The use of essential oils has gained significant popularity in recent years, providing an alternative to modern medicine and pharmaceuticals.
“Flower essences are the vibrational message of a flower transmitted to water by solarisation, and the vibrational resonance of the flower is memorized by the water.”
The use of flower essences was first popularized in the 1920’s by Dr. Edward Bach, and English physician and homeopath. He subscribed to the belief that disease was an emotional problem, caused by a conflict between the soul and the mind. Rather than requiring medicinal treatment, the only way to eradicate disease would be through spiritual and mental effort.
During the 1930’s Dr. Bach documented 38 remedies known as the Bach Flower Remedies. These provided a foundation for modern day holistic practitioners to experiment with the uses of additional plants, discovering new, effective remedies for a number of common ailments. This means that herbalists and those who practice alternative medicine have the option of not only using the initial 38 remedies for their recommended uses, but can find which flowers speak directly to them and, as such, are highly effective in their use.
The 38 Bach Flower Remedies Include:
- Agrimony: for those facing mental agony hidden behind pleasure and happiness
- Aspen: for a fear of the unknown
- Beech: for intolerance
- Centaury: for the inability to say ‘no’
- Cerato: for those who lack trust in their own decisions
- Cherry Plum: for those who fear their mind giving way
- Chestnut Bud: for a failure to learn from one’s mistakes
- Chicory: for selfish, possessive love
- Clematis: for those who are dreaming of the future, however, not working in the present
- Crab Apple: for self-hatred, also known as a cleansing remedy
- Elm: for those who are overwhelmed by responsibility
- Gentian: for those suffering discouragement after a setback
- Gorse: for hopelessness and despair
- Heather: for those suffering from self-centeredness and self-concern
- Holly: for feelings of hatred, envy, and jealousy
- Honeysuckle: for those who are always living in the past
- Hornbeam: for those who experience tiredness at the thought of doing something
- Impatiens: for impatience
- Larch: for lack of confidence
- Mimulus: for the fear of known things
- Mustard: for those suffering a deep gloom for no reason
- Oak: for the strong individual who never gives up, past the point of exhaustion
- Olive: for those experiencing exhaustion following mental or physical effort
- Pine: for those facing feelings of guilt
- Red Chestnut: for those who are over-concerned for the welfare of loved ones
- Rock Rose: for those feeling terror and fright
- Rock Water: for those experiencing self-denial, rigidity, and self-repression
- Scleranthus: for this with an inability to choose between alternatives
- Star of Bethlehem: for those suffering shock
- Sweet Chestnut: for those that are experiencing extreme mental anguish, feeling as though every option has been exhausted and there is no light left
- Vervain: for over-enthusiasm
- Vine: for those experiencing feelings of dominance and inflexibility
- Walnut: for protection from change and unwanted influences
- Water Violet: for quiet self-reliance leading to isolation
- White Chestnut: for those suffering from unwanted thoughts and mental arguments
- Wild Oat: for those experiencing feelings of uncertainty over one’s direction in life
- Wild Rose: for drifting, resignation, and apathy
- Willow: for feelings of self-pity and resentment
There are many different ways to use flower essences in order to experience the listed benefits. They should, however, be taken with careful attention to the recommended doses. If you are looking at using any of the above remedies it is recommended that you consult with a knowledgeable professional who will be able to determine the strength and length of the treatment required in order to solve the underlying spiritual or emotional issue.
Drops into the Mouth: The most traditional way of taking flower essence, and one of the simplest options. Place drops of the essence under your tongue which will work to maximize absorption, optimizing their healing properties.
Rub Flower Essence on the Skin: For those that are unable to ingest the essence, for example, those with an alcohol resistance, you can still benefit from the use of flower essences. Rub the essence behind your ears, on your wrists, lips (unless this may trigger an allergy), temple or on the soles of your feet.
Add Drops to Your Food: Sprinkle the drops onto various foods, such as adding them to salad dressings. This approach will also work if you are looking at using the flower essences for younger children or for your pets.
Decant into a Spray Bottle: Flower essence can be used like incense and air fresheners, spraying the essence into the air allowing you to breathe it in. It can be used to clear a space of negative energy. You can also spray the essence directly onto the body to treat bruises, burns and insect bites.
Mix Them into Your Drinks: Like many other herbal treatment options, you can add your flower essences to your non-alcoholic drinks such as juices, teas or just a glass of water. Use the full dose amount, however, you do not require any additional as this will not dilute the effectiveness of the flower essence.
Mix into Lotions or Oils: If you are already regularly using skin care products, simply mix your flower essence into your regular skin care products.
Add Drops to Your Bath: Add the prescribed dose of your specific essence into a hot bath. Soak in the bath for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing yourself to relax and welcoming in the healing properties of the essence.
Spray Them onto Your Pillows: This method is especially beneficial if you are using flower essences as a remedy for insomnia! Spray the essence directly onto your pillows so that you are breathing it in all night as you sleep.