Flower essences – tools for transformation, catalysts for change
At our store we carry a wonderful line of products known as flower essences and many people are often intrigued by these essences but are unfamiliar with how they work. So this month we felt it important to share some information on these amazing tools for emotional wellness. Flower essences are often described as tools for transformation and catalysts for change. Given the New Year is upon us these wonderful flower remedies may be of use in helping you with this year's resolutions!
First off it is important to clarify that flower essences are not essential oils (which are used in aromatherapy) but rather flower essences are ‘subtle and gentle’ plant extracts that work to alleviate negative states of mind and uncomfortable sensations within the body and help to bring us emotionally (and often physically) back into balance. When you have an emotion such as anger, resentment, insecurity or fear you may experience an uncomfortable sensation within your body. For instance, anger may cause your heart to race, depression may bring on fatigue, a lack of confidence can cause shyness, and being fearful may hold you back from reaching your potential. Negative emotional states can also impact the immune system wearing it down and leaving the body vulnerable to illness.
The first known vibrational essences were flower essences made by placing flowers in spring water. Later on, essences were made with other natural objects that were known to have beneficial powers or properties that were not quantifiable scientifically. These objects include crystals and gems as well as other things. Gem elixirs capture the “essence” of the gem into a liquid form that can be taken internally and dispersed throughout the energetic body.
Vibrational essences are a part of ancient wisdom, and have been found in aboriginal cultures throughout the world. Many ancient cultures believed dew contains the healing life force – or essence – of the flower. The 16th century master physician and herbalist Paracelsus in his work in the area of alchemy, sought to find the “spirit” or essence of plants, metals and other substances to enhance health.
Bach Flower Remedies
The best-known essence maker of the modern world is the English physician Dr. Edward Bach. His work on the development of essences in the 1930s, lead to the creation of the popular Bach Flower Remedies, which are widely used throughout the world today.
Dr. Bach believed that diseases of the body come about as a result of imbalances or negativity at the level of the soul, and by correcting the problem here healing would result and the body would heal on all levels. The flower remedies act to balance disharmonies in the emotional and spiritual body, and bring about a gentle healing by bringing the body back in balance with itself. They act almost as a catalyst to cause healing. He developed thirty-eight Flower Remedies that at that time he felt would correct all imbalances that were possible. Each essence would treat a particular imbalance and could be used alone or in combination depending what was needed. Probably the most famous and most widely used of the Bach Flower Remedy line is actually a combination of five remedies, which act synergistically to calm stress and fear. They were specifically combined to assist the body where there is shock, stress or trauma and the combination was aptly named “Rescue Remedy”. The five remedies in the formula are Star of Bethlehem for trauma and numbness, Clematis for being grounded and to prevent passing out, Rock Rose for panic, Impatiens for tension and irritability and Cherry Plum to prevent losing control..
Balancing the Mind-Body Connection
The essences contain the healing energies of the flowers from which they are made. Flower remedies and other essences have many and varied uses, but act mainly on the higher emotional levels. The body is affected very much by the emotions and the mind, and by healing at a deeper level the remedies can shift illnesses, either alone, or more often in combination with other forms of treatment. For example, skin problems may manifest during times of anxiety and stress; fear and depression can contribute to cardiac arrhythmia; and grief and loneliness can be held in our lungs creating chronic respiratory problems. The physical health condition will often initially respond to treatment but if these emotions are not resolved the condition will continue to recur.
The use of vibrational essences can work with the treatment method and the end results, by addressing the illness on both these levels, are generally much better than merely treating the physical condition alone. However it should be noted that essences are not a panacea or magic remedy for all our emotional ills. They don’t give us something we don’t already have. Rather one should think of them as reminding of us of what we already know – connecting us to what we have always possessed, and accentuating our innate abilities.
How Flower Essences are Made and Used
Different makers use slightly different versions of the basic method for making a vibrational essence, but the underlying method is very similar. The flowers, gems, etc. are placed in pure water and then left in sunlight for a period of time. This creates the “mother essence.” This is then diluted before it is combined with a preservative (alcohol, glycerin, or vinegar typically), and then bottled.
Many people use essences either straight from the bottle or diluted in the liquid of choice. They can be taken by mouth (the most popular method) or applied topically in a bath or compress, added to cosmetics, or just rubbed into the skin. They can be introduced into any environment by misting the air with a dilution of essences. When using several at a time, you can premix and dilute them together in a dropper bottle.
To make a dosage bottle, use a one-ounce bottle, and fill it with spring water and one teaspoonful of brandy. Then add four drops of each of the remedies you have chosen, shake them very well (perhaps 100 times) so that the remedies are completely dispersed into the water. Take 4 drops of the resulting mixture several times a day or as desired/instructed. Such mixtures do not keep forever, but their shelf life can be extended by keeping them in the refrigerator.
Selecting an essence
No “wrong” choices can be made in selecting essences. However, there may be one or more essences that would be the MOST helpful in the moment. Most sources suggest using no more than 4-5 different essences at any particular time. If you feel drawn to more than five (and this happens often), use the most broad, general essence for two weeks and then reconsider your other choices.
To select specific essences there are several approaches: choose the one(s) most comfortable for you.
• Read the label or essence descriptions. Choose what makes intellectual sense. • Value your intuition. Follow your “gut feelings” about which essences call to you, even if they do not make intellectual sense. • Use the divining method you like most, including muscle testing, pendulum, tarot, etc. We suggest framing the questions toward knowing the essence(s) which are the highest good at this time.
At Tilia we carry the Kootenay Flower Essences and Elemental Energy Essences from a wonderful producer in Slocan Valley, BC and as well we custom blend essences for individuals. We would be happy to talk with you about the various ones we have available and support you on your journey to a happy, healthier you in 2017!
All material contained herein is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Contact a reputable healthcare practitioner if you are in need of medical care.