthesis the blooming flower converts it's health qualities into energy facilitated by the magnetic energy of the sun. The energy extracted from flowers in turn have a variety of healing properties.

Flower essences are a very effective, gentle and non invasive healing therapy. In our society many of us are cut off from nature and our natural surroundings day in and day out. Flower essences are a gentle choice for healing and help one become more aware and mindful. While using nature to heal ourselves.

Each type of flower has many different healing qualities. Flower essences heal on a vibrational and emotional level. It is both scientific and esoteric in nature. The flower remedies have no smell or taste and can be used in a number of ways. The most common and best way to administer flower remedies is under the tongue with a dropper. You can also put them in your bathwater, spritz a room or even add them to lotions and creams. They are so gentle they are even safe for children and pets. The most common dosage is 2 drops under the tongue.

You can find and purchase Bach remedies from your local health food store or co-op. There are also many books you could pursue on the subject. You can generally buy flower essences as a single remedy or in a set. They have a very long shelf life if stored properly. You will want to keep them in a cool and dry place, away from light and heat to keep their healing properties intact.

Dr. Edward Bach was the first person to scientifically study and coin the term flower essences. In 1928 he began making them. By 1932 he had made 12 remedies. Before his death in 1936 he developed 26 more plus rescue remedy. These 38 remedies are still renowned and used to this day.

The 38 Original Remedies and their corresponding indications;

Agrimony- for those who tend to put on a happy face, yet there is mental anguish lurking.

Aspen- helps with the nagging lingering fear of the unknown.

Beech- used for intolerance.

Centaury- helps with the inability to say no.

Cerato- lack of trust in one's own decisions.

Cherry Plum- fear of losing control of the mind .

Chestnut Bud- used for the failure to learn from one's mistakes.

Chicory- selfishness, possessiveness.

Clematis- for those dreaming of the future without working in the present.

Crab Apple- used for cleansing emotionally, also for self-hatred.

Elm- for those overwhelmed by responsibility.

Gentian- used for discouragement after a setback.

Gorse- used for feelings of hopelessness and despair.

Heather- self-centredness, selfishness and used for those who are overly self-concern.

Holly- hatred, envy and jealousy.

Honeysuckle- for those living in the past.

Hornbeam- beneficial for procrastination, and mental tiredness at the thought of doing something.

Impatiens- like it's name, this one is used for impatience.

Larch- for those that lack of confidence.

Mimulus- for the fear of known things.

Mustard- deep sadness for no reason.

Oak- for the overachiever who keeps going past the point of exhaustion.

Olive- exhaustion following mental or physical effort or events.

Pine- guilt.

Red Chestnut- over-concern for the welfare of loved ones, meddling.

Rock Rose- terror and fright, shock, grief.

Rock Water- self-denial, rigidity and self-repressed individuals.

Sceranthus- indecisiveness.

Star of Bethlehem- shock.

Sweet Chestnut- used for extreme mental anguish, recommended when everything has been tried and there is no light left.

Vervain- used for over-enthusiasm, over-excitability.

Vine- useful for dominance and inflexibility. for those that don't like to budge.

Walnut- used for protection from change and unwanted influences.

Water Violet- pride and aloofness.

White Chestnut- unwanted thoughts and mental arguments.

Wild Oak- uncertainty over one's direction in life.

Wild Rose- for those drifting, resignation, apathy.

Willow- self-loathing, hatred and resentment.

There is also a mixture of what is called Rescue Remedy which is actually a combination of 5 remedies. Cherry Plum, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose and Star of Bethlehem. Rescue remedy is used for shock, sudden emotions such as overwhelming anger or grief and also to calm one's nerves. It is a good all purpose remedy one can use when feeling off balance as well.

Flower essences are used in cultivating health and used as a catalyst for heightening awareness ad healing on both physical and emotional levels. It has been long believed that negative emotions affect the way that life and "dis-ease" circulates in the body. By keeping our emotions balanced using flower remedies we can help create & maintain physical health.