What is Flower Essence Therapy?
By Natasha White - December 2006
As extracted from the “Flower Essence Society” (http://www.flowersociety.org/), below answers questions about Flower Essence Therapy and it’s benefits.
What are flower essences?
Flower essences are herbal decoctions, made from the flowering part of the plant, which uniquely address emotional and mental aspects of wellness – they have the capability to stimulate profound change on a deep level.
How do flower essences work?
To understand how flower essences work requires a recognition that the human being is more than a physical body, but also incorporates a "body" of life energy, a "body" of sensitivity and feelings. Flower essences are energetic imprints of the life force of plants which interact with these subtle bodies of the human being and evoke specific qualities within us. When you take flower essences, the energy they contain affects your energy field, which in turn has an impact on your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual condition, as these aspects are all energy based.
How do I use flower essences?
They are generally taken orally from a 15ml dropper bottle. The dropper bottle consists of the flower essence/s, purified water and a very small amount of pure alcohol (to prevent bacteria). Alternatively, for those who cannot have any alcohol, Apple Cider Vinigar is used instead. The standard dosage is 4 drops, 4 times daily. Flower essences can also be used as sprays, creams or in bathes.
Will flower essences make me feel better?
Flower essences do not create euphoria, or eliminate pain and conflict. They work by stimulating awareness of our conflicts and challenges, and they strengthen our ability to work through the obstacles to our health and growth. Just like herbal or homeopathic supplements, taking flower essences may at times, but not always, stimulate some discomfort and awareness of pain or conflict. This is a normal part of the journey towards wellness and can lead to a much more complete state of health than the suppression of pain, or artificial stimulation of feelings through bio-chemical intervention. In other words, symptoms may appear worse for a few days, however once through that period, you suffer less.
What if I don't notice any changes at all?
Flower essences work when they resonate with your emotional/mental imbalance. They will be most effective and noticeable when they actually match the core mental or emotional challenges you face. If you are addressing only surface symptoms or fleeting feelings, you may not notice much impact from the flower essences. For this reason, it is very beneficial to work with a Qaulified Flower Essence Therapist who has the skills and vast range of essences to best match your unique condition.
Do flower essences have physical effects?
Flower essences do not work bio-chemically like Pandadol does for a headache, but they can affect our experience of our bodies. For example, essences which help release emotional stress, may result in less physical tension. However, flower essences are not cures for any specific illness and are chosen on the basis of mental and emotional issues, rather than specific physical ailments.
What if my condition is really serious?
If you have a serious mental or emotional condition, or a known physical medical problem, you should seek the care or advice of a qualified health practitioner. However, many health practitioners now include flower essences in their health programs, or work with other practitioners that do.
Are there any harmful effects from flower essences? Can I overdose?
Flower essences are primarily vibrational in nature, as are homeopathic remedies. This means that they are non-toxic and one cannot overdose on them, unless one were to drink a huge quantity of them and be effected by the alcohol which may be used as a preservative.
Do I need to be on a special diet to use flower essences?
No, other than a willingness to try them. People from a wide range of backgrounds and lifestyles have excellent results with flower essences. Many people using flower essences report that they become more aware of their diet and develop a desire for a quiet time of meditation or contemplation as a result of using the essences.
Can I take flower essences if I am on medication?
Flower essences can be very helpful for people who are taking prescribed medication for both physical and emotional ailments. To the extent that the medication dulls consciousness, the essences may take longer to take effect, or for their effects to be noticed. Many people taking psychiatric drugs are able to taper down or gradually eliminate their medications by using flower essences. It is important for anyone taking prescribed medications to have their condition professionally monitored and not to attempt to discontinue medication without medical supervision.
How will I know if they are working?
Unlike chemical drugs which suppress symptoms, flower essences are catalysts for emotional change and work by stimulating awareness. Many people report general but noticable differences with essences. They may feel clearer, calmer, or better able to cope. Often it is the comments of others close to us which first alerts us to changes taking place.
When can I expect to note such changes? How long do essences last?
A 15ml dosage bottle is generally used at the rate of four drops, four times daily, and lasts about one month. This is a typical cycle for emotional change and it is recommended that you use an essence for at least this period of time to fully experience its impact. The remedies often have a subtle beginning, which gradually becomes more obvious. However, a month is only a general suggestion, many people use flower essences for longer or shorter periods of time than this, with good results. An essence or combination should be discontinued when you feel you have completely absorbed or consciously recognized the benefits which were intended from it.
How are flower essences different from homeopathic or herbal products?
Rather than determining the physical symptoms, flower essences are best chosen by understanding the specific mental or emotional challenges which face you. These remedies are uniquely suited to address this part of your wellness program.
By Natasha White—December 2006.
Flower Essence Therapist
Website: http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/therapist/7725
