Flower Power

Many of you will have heard of rescue remedy – this is the most popular of the Bach Flower remedies developed by Dr Edward Bach and is used in times of need by many people.

However, you may well not know much more about the alternative therapy of flower essences. It all began with medical doctor Dr Bach who was concerned that so many of the treatments his profession was able to offer patients were either not very effective or caused the patient more distress than their original ailment.

Dr Bach wanted to alleviate suffering, not add to it. A talented homeopath, he had an inner conviction that there should be a simpler system of healing that would treat any condition and so he developed his range of flower essences, a natural healing system that comprises a therapeutic system using dilutions of flower essences developed to balance physical and emotional disturbances. There are 38 original Bach remedies plus Rescue Remedy, each prescribed for certain mental and emotional problems which form a complete therapeutic system.

Whilst these are the first of the flower essences, there are now many different ranges of essences available such as the Australian Bush Flower Essences developed by nauturopath Ian White.

The Australian Aboriginals have always used flowers to heal the emotions and Ian had learned the properties of the flowers from his grandmother.

Where Dr Bach used English plants, Ian Whilte, a fifth generation Australian herbalist, has used Australian plants for his essences. Australia has the world’s oldest and highest number of flowering plants exhibiting tremendous beauty and strength. Also Australia is relatively unpolluted and metaphysically has a very wise, old energy, says Ian.

In Scotland, Findhorn Flower Essences uses local Scottish flowers and pure water from sacred healing wells for its products. The essences are prepared by the sun-infusion method pioneered by Dr Bach. He discovered that when the blooms of selected wild plants are floated on spring water and exposed to sunshine for several hours, the healing essence of that species is captured in the water. This infusion is then preserved in brandy and is called a flower essence or flower remedy.

According to flower essence practitioners, flower essences help to get you through a crisis. Essences have no side effects and can be taken with other medication. They are safe for children and pets/plants to use and being natural remedies which don’t harm your system in any way, more and more people are turning to them.

Bach Flower Rescue Remedy
The five flower essences blended to make this remedy are Impatiens, Star of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum, Rock Rose and Clematis. This combination is especially beneficial when you find yourself in traumatic situations, such as, stress or emergencies where we suddenly lose balance mentally. The essences help us to calmly deal with any situation.

Kapok Bush Australian Bush Flower Remedy
This essence was first made at an Aboriginal cattle station in the Kimberleys. It is for people who have a tendency to give up very easily, who are easily discouraged.

Bell Heather Findhorn Flower Essence
Bell Heather helps to access inner strength and resolve to stand one’s ground. It helps us to become resilient to stress, setback or disappointment.

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