I’ve recently begun reading about flower essences – Bach flower essences, to be specific. There are lots of flower essences out there, but until now I’ve never been interested in exploring how or why they work. Flower essences, like homeopathy, work on an energetic basis. That means they reach under the physical cause of unwellness and address the deeper cause.
Several days ago I did a very interesting experiment with three of my kids. I read that one can look at pictures of the flowers that are made into essences, and you can access your intuitive side by paying attention to which flowers are most appealing to you. I spontaneously decided to try this when my ds7 was seriously overreacting to someone – which he’s been doing a lot lately and is rooted in something deeper than just behavior. So I called him over to the computer and told him to pick out his favorite picture. He chose two – and when I looked at the explanation for each of these essences, it was uncanny how perfectly they described him.
Then I called over my oldest two kids and told them to do the same thing. My oldest son saw me ask my ds7 and read the explanation of those essences along with me, and after a brief explanation, understood why I was asking them. Dd15 had no idea why I was asking but I guess she figured it would be interesting!
They made a list of their favorites, then narrowed it down to a list of about 5 – 7. When I read off each explanation for the essences my son chose – every single one pointed to the same core issue, one that he readily admits is what he has to work on. Then I read out the explanations for my dd, and she and my ds were again laughing and simultaneously fascinated at how incredibly accurate it was.
I’ve taken both ds16 and dd15 in the last few months for a visit to our chiropractor, who does energy work – and what the flower essences reflected was exactly what the chiro said when she did energy work on them. Really, really interesting. She clears away layers of emotional bad energy, but I don’t know how to do that, and I often have wished there was something I could do to access that level of healing without having to turn to someone else. Enter the flower essences. 🙂
I’m aiming to buy the entire kit of essences so I can start using them to help the kids. So far I’ve made a list of essences that would be suitable for myself and five of the kids so far, based on reading different explanations about each essence and the personality type/quality it works on. Now I just have to aquire them! Bach flower essences were intended to be used by regular people, meaning you don’t have to be a trained practitioner to know how to use them (unlike homeopathy). The kit isn’t a minor purchase, but I think it will be a fun, interesting, and helpful modality to use to further the good health of our family.
Avivah
Avivah – Flower essences are a wonderful therapy to use. In a pickle, Rescue Remedy can deal with just about any situation – FYI.
You can certainly access healing energies yourself, although an experienced practitioner is always helpful. Everyone has the ability to heal, just focus your energies and intentions, then lay your hands on your children – or yourself. Adding a prayer will also help. It may take a little bit to get to that place of focus, just keep at it.
I keep Rescue Remedy on hand at all times. It worked wonders for teething, too.
I’ve been interested in Bach flower remedies since a neuropractic practioner told me about them a few months ago. I have used one (Rescue Remedy for sleep) and it was immensely helpful. I’d love to hear more about research you’ve done. is it from books or online. So far, I’ve been reading about it online.
What website did you use? Maybe the one I found didn’t have very good pictures, but I just tried it for myself and didn’t see any correlation between my faves and what I would consider “my” issues (and I don’t think I’m in too much denial!). Thanks!
Also, from which website will you be ordering?
Elizabeth, welcome and thank you for your comment!
Mirruth – I’ve heard lots of good things about Rescue Remedy over the years.
Dina – so far it’s all been online; I have a book reserved and waiting for me at the library, though. There was only one book on the Bach remedies at the library so that’s what I got!
Lorelei – I think that online pictures can be difficult to use, since they’re so small. The kids looked at the pictures at http://fesflowers.com/Flower-Photo-Gallery.htm# which are small, and after making the general list of what appealed to them, I showed them the larger picture. After seeing each one closer up, they were able to knock a number of them off the list. What I’m planning to do, though, is to purchase flower picture cards that you can physically look at that are a good sized. They have a set at the website I just linked to.
Dina- I’m making arrangements with a homeopath/flower practitioner to order through her. She has been generous in making her practitioner discount available to me, which will cut down the costs somewhat. I’m planning to get the set from Flower Essence Services (FES), since I’ve heard that their essences are excellent and prepared exactly as Bach directed.
Hi Aviva, this is so interesting! I also showed my kids the pictures, and certainly came up with some interesting comparisons.
I was reading up on the link you provided and was puzzled however by the following statements:
“they are primarily vibrational in nature, as are homeopathic remedies. This means that they are non-toxic and one cannot overdose on them”
and
“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. ”
I have been treating my family almost exclusively with homeopathy for 12 years BH.In my experience, I´ve found that sometimes people are too casual about taking remedies making the assumption that since they are “natural”, one can´t overdose….It is not true. One can definitely overdose and I have my early experiences to prove that. The trick in homeopathy is to know when to stop taking the remedy. Additionally, homeopathic remedies definitely take the emotional component into account. Especially classical homeopathy where constitutional remedies are used.
How do you know whats accurate information or not on a website?
>>“they are primarily vibrational in nature, as are homeopathic remedies. This means that they are non-toxic and one cannot overdose on them”<>“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. ”<<
This again is referring to specifically flower essences and where the difference in using them is – the difference is that unlike herbs/homeopathics, they don't take into account physical symptoms. Herbs are mostly physical, homeopathics are physical and emotional. Essences are only emotional.
How does one assess accurate information on any site? Read a lot, think about what you're reading a lot, look for what are considered by those in the field to be accurate sources – the person who recommended this site and its products is a homeopath and flower essence practitioner who I think very highly of.
I love FES. Their manual is invaluable.
do you know if there’s any issue with taking bach remedies while nursing?
Not that I know of, but I’m a very beginner in this. Generally, when talking about energy shifting approaches, if it’s good for the mother, it will benefit the baby.