Modernized flower essences emerged in the 1930s with the discovery of the original 38 essences founded by Dr. Edward Bach, an English physician. Ahead of his time, and while seeking a way to treat patients holistically, he was inspired by ancient philosophers and civilizations use of flowers and dew for healing.
Bach was able to identify these plant’s associations with emotional states as he spent time observing them in nature and seeing similarities in archetypal personalities. His remedies have been in use ever since, and many new ones have come forward from other practitioners practicing these methods of direct plant perception.
History of flower essences
Even just being in nature can uplift how you feel.
With growing research into the impact of psychological states on general well being, people are more educated than ever in the importance of looking after both physical and mental health. Many of us ‘know’ what we ‘need’ to do to maintain this, and yet so often we feel stuck or overwhelmed in the process.
Flower essences work on an energetic level to help support us in shifting our emotional state. The flowers essence is believed to resonate within our own energetic field, helping to re-balance or harmonise our emotions, therefore impacting our overall well-being.
The effect is subtle, and yet also transformative. For some it can work within a few hours, and others need at least a month. Documenting your experience can be very helpful through journaling or voice notes to reflect on your progress.
Because of their composition, flower essences do not contain any plant material, and therefore there is no risk of negative side effects - if it is not the right essence for you, then no effects will be felt. This makes it a wonderful complementary medicine.
How do they work?
A flower essence is made by the imprint of that plant’s energetic information onto water, by the use of heat and time, followed by preserving the remedy with brandy or vodka.
Remedies can be made with glycerin and apple cider vinegar when considering the choice to abstain from alcohol and for children/pets.
They are usually created one plant at a time, and these can be blended in a single bottle to make a ‘remedy blend’.
What are they?
What Can they help with?
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-Anger
-Nervousness, Anxiousness
-Stress
-Sadness, Despondency, Hopelessness, Dread
-Fear
-Insecurity, Low Self Worth
-Arrogance, Impatience, Impulsiveness
-Motivation
& more -
-Energy levels
-Sleep
-The emotions that arise from physical conditions
-Releasing trauma/shock from the body
-Body Image
& more
Need more Information?
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Psychoneuroimmunology
Candace Pert PhD made the discovery of opioid receptors on the cell membrane in 1972. This work led to a further understanding of neurotransmitters called peptides. At the time, it was popular to view the mind & body as separate. Pert’s research challenged that, explaining how neurotransmitters carry messages triggered by our emotions' vibrational frequency to inform our body’s chemistry, once landing at a receptor site. This is done through the electromagnetic fields found in the body.
Candace Pert has published over 250 research papers since working at the National Institute of Health. She is also a published author.
To learn more about her work, a good place to start is the book “Molecules of Emotion”
Epigenetics
An evolving field of study that explores changes in gene expression that does not affect the DNA sequences.
Instead it highlights the influence of environmental and emotional well-being on gene expression. We can see this in how stress negatively affects us and triggers physiological responses, and inversely, how positive experiences equates to beneficial affects on our physiology.
This allows us to take an empowering stance on our well-being, knowing that this is not beyond our own influence, and that we are not limited by previous negative experiences.
Our AncestorsEvery culture has a connection to plant medicine. Many of our ancestors are familiar with working alongside the plant’s spirit - whether it was leaving an offering, asking for permission, or seeking wisdom. This was a very natural way of interacting with the botanical world, but it exists within us all.
I highly recommend exploring your lineage’s connection to plants. You can begin by learning about the vegetables and spices in your favourite foods that grandmother made, homemade cures/remedies that have been passed down, or to research your ancestors plant medicine rituals and practices, when available.
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Considering what we now know about our mental and emotional state affecting our well being, we can begin to appreciate how flower essences might help to shift stagnant and unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, making it easier to access the beliefs and changes we wish to embody.
Flower essences are assistants to lifestyle change. They alone might help you to be more receptive to taking the first steps, coping with more ease, and letting go of burdensome thoughts; however, holistic healing means taking responsibility and action. It is important to consider multiple factors in your life when wanting to make healthy and positive change.
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As my teacher has said, “One can eat the cake, without having to know how to bake the cake.”
In other words, if this doesn’t make sense to you, and you are open to trying flower essences, this won’t effect your ability to feel the positive changes, even if you are unsure of how it exactly works .
If you’re not sure, and have doubts about their effects, you are also still welcome to try and come to your own conclusion.
Remember that you have autonomy over your own health and well-being. If you don’t agree or resonate with a practice, you don’t have to engage with it. There are so many modalities and treatments available in our world, it is important to find the ones that speak to you.