Flower Essences – Bringing back our connection to Nature

Herbs, flowers and trees have all been used for healing for thousands of years. It was an English physician, Dr. Edward Bach, who developed a range of remedies made with the healing energies of flowering plants and trees in the 1930’s. His collection of 38 remedies have been used widely since then, and his technique for preparing them has been used by others to create essences from many other flowers.

Bach was committed to creating a simple system of healing that anyone could learn to incorporate into their lives for everyday healing. They do not treat physical illness directly, but by restoring harmony to the mind, emotional state and spirit, they allow the body’s natural defenses to work more easily. Flower essences are truly safe and simple. Anyone can appreciate their benefits. They bring about resolution of everyday stress, inspiring calm, balance, strength, and the ability to cope better. Whatever is going on in your life, wherever you would like to see balance, you can find help from the flower essences.

‘The action of these remedies is to raise our vibrations and to flood our natures with the particular virtue we need, and wash out from us the fault that is causing the harm. They are able, like beautiful music or any glorious uplifting thing which gives us inspiration, to raise our very natures, and bring us nearer to our souls and by that very act to bring us peace and relief from our sufferings.’

Edward Bach

There is a wealth of information to get you started – you can find many good books, and excellent online sources for learning. Perhaps your exploration begins with just one essence, the one that you are drawn to, either through your research, in the garden, in the fields, or on the mountainside.

If you are drawn to a particular flower, herb, or tree, it may be interesting for you to see what you can find about the nature of that plant. How does it grow? What are its qualities and characteristics?

For example, in these parts we are familiar with Aspen trees. We see their leaves trembling even when there is not the slightest breeze. They seem somewhat fragile and delicate in this way, yet we know that they are sturdy and strong, growing on mountainsides in established groves. A flower essence made with Aspen helps to soothe feelings of fear, panic, apprehension, foreboding, shakiness and sensitivity. It can bring forth courage, inner strength and security.

Do you love sunflowers? What is it that appeals to you? Their radiant light is a reflection of the warmth and glow of the sun itself, and they remind us of our own light, our warmth and loving compassion. Someone who is not feeling able to shine their light in a balanced and loving way would benefit from a flower essence made from the sunflower. Perhaps they are unable to feel this warmth – perhaps feeling low on self-esteem, or on the other end of the spectrum, feeling the arrogance of needing to shine too strongly. The flower essence will bring balance, allowing our natural capacity to shine our expression like the sun, bringing warmth to our lives and to those around us.

photo via provence-france.net

You can find Flower Essences locally in all of our health food stores and herbal apothecaries. There you will also find some assistance in selecting remedies. There are also many wonderful practitioners in the area offering Flower Essence consultations. They are well-versed and experienced in the remedies and their applications, and will be able to offer you personalized remedy blends to address your current situation and emotional state.