Flower Essences

“The state of our emotions are a crucially overlooked factor in the treatment of disease”

Edward Bach 1930

Flower essences help to heal negative emotions to improve our physical health

Flower Essences are a safe and effective therapy for all animals, at any time and all stages of life.

Flower essences are generally prepared from a sun infusion of either wildflowers or pristine garden blossoms in a bowl of water, which is further diluted and potentized, and preserved with brandy. Quality preparation requires careful attention to the purity of the environment, the vibrancy and potency of the blossoms, celestial and meteorological conditions, and sensitive study of the physical and energetic properties of the plant through its cycles of growth.

Flower essences do not work because of the chemical composition of the liquid, neither do they contain any actual physical part of the plants or minerals from which they are made. They work because of the life forces derived from the plant and contained within the water-based matrix. Like homeopathic remedies, flower essences are vibrational in nature; this vibrational energy works on the sub molecular life-force or ‘chi’ as it is sometimes known. When everything is working in unison, at the right ‘pitch’, we are physically, emotionally and mentally healthy; any imbalance can be a cause of illness

I know, sounds a bit woo-woo; and I have found them to be super effective with both dogs and myself.

It is important however to state that flower essences are not cures.

Flower essences are not directly used for physical complaints, but as a tool to enhance healing on a spiritual, mental, emotional and physical level.

These states of mind or moods not only hinder recovery of health and retard convalescence, but are generally accepted as primary causes of emotional imbalances and are the basis of many physical health problems.

They are highly dilute from a physical point of view, but have subtle power as potentized substances, embodying the specific energetic patterns of each flower. They are unflavored and unscented

Because flower essences are not drugs, and have no biochemical effect on the body, as pharmaceutical drugs do, you can not overdose on them, or take the ‘wrong’ one. No "wrong" choices can be made in selecting essences. However, there may be one or more essences which would be the most helpful in the moment.

Flower essences are not contraindicated with any other form of health care. They will not interfere with pharmaceuticals, herbs or homeopathy. They are safe for elderly animals, newborns and pregnant animals.

The essences are entirely positive and cannot under any circumstances cause the negative state to appear

Where things are getting worse in spite of the remedies may mean one of two things. Either the remedies have not yet had time to work (two or more months or even years of regular dosage may be needed to deal with deep-rooted problems) or the selection was wrong.

Practical Directions for Administering Flower Essences

Flower essences are most commonly taken orally from a dropper bottle

directly under the tongue, or in a bit of water.

In addition to oral use, flower essences can be quite effective when absorbed through the skin in baths or topical applications. In dogs, you can put it in their bowl water if they are a drinker, or put the drops directly onto a small piece of bread. It is best to avoid drops directly in their mouths, as the droppers are often made of glass.

There are several levels of dilution in the preparation of flower essences. The mother essence is derived from fresh blossoms in a bowl of water, infused with the morning sun (or heated by fire, in the case of some of the English essences). The mother essence is generally preserved with brandy. This infusion is then further diluted to the stock level, and sometimes again to a dosage level. Generally it is the stock level of dilution which is available commercially from flower essence companies, although there are some premixed combinations sold at the dosage level of dilution.

Other options for using the essences:

• Using a glass spray bottle or mister: add two to four drops of flower essences from the stock bottle of each essence selected, rhythmically shake or lightly tap the bottle in order to keep the essences in a more potent or energized state. Rather than taking the drops internally, spray the mixture around the body and in the environment.

• Use in baths: About 20 drops of stock of each essence to a normal-sized bath tub of warm water. Stir the water in a lemniscatory (figure-eight) motion for at least one minute to help potentize the remedies in the water. Soak in this solution, pat the skin gently dry, and then rest quietly or go to sleep to continue to absorb the subtle qualities of the essences.

• Topical use: Add 6-10 drops of stock of each essence selected per 30 gm (1 oz) of creme, oil, or lotion. Use on a daily basis either exclusively, or to supplement oral use. Essence drops can also be applied directly on the body in conjunction with massage, acupressure or acupuncture, or chiropractic treatments.

Timing of dosage

Regular, rhythmic use of the flower remedies builds the strength of their catalytic action. Therefore, potency is increased not by taking more drops at one time, but by using them on a frequent, consistent basis.

Although flower essences can be used on a short-term basis for acute situations, their ideal use is therefore for long-term or deep-seated mental-emotional change. For particularly deep changes, remedies may need to be taken for a period of months. However, in most cases changes will be noticed in about one month.

The essences should be taken four times daily, although this may need to be increased in emergency or acute situations to once every hour, or even more often.

The essences address the relationship between the body and soul, and therefore are most effective at the thresholds of awakening and retiring. Other transition times of the day are also important, such as just before the noon or evening meals.

What Results to Expect

There is a full spectrum of responses to the flower remedies.

Some people report immediate, discernible, and very dramatic results. Others appear to notice no differences at all, and may only slightly perceive shifts in well-being and in mental-emotional states after a very long period of time. Most people typically respond to the essences somewhere in the middle of this range. This is also what we have observed with the use in dogs.

Specific Remedies and how they can help your dog

One of the most well known flower essences is Bach's Rescue Remedy. This is actually a mix of 5 different flower essences, and this combination helps with any kind of stress or trauma, such as accidents, birthing, illness, stress, and it even helps recovery after a seizure.

There are many producers of Essences, however the most commercially available include Bach remedies (B); Australian Bush (AUST), Californian Flower Essence Society (FES) and Alaskan (AL) remedies

Some examples of what behaviours can be helped with flower essences:

When a previous experience may affect behaviour:

• Star of Bethlehem (B): old trauma not dealt with

• Tundra Twyblade (AU)/ Fringed Violet: shock of trauma or abuse

• Mimulus (B): low level, everyday fear, generally anxious

• Cherry Plum (B): when pain or cruelty is still fresh in the mind

• Rock Rose (B)/Grey Spider Flower (AU): extreme fear, terror and panic

• Honeysuckle (B): Down in the Dumps; soulful whining, pining for owner

• Gorse (B): truly despairing; death of owner or pet partner

• Dill (FES): Overwhelmed/confused

• Scleranthus (B): motion sickness**

• Soapberry (AL): Attacked by other dogs

• Red Clover (FES): fear of Vets

• Olive (B): For animals that are exhausted and drained by a long strain or a difficult illness, such as a chronic disease. This will help them handle the ordeal better and become stronger again.

• Unknown fear – Rescue Remedy/Soul support

** this flower remedy can be used to immediately stop a physical complaint

Watch out for fear transference!!!! Is it actually you that displays fear and your dog is simply picking up on this?

Aggression – remedies should always be combined with training and routine

• Vine (B)/Isopogon (AU): Relaxes outright tyrannical behaviour

• Dagger Hakea (AU)/Willow (B): Resentment over your authority (‘extinction burst’ – things could get worse before better)

• Saguaro (FES): Trying to exert authority as a result of adolescence maturing

• Holly (B) jealousy in a pack; Tiger Lilly (B); Snapdragon (FES) & Mountain Devil (AU)

If hostility arises for no apparent reason, this could be as a result of illness – contact your Vet immediately

Ideal remedies to have to hand for rescue or new dogs

• Cow Parsnip (AL): Helping to adapt to new surroundings

• Quaking Grass (FES): when introducing new people, other dogs, new environment (for all in the situation)

• Holly (B): deals with any jealousy; new babies/puppies being brought into house

• Southern Cross (AU): ‘victim’ mentality

• Vervain (B): over enthusiastic e.g. lead pulling/biting

Another common issue is Separation Anxiety – again this must be combined with training and exercise

• Heather (B): These animals tend to be very vocal, and may whine and cry a lot if they have to be left alone

• Honeysuckle (B): Down in the Dumps; soulful whining, pining for owner

• Gorse (B): truly despairing

• Bleeding Heart (FES): moping, waits on owners every move, bored – combine with exercise and training

• Chicory (B) more active seperation anxiety symptoms – MUST combine with routines/training

• Willow (B)/DH/Vine (B) – more resentment based

Details by flower essence:

Animal Rescue

A special combination remedy, developed over ten years of research, to help with many forms of animal rehabilitation (AL)

Arnica

Mental and emotional aftermath of shock, accident, trauma, surgery or illness (FES)

Aspen

For animals that are very fearful, for no apparent reason, and are very sensitive to anxiety and apprehension. They may tremble with fear and anxiety without any obvious causation. (Bach)

Bleeding Heart

For grieving animals that have suffered a loss of either another animal or person. It also helps animals who have never recovered from a loss or grief that happened in the past. (FES)

Centaury

For animals that are overly submissive and eager to please, tending to be bullied by other animals. For animals that grovel and urinate from submissive behavior when petted. (Bach)

Chamomile

This is a calming remedy that helps fractious and irritable animals. It is especially useful if they are teething and also helps the animal that tends to have terrible temper tantrums. (FES)

Cherry Plum

For animals that cannot control their behavior, such as aggression and biting, and tend to have violent impulses towards other animals and people, and even be dangerous. (Bach)

Chestnut Bud

Failure to learn from lessons; repeated cycles of errors despite having been trained otherwise (Bach)

Chicory

For the overly possessive and maternal animal that wants attention all the time and is also jealous of other animals or people who might compete with them for affection. (Bach)

Cosmos

To encourage inter-species communication for better bonding, training etc (FES)

Cow Parsnip

Helping to adapt to new surroundings (AL)

Crab Apple

For cleansing the body and getting rid of toxins. This remedy acts more on the physical body than any of the other essences and is good for any situation where cleansing is required. (Bach)

Dagger Hakea

Resentful, bearing grudges, bitter and smouldering! (AUST)

Dill

Upset linked to change, travel or break in routine (FES)

Dog Rose

Everyday fears and lack of confidence (AUST)

Fringed Violet

Shock, trauma and their after-effects in the short or long term (AUST)

Gentian

For animals that are easily discouraged and give up easily and are easily set back. For example in training programs they will give up if they make even a small mistake. (Bach)

Gorse

Loss of vitality and the will to live; depression and despair (Bach)

Grey Spider Flower

States of acute fear and terror in animals (AUST)

Heather

For animals that hate to be left alone, and suffer from separation anxiety. These animals tend to be very vocal, and may whine and cry a lot if they have to be left alone. (Bach)

Holly

Aggressive behaviour, rage, jealousy, biting and fighting (Bach)

Honeysuckle

Pining for the past, loss of interest in the present (Bach)

Impatiens

For the impatient, fast moving, hyperactive animal that never seems to slow down. These animals can be snappy and irritable and they tend to rush ahead, or pull on the leash. (Bach)

Isopogen

Controlling, domineering and ruthless! (AUST)

Kangaroo Paw

Impulsive, clumsy, unthinking behaviour (AUST)

Larch

For animals that lack self confidence and tend to be timid and shy, can help animals that need to perform in the show ring but dont have the confidence to show themselves well. (Bach)

Little Flannel Flower

Repression of ‘the child within’ leading to overly serious behaviour (loss of puppyhood through abuse or trauma) (AUST)

Mariposa Lily

Animals that are insufficiently bonded to their young, to help introduce a puppy to a surrogate mother (FES)

Mimulus

This remedy is for animals that are scared of known things, such as thunderstorms, other animals or people. It helps them to overcome their fears and be timid and scared of the world. (Bach)

Mountain Devil

Chronic hostility and angry disposition (AUST)

Old Man Banksia

Sluggishness, lack of energy and drive, apathy (AUST)

Olive

For animals that are exhausted and drained by a long strain or a difficult illness, such as a chronic disease. This will help them handle the ordeal better and become stronger again. (Bach)

Pine

For owners who feel guilty about ignoring their dogs during the week, or during training (Bach)

Pink Yarrow

Helps protect animals from negative emotional energy, such as during a divorce, or stressful family situation, or when another animal or person is sick or draining their energy reserves.

Quaking Grass

Helps a group of animals re-adjust after a change, such as a new addition to the pack (FES)

Red Clover

Problems with animal hysteria e.g. hysterical fear attending the vets

Red Helmet Orchid

Rebellious, hot headed, fiery disposition – used to cool tempers (AUST)

Rock Rose

This is useful for animals that are very scared and prone to panic attacks, for no known reason. They become totally rigid with fear and tend to be very highly strung and nervous. (Bach)

Saguaro

Rebelliousness, resistance to authority (FES)

Scleranthus

Vacillating, swinging moods; animals that seem unsettled and keep shifting from place to place (Bach)

Self Heal

This is a wonderful remedy either alone or in combination. It helps healing by stimulating the innate healing reserves of the body and is useful in any illness to bring about healing. (FES)

Snap Dragon

Aggression with tendency to bite (FES)

Soapberry

Fear, particularly fear of other animals (AL)

Soul Support

Emergency, trauma, accident, nervous shock (AL)

Southern Cross

Bitter, self-pitying, ‘victim’ mentality (AUST)

Special Yarrow Formula

The Special Yarrow formula helps protect animals and people from negative external influences such as environmental pollution, toxins, electromagnetic energy and other factors. (FES)

Star of Bethlehem

For animals that have suffered any kind of trauma, emotional or physical, such as an accident or abuse. It will help them to recover from this shock, however long ago it took place. (Bach)

Tiger Lily

This remedy helps with aggression and animals that tend to bite and snap. It helps them release aggression and be less hostile, and opens them up to learning to co-operate with others. (FES)

Tundra Twyblade

After-effects of shock, trauma and abuse in animals (AL)

Vervain

This is good for the very enthusiastic animal that is over bearing and highly strung. It helps calm hyperactivity and restlessness and suits the animal that wears people out by their excess energy. (Bach)

Vine

This remedy helps with the dominant animal who wants to be the boss of all the other animals and people. They are bullies to the other animals around them and hate to be disciplined. (Bach)

Walnut

This is an extremely useful remedy for any time of transition, such as moving house, becoming pregnant, adjusting to new animals or family members, or going to a new situation. (Bach)

Water Violet

This remedy tends to suit cats that are unusually introverted and detached, and it helps open them up to be more friendly and outgoing and less aloof and emotionally distant. (Bach)

Wild Oat

Helps the restless animal that never seems to know what they want or to settle down into anything, it helps them to focus their energies and be less scattered in their approach to life. (Bach)

Wild Rose

Loss of interest in life, emotional ‘shutdown’, listlessness and apathy, often following period of abuse or abnormal stress (Bach)

Willow

This remedy helps with resentment and bitterness and often helps cats that urinate everywhere, due to a change in the household, such as t

he arrival of another animal or a baby. (Bach)