Recently FES has introduced a line of 12 combination remedies in spray bottles.  These combination essences address a broad spectrum of conditions and are beneficial for temporary use.  We will now look at the Active 8 combination.

The Active 8 combo contains the following flower essences:

Blazing Star- This a new essence to released by FES as part of The Range of Light collection. This essence carries a fiery quality into the will helping to boost overly listless ‘watered down’ will forces. This essence helps us connect with  fiery solar masculine emotional energy.

Blackberry-The tenacity of this plant lends this quality to its flower essence,  empowering the will to overcome lethargy and inertia.  Blackberry flower essence is also used in the assistance of translating goals and ideas into to concrete action

Cayenne-The fiery essence of this hot pepper plant lends its self to overcoming sluggish phlegmatic attitudes and states of being.  Cayenne imparts fire to the personality helping us break through and move forward past resistance.

Dandelion- This bright yellow ubiquitous springtime flower adds the qualities of relaxation and ease in the pursuit of goals.  It is indicate for the overstriving tense personality, helping one take a more relaxed approach to the work at hand.

Madia- The addition of this flower essence aids in the quality of focus, helping one to contract in a clear and direct manner.  Madia helps center scattered energy and is helpful for dull and listless states of mind.

Red Penstemon- The addition of this essence assists with the qualities of tenacity, completing projects and tasks it boosts determination to overcome challenges and obstacles.

Red Larkspur- The addition of this essence brings a quality of radiance to the personality helping with catalyzing a magnetic quality which aids in leadership and inspires others,

Sunflower- A member of the daisy family, Sunflowers are known to turn their heads and follow the sun as it crosses the sky.  This sun seeking signature , translates to us following our own sunny nature, turning towards the positive life empowering feelings necessary when aiming to create and work on new projects.  Sunflower is used to help get us in touch with our positive masculine solar forces of manifestation.
Active 8 also contains the essential oils of cinnamon and cardamon.

Cinnamon Essential Oil- Has a potent and powerful warm, sweet, spicy aroma used in small amounts it is great for enhancing physical energy. This oil increases bioelectrical forces in the body.

Cardamon Essential Oil- Has a rich spicy scent with notes of citrus, camphor, it also has a slightly floral, woody tone.  Cardamon is stimulating to the conscious mind.

An interesting note about this combo is all the flowers are either red or yellow and a few are from the Asteraceae family, Sunflower, Dandelion and Madia.  Three of the essences in this combo are from the new Range of Light kit, Blazing Star, Red Penstemon and Red Larkspur.

This dynamic collection of flower essences is great to use at the outset of a project or goal or anywhere along the process of task complete and goal achievement.  I find this combo to be useful when feeling dull at work and need a boost to my overall physical, emotional and mental energies.

When talking with folks about flower essences it has been my experience that many people often confuse flower essences with essential oils.  It is such a common occurrence that I always expect to give them a short primer on what flower essences are and how they differ from essential oils.  While essential oils and flower essences can complement each other they are each unique in there therapeutic applications. And, they are different in how they are made and how they are used.

Essential oils are aromatic compounds found in plants.  They are found in the roots, leaves, bark, berries, resins, fruits and flowers of  plants.  They are extremely chemically complex containing hundreds of compounds. It is the unique chemical make up of each oil that gives them distinct aromas as well as their therapeutic actions.  The compounds in essential oils can be used to fight bacteria, fungus, microbes and parasites.  They are also beneficial for reducing inflammation, soothing troubled skin, relieving stress and supporting the body in many ways.  They can also be used to treat many emotional problems.

The use of essential oils extends back to the most ancient of civilizations from the Egyptians to the Greeks and Romans as well as the cultures of ancient India and much of the Middle East.  In theses cultures essential oils were used for spiritual purposes and for physical health and hygiene purposes.  The bible has many references to oils some notable oils mentioned int he bible are frankincense, myrrh, cassia, aloes wood, calamus and galbanum to name a few.  These oils were believed to enhance spiritual connection to god, I suspect due to there ability to still the mind open the psyche to higher inspiration.  The antiseptic qualities of these oils also made them useful for cleansing and purification.

The modern resurgence  aromatherapy has heightened the public awareness of essential oil.  Overall I see this as a good thing, though this term has been co-opted by the marketing department of major soap companies who are erroneously making claims as to the benefits of their products.  Because large soap manufacturers are not using therapeutic grade or even real essential oils in their products. They are using synthetic fragrance oils which have no therapeutic benefits what so ever.  Only true plant derived essential oils offer health benefits.

Essential oils’ influence the body due to their interaction with the nervous system.  When the various oils interact with body we get a wide range of effects.  Lavender produces a calming effect where as Rosemary and Lemon are both mentally stimulating etc.   Combining essential oils and flower essences is a delicate procedure and their complimentary effects offer great benefit when properly understood.  Cayenne flower essence combined with cinnamon essential oil is one example.  Lavender essential oils with white chestnut flower essences would be a nice night cap for the restless mind.

On a final note we should mention how to use essential oils safely.  Dilute strong oils with a base or carrier oil if you have sensitive skin.  For best results apply the oils to the soles of the feet as the circulatory  system will carry the oil throughout the body quite rapidly.  Another good area for application is behind the ears.  Be safe, be smart and eat the oils straight, they have the potential to burn the sensitive mucus membranes.  Also keep the oils out of your eyes and other sensitive areas.  Use common sense.