Frequently Asked Questions
- What are flower essences?
- Flower essences are natural remedies that address negative emotional states, sometimes physical ailments, and help to bring about a more positive mind-set and enhance one's wellbeing. The healing properties of flower essences are made possible through the life force of the flowers.
The life force of each different species of flower is "in tune" with a different emotion/s. For example, Aspen flower essence addresses fears of unknown origins. A treatment of Aspen essence would accordingly assist one to feel increasingly fearless, joyous and eager.
Dissolving and alleviating negative emotions allows the Higher Self to manifest increasingly in the individual's life. This in turn enhances our sense of wellbeing and wholeness. If health is the sum total of a healthy mind, body and spirit, flower essences then play a remarkable role in promoting and maintaining health.
- How were they discovered?
- Flower essences have a long history. The Egyptians and early Aboriginals were among those who knew of flowers' healing properties. However it was an English practitioner, Dr Edward Bach, who "rediscovered" them this century.
Observing the importance of emotional health, he developed 38 essences using traditional scientific methods and intuition. Today there are flower essences available from flowers native to many countries.
- How are they made?
- To obtain the healing aspect of the flower, usually a method of extraction by water is used . The most popular such method is the "sun method" as used by Dr Bach, for example. The procedure is both gentle and effective: flowers are placed in a glass bowl containing pure water and left in the morning sun for a few hours. The water, containing the extracted vibrational energy of the flowers, is then collected and pure water and alcohol added (to form the "mother tincture"). Dr Bach also employed another method, the "boiling method", with approximately half of his remedies
It is acknowledged among many practitioners that a respectful, positive frame of mind during the procedure is important (some say essential!) if the essences are to be of the highest quality.
- How do I take them?
- Flower essences are usually ingested. They can be purchased in dilute (dosage) and concentrate (stock) strengths. You can use the stock bottle itself - directions are usually written on the bottle.
Alternativley, you can make up your own dosage bottle from the stock bottle. (Contact us if you would like directions)
When ingested, the recommended dosage is generally 2-4 drops of the stock bottle / 4-7 drops of dosage bottles, 2-4 times a day.
Flower essences can also be used in the bath, spray bottles, added to gentle creams / oils or rubbed into the skin
Both dosage and stock strength bottles should be kept away from heat, light and radiation (eg computers, televisions, mobiles/cell phones).
If taken as directed, a dosage bottle course usually lasts about 2-4 weeks, however, the remedy itself lasts considerably longer (if stored correctly)
The shelf life of stock bottles is greater than that of the dosage bottles, if stored correctly, (sources vary with regards to the exact shelf life: 10 years plus)
- Are there any side effects?
- Flower essences have no direct negative side-effects due to their ingredients (unless one is allergic to alcohol, which most essences contain - if you are allergic to alcohol, first consult a professional about possible SAFE ways to use essences.)
The purpose of essences is to promote self discovery, personal growth and the well-being that healing brings. In the course of using essences, they can connect us with emotions ie. essences working on emotional issues can, in the course of shifting emotions/patterns, sometimes bring negative emotions to the surface. When intense this is called a “healing crisis” - symptoms get stronger before they start to ease.
(nb Some essences that target physical ailments, may also produce side effects indirectly)It is fine to cease taking the essences at any point, should heightened emotions cause discomfort or if one feels inclined to do so. To continue the healing process, the remedy, or perhaps a different, adjusted one, can be resumed at a later date if desired, perhaps at a different dose. Consult an essence therapist for more information regarding this if required
Furthermore, a person may find it beneficial to seek some form of counselling while "working through" certain issues (with a flower essence therapist or another practitioner). And, of course, common sense should always be used. Flower essences should not replace important medical attention, so always seek a medical practitioner / therapist when necessary
- Can I replace my current (pharmaceutical) medication with flower essences?
- Always make an informed decision regarding this. Whilst flower essences can be taken for a number of ailments (e.g. depression, stress) one needs to approach this matter sensibly. First, discuss discontinuing any drug with your doctor, in case it's important/vital the drug be continued, either for a period of time or indefinitely. Furthermore, if one decides to cease a drug, withdrawal needs to be carried out correctly, to avoid possible complications. Discuss this also with your doctor before ceasing any drug/medication. It's generally recommended one also consult with a professional essence therapist before making any decision to replace a drug with essences - together you can then discuss if, when and how one could make the transition.
- Generally, it is wise to always advise all of one's therapists/doctors about ALL medications/therapies/remedies one is currently using, in case one affects/has a bearing, on another.e.g. Apricot essence is associated with blood sugar levels. This is something to bear in mind for a person taking medically prescribed insulin, or, perhaps, relevent remedies supplied by e.g. a naturopath
- Flower essences can be used alongside conventional medicines, however do advice your doctor of your essence therapy (even though some may not be familiar with or advocates of essences!) i.e. advise regarding essence ingredients and healing qualities
- Flower essences generally work wonderfully with other natural/holistic therapies. They can be used with most of these - hence if you are using other natural therapies at the same time (e.g. homeopathics), it's best to notify the respective practitioners/suppliers regarding this.
- How much do they cost?
- The price for stock bottles varies between different companies, ranging from approx Aus $10.00 to $20.00. Dosage bottles usually cost between Aus$10.00 and $15.00.
