What Are Flower Essences?

Flower essences are vibrational remedies that work through the action of resonance. The life force energies of a plant are imprinted into water and then diluted in a dosage bottle. Three or four times a day, a few drops are placed under the tongue, more or less frequently depending on individual needs. It is best to continue taking the essences until the dosage bottle is empty, usually two to four weeks. One can also place drops in a water bottle to sip throughout the day, put drops into a mister bottle or bath, or use them directly on the body, as in massage. Because flower essences are not physical remedies, they are non-toxic, safe for everyone, and have no reactions with medications. They will assist and enhance any other form of treatment.

The main goal of flower essence therapy is to bring the light of awareness into areas of inner conflict. In short, essences are catalysts for inner growth and a journey of self-discovery. Rather than removing the symptoms of a problem, they stimulate awareness of the basic imbalances which cause them. They help you to contact your own inner source of creativity and enthusiasm for life, the alignment with the purpose of your soul. As Dr. Bach, discoverer of flower essences noted, the healing action of the essences takes place “not by attacking disease, but by flooding our bodies with the beautiful vibrations of our higher nature, in the presence of which disease melts as snow in the sunshine.”

In prescribing or choosing flower essences for a course of treatment, it is important to focus not on the problem, but on the whole person, including the prevailing mental attitudes and emotions, physical demeanor, spiritual life, and one’s environment. Close observation and understanding of the essences and their “soul pictures” help to create an essence combination that matches one’s needs. There are many books that describe the thousands of different essences available. You can also choose flower essences using more intuitive methods such as dowsing or muscle testing.

How Can Essences Help?

So, how can flower essences help support those adversely affected by our long dark winters? First and foremost: get outside in the fresh air as much as possible. Take a short walk, play, ski. Focus on the beauty that is always all around you. Nature heals in so many ways.

The flower essence St. John’s Wort is particularly well suited for those who feel the darkness so heavily. Many people are familiar with the use of this herb as a remedy for depression. The flower essence differs from the herb in that it embodies the archetype of the inner light as a spiritual force, and helps us to contact that which is already within us. We can then feel illuminated from within, during the dark of winters (or dark of night, for those with sleep disturbances).

Regardless of season, general depression affects almost everyone at some point in his or her life. In flower essence therapy, we look at the underlying causes for depression. There are numerous cases and published scientific studies showing that flower essences can be very effective for relieving depression. Practitioners around the world successfully use essences instead of the traditional selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (Prozac, Zoloft, etc.) for the treatment of depression and anxiety.

Although many essences are useful for depression, the particular essences selected depend on the mood and outlook of each individual. Here are a few examples: For those who feel like a black cloud just descended over them for no apparent reason, or experience wild mood swings, Mustard essence can help to bring balance and peace. For those who feel apathetic and resigned to their “lot in life,” Wild Rose can help spark the will to live, bringing a sense of vitality and joy. For those in acute states of deep anguish and despair, Sweet Chestnut relieves intense suffering while revealing opportunities for transcendence and transformation. For those who feel depressed after a setback or are easily discouraged, Gentian essence brings perseverance and confidence.

A well-chosen remedy can have profound effects. True healing takes place when the underlying emotional and mental causes are transformed by their corresponding higher virtues. For every state of mind or emotional outlook, nature provides a flower essence whose life energies bring balance and healing.

Where Can I Get Some?

Worldwide interest in flower essences has grown tremendously over the past decade, and there are now hundreds of producers from every country. The California Flower Essence Society is one organization dedicated to promoting research and validation of flower essences. They are found on the web at www.flowersociety.org. They also produce hundreds of essences, which can be purchased at www.fesflowers.com. The Alaskan Flower Essence Project, based in Homer, makes essences from the flowers of Alaska, as well as gem elixirs and a line of environmental essences that are quite profound. Their online address is www.alaskanessences.com. The Worldwide Essence Society produces an online magazine full of information and resources at www.essences.com/vibration.

Flower Essence Therapy is not a cure-all, but a pathway toward wholeness and integration. The response of each individual is unique. The challenges of modern life and world events can seem overwhelming at times, and flower essences can help us meet them with all the creative power and courage that resides within us, waiting to be awakened.