Flower Essences

What are flower essences?
Dr. Edward Bach, in the 1930s gave the gift of flower essences to the world. and his 39 remedies changed the world of natural medicine forever. Now, a multitude of flower essence remedies offer themselves to us for healing, from around the globe.
Bach states, "The action of these remedies is to raise our vibrations and open up our channels for the reception of our Spiritual Self..." This is the essence of healing.

Dr. Bach defines health as harmony between Spirit, Mind and Body. Dr. Bach expressed the deep spiritual roots of disease and healing. "We each have a Divine mission in this world, and our souls use our minds and bodies as instruments to do this work, so that when all three are working in unison, the result is perfect health and perfect happiness." He advises us to quiet our minds and to cultivate the qualities of Love, Compassion, Peace, Steadfastness, Gentleness, Strength, Understanding, Tolerance, Wisdom, Forgiveness, Courage and Joy. Flower essences can help us in this endeavor.
Suzanne incorporates flower essences as part of a healing protocol when appropriate. Flower essence consults are available by request. Suzanne also teaches a two-day class on Bach's Flower Essences and how to use them. His system of 39 remedies can be easily learned and applied. Please inquire for more information.

HEALING FLOWERS*
*excerpt from the book Bach Flower Remedies: Healing for Spirit, Soul & Body by Suzanne E. Sky

In the plant kingdom, flowers draw our attention with their spectral array of colors, beauty of form and often with their wonderful fragrance. Flowers lift our spirits, heal our soul and speak deeply to our hearts. We give flowers to those we love. We pick a bouquet of flowers to cheer up our room. We all feel the healing nature and beauty of flowers. The fragrance of flowers is extracted in essential oils and used in the art of aromatherapy for relaxation and healing. Many flowers also have medicinal use in teas, tinctures and herbal preparations.

Usually, the essence of the flowers are extracted in fresh, spring water, either by sun or boiling method. Since these liquid preparations contain only minute traces of actual flowers, they convey the vibrational pattern and essence of specific flowers. This is quite different from an herbal tea or decoction. A remedy prepared in this manner is known as a flower essence. Today, flower essences from all parts of the world and from a wide assortment of flowers are used as a healing modality. Gem essences are made in a similar manner to impart their healing energy.
The action of flower and gem essences is subtle and extends beyond the physiological. Their action is not biochemical, but is vibrational, working on the mental/emotional/spiritual planes to help us in our healing work. Research in the field of psychoneuroimmunology shows a clear interrelationship between physical illness, stress and emotional/mental outlook. Essences help to “untie”, release and transform these mental/emotional energetic knots.

These gentle essences enjoy a reputation of being very safe. They have no side-effects and are non-toxic. Some people state they don’t “feel” any change or effect from using flower essences. However, many people find the flowers provide an essential factor in their healing process. Each person responds to flower essences according to their inner rhythm and needs.

In Chinese medicine, seven emotional factors are considered as one of the main causes of disease. Emotions are considered as normal physiological phenomena that do not cause disease under normal conditions. However, if the emotions are very intense, persistent, long-lasting or the individual is hyper-sensitive to the stimulations, then they can lead to disease. The seven emotional factors the Chinese consider are: joy, anger, melancholy, meditation, grief, fear and fright. They view these emotions as reflections of a person’s response to various stimulations in their environment.

Emotional changes effect the circulation of Qi and Blood and the health of the organs and organ systems. Through cultivating equanimity in our mind and emotions, we can preserve the harmonious flow of Qi and Blood and the good health of our organs.
Bach always emphasized one principle: that it is never the disease we are treating, but only the person. The remedies are chosen according to a person's mental/emotional state, in order to bring about a positive state of being, which allows true healing. Flower Essences can help transform emotions, attitudes or patterns of behavior to enhance one's growth and awareness.
Flower Essences combine well with herbs and other natural healing modalities. They are safe, non-toxic and easy to use.

Using Flower & Gem Essences
Generally people take a few drops several times throughout the day. Some people adhere to a strict schedule of so many drops, two or three times a day. Others find it much more helpful to use them as needed. Especially in acute situations, it can be helpful to take the remedy more often. Usually when a person is "done" with their remedy, they will start "forgetting" to use it regularly. Since flower essences are primarily working at a vibrational level, and there is little, if any actual physical substance in the remedies, there are no side effects.
Essences must be protected from heat, light, and cold.

Ideas for using flower and gem essences
1) Directly from the bottle – Place a few drops under your tongue or in some water.
2) In a bath A fun way to use flower essences is to put a few drops in your warm bath and relax.
3) Spray bottle Another fun way to use the remedies, is to place the blend or single remedies in a spray bottle, with filtered or spring water. Use this to spritz yourself, your home, office, animals or plants. I make a blend using filtered water as a base, combining essential oils with Flower Remedies I have a blend for home and a blend for my office. You can make them according to your needs.
4) Drinking water Place 5 to 6 drops of your blend or of the single remedy into your bottle of drinking water for the day. This is a convenient and easy way to take your remedies throughout the day. Do the same for animals – place a few drops in their daily drinking water.
5) Herbal Tinctures You can add your blend to the herbal tincture that you take every day.