Exploring the healing world of  flower essences is a fun and exciting journey.  Many folks are introduced to the world of essences is through a personal exploration of essences on an individual level.  A person reads about essences then choose to try a few.  This was how I became my journey in the world of flower essences.  While this method has its benefits working with someone versed in the language of flowers carries your healing  journey along faster and smoother than going at it alone.

A personal flower essence consultation is useful to help the client see into his or her blind spot.  The area(s) where aspects of our ‘problems’ lurk out of view but are clear to others.  The objective view of a  practitioner is helpful to shine a light into our emotional blindspots.

The guidance of a practitioner is useful to help the client work out an issue in a series of steps. This type of guidance works by gently uncovering underlying issues related to the main issue. By working in a step by step method, each session builds on its self this allows the client to build confidence and strength which accelerates the healing process. This process sets up a strong foundation allowing the client to go deeper and experience more peace with the healing process.

I currently offer two options for personal flower essence consultations. One a phone consultation and an e-mail consultation. A phone consultation allows me to respond to your issue in a quicker, because of the opportunity to probe deeper while the issue is being talked about.

E-mail consultations are also helpful in addressing your healing needs.  This type of consultation allows you more time to answer the questions and reflect on you situation.

The big craze in the media driven ‘New Age’, Positive Thinking Movement make getting what you want and living the life you dream seem so effortless.   The book mills of the world would like us to believe that having what we want comes as easily as thinking about it in a positive frame of mind. While this may be true to a certain extent it is not the full picture. And, it doesn’t always turn out that way.

Recently there has been a backlash against positive thinking; those against it claiming it is unrealistic, misleading and possibly dangerous.  While one can understand their point in some sense; claiming that it leads to a delusion and prevents people from seeing the world as it “truly” is. If one watches the news and indulges in mass media; it does seem like the world is wretched place filled with violence and hatred; commonly referred to as the “real world”.  The world as it is, the world we are avoiding by indulging in positive thinking.  Those of the positive thought field tell us what we focuses on multiplies  . . . so where does this leave us? Is it delusional to think we could have a better life in the face of the status quo?

I do believe it is possible and I do believe there is an underlying programing in each of us which has created an invisible gap between what we would like to create and what we are creating.  In all fairness I feel it is wise to state the positivity we aim to create and see in the world around us will not happen overnight, heck it may take years even decades, but if we don’t start it will not happen. I am saying this as a hedge against disappointment when things don’t happen in the time frame we would like, persist and they will, eventually.

Back to programing; we have all  absorbed thoughts and believes about ourselves and the world that can act as an inhibiting factor.  Lets call this factor X.  Factor X doesn’t easily reveal its self, it is unseen, but it can be uncovered.  There are a few ways to do this, one is through self reflection and meditation on the problem we are facing.  This requires a certain honesty with ones self, to really look into who we are and why we do what we do.  During self reflection one will often receive revelations as to the cause of your “problem” act on what you receive to further your progress.

A second way to reveal this factor X is through talking it out with someone, a coach, counselor or friend whose wisdom and guidance you trust.  In my years of working with flower essences I have seen profound changes in people as I helped them reveal to themselves what they already knew.  Talking about a problem or challenge with another is helpful because they aren’t effected by the same emotional blind spots. Our own emotional bling spots are often obvious to other people.

Combining good counseling with the healing power of the remedies  produces lasting shifts in people in a shorter period of time than without remedies.  I often hear from clients that a few months of flower essence treatment brought them further in their healing journey than years of ‘therapy’.   This is because the healing power of flower remedies nudge out denser vibrations of fear, pain, shame, anger and trauma. Then they usher into the human electrical system lighter healing vibrations which cause subtle and power shifts towards emotional and mental health.

Guilt and shame are culprits behind many self destructive habits and can inhibit us in many ways.  If guilt is holding you back one can use the Bach remedy of Pine to shift that feeling towards self acceptance, forgiveness and release from blame.  It would also be good to combine Pine with essences that boost esteem and self worth such as Larch, Moneyplant or Missouri Primrose.

The simple and profound powers of flower remedies affect our consciousness, helping us to shift towards new and enlightened ways of  being.

Below is a list of  key flower remedies that come to mind when I am asked: Which flower essences can help with sleep difficulties?

White Chestnut one of Bach’s Original essences is the first essence that comes to mind.    This essence helps to calm an over active mind, indicated by chattering repetitive thoughts which circulate relentlessly.  This restless mind syndrome is most troubling at night when a calm mind is needed to help ease us into sleep and relaxation.

Lemon Balm: This essence facilitates deep relaxation of the mind; it also helps one move into an alpha state more easily.

Blue Vervain: This essence is excellent for tightness and rigidity; it helps to bring about a state of relaxation to the mind and body.  This essence is great for Type A, over achiever personalities who have a hard time slowing down and relaxing.

Lavender: This essence is great for nervous insomnia; it has a soothing quality that helps to calm the nerves, mind and spirit.  Lavender is a wonderful essence for highly sensitive people, you may also want to combine it with Aspen. Aspen brings strength to highly refined souls who suffer from anxiety.

Blueberry Cactus:This essence works similar to White Chestnut; in that it helps to slow the mind down.  Blueberry cactus also has calming properties that helps one to gain deeper states of relaxation, facilitating deeper sleep and more restful sleep.

If you suffer from nightmares trying adding St. John’s Wort to any of the above essences in a sleep formula.

How to Use:  If one is high strung and generally has a more anxious personality, these essences can be used throughout the day without fear of falling asleep.  For more acute times of anxiety and restlessness you can use these remedies around the evening and before bed.

This is a small list but they are my top recommendations to support a good nights sleep.

Flower essences are versatile and can be used for cleaning and freshening environments as well as our bodies.  Below is a list of just a few essences that are useful this spring season for bringing fresh healthy vibrations into your life.

Crab Apple: This is the quintessential cleansing flower; useful for space clearing, in floor washes and a air freshening spray.

Walnut: This is an essence for newness,it breaks the ’spell’ of the past so that we can move forward. Useful for bringing in fresh energy to spaces; such as old rooms, also helpful clearing energetic cobwebs.

Cerato: Useful for bringing “beautiful” energy into the space.

Sweet Chestnut: Use this essence to help clear out heavy energy, helps to bring a lighter more joyful energy into the space.

Alaskan Environmental Essences: These are some of the most unique and powerful essences I have come across in while.  They are unique in that they are created from the vibrational patterns of pristine Alaskan environments.  Their power is in their ability to carry this pure vibration in a tangible way into new environments.  I feel these essences are extremely useful for those living in urban environments where there is a distinct lack of unadulterated ‘nature’ vibration.

Portage Glacier: This essence is helpful for clearing out any unwanted, old, stagnant and toxic energies from a space.

A few years ago while on a trip to Kauai I made an essence of Ti plant.  It is useful for cleansing and breaking ties with unwanted energies. Ti plant is a powerful energetic cleanser it carries a swift purifying energy, it was used in ancient Hawaiians to break spells and curses. Ti is useful for a clarifying and clearing spaces as well as ones personal energy field.

Once you’ve cleaned and cleared your space consider what energies you want to usher in.  Clearing essences can also be used after fights or arguments to “clear the air”.

All the Best~

And Happy Spring to All.

In this section I will outline a few possible combination flower remedies to address various areas of learning difficulties.  The themes are mentioned in bold italics and the essences suggested are meant as guidelines; where certain essences fit.  This is to give you an understanding of how to design a formula.  Other essences that may be applicable but where not mentioned in Part 1 will also be included.

Below is a list of possible combinations based on themes:

Shy Student Low Self Confidence:

Larch, Hornbeam, Gentian, Sunflower, Missouri Primrose (Delta Gardens)

Day Dreamer:

Clematis, Star of Bethlehem, Hornbeam, Rosemary, Wild Rose

Forgetful, Low Grades, Always Trying:

Chestnut Bud, Peppermint, Larch, Gorse, Rosemary,

Study Formula:

Chestnut Bud, Rosemary, Shasta Daisy, Larch

Hyperactive Mind:

White Chestnut, Lavender (FES), Lemon Balm(Delta Gardens),  Chamomile(FES), Blueberry Cactus( Essence Alchemy remedy)

This list is meant to provide a basic starting point on which to build.  All the essences mentioned are available to order through the site.  If you have any questions you can e-mail me at mark@essencealchemy.com.

If you suffer from or know someone suffering from  ADD/ADHD  there maybe many non pharmaceutical options to help you live a better life.  I feel it is important to mention reviewing ones diet especially the intake of caffeine, refined sugars and processed foods.  These substances should be greatly reduced in ones diet as they affect the ability to concentrate and focus.  Since this blog is about flower remedies I have made a list of Bach Remedies that can help as well as 3 others from different producers.  This is only a partial list but is a good starting point to build on.

Treating ADD/ ADHD with Bach Flower Remedies

Chestnut Bud: This remedy is useful for learning; particularly when one makes the same mistakes but fails to learn from them.

Clematis: This essence is for the dream; the person whose head always seems to be in the clouds. Clematis can help one be present and focused rather that off in day-dream land.

Gentian: This essence helps to bring confidence to a person after a setback; gentian enhances perseverance, confidence and faith.

Gorse: This is a powerful remedy for treating pessimism and a complete sense of hopelessness. People suffering in this state see no point in trying because they lack faith in a positive resolution to their challenge.  This remedy builds optimism by supporting a sunnier outlook on life.

Hornbeam: This essence is useful for the ‘Monday Morning’ feeling that kids may experience as they dread going to school. It is helpful for staving off procrastination, it helps one to organize better and gather inspiration.

Larch: This essence helps with confidence; good for students who are shy, timid or don’t feel confident enough to embrace their school work. Larch is very useful when beginning to study a new topic or learning a new language or instrument; it helps one to make an effort and ’stay the course’.

White Chestnut: This essence is helpful for calming an overactive mind

Wild Rose: This essence helps the student to overcome apathy and take a renewed enthusiastic approach to school work.

Some other essences that are helpful with learning, concentration and focus:

Peppermint: This flower essence is for mental clarity helping to bring wakeful clarity to a dull, sluggish or lethargic mind.  This essence is also good for an unbalanced metabolism which depletes mental forces and hinders focus. (made by FES)

Rosemary: This essence helps the soul to more fully incarnate.  Rosemary renews the forces of incarnation, helping one to feel secure in their bodies and in the world. Rosemary is useful for forgetfulness and enhancing vitality, it helps to make one more alert and grounded. (made by FES)

Shasta Daisy: This essence is  helpful for what is called holistic thinking or consciousness. It helps one to see information as a whole rather than in bits and pieces. It helps one synthesize ideas with greater clarity and get a grasp on information. (made by FES and Delta Gardens)

In Part 2 I will present a list of possible combinations to address the challenges of ADD/ADHD.

Flower Essence Remedies for treating acute anxiety as well as understanding anxiety in our life.

Flower Essence Remedies for treating anxiety:
Aspen: for anxiety that descend for unknown reason

Blueberry Cactus: for treating anxiety that leads to sleep disturbances

Blue Vervain:for treating anxiety from overwork, being leaders and role models

Golden Yarrow: helpful with performance anxiety, when felt in the stomach region.

Larch: anxiety related to fear of failure.

Lemon Balm: this remedy helps calm the mind and allows for deeper emotional exploration.

Mimulus: this treats anxiety related to everyday situations, being afraid of everyday situations.

Rescue Remedy: an all around remedy for acute anxiety, stage fright, test taking and so on.

A few other strategic essences that may be helpful in the sense that they help to corral mental energy and encourage focus.

Indian Pink: this remedy is managing stress during times of intense activity.

Madia: this remedy is for those who are easily distracted.

Rabbitbrush: useful when feeling overwhelmed by details.

Shasta Daisy: this remedy helps us find the whole among bits and pieces of information.

White Chestnut: helps us find inner calm, treats the “chattering” mind:  this essence is good to use when an over active mind keeps us from sleeping.

Anxiety of a more distinct emotional origin i.e.. death of a loved one/pet, recent break up or anxiety surrounding love.

Bleeding Heart: this remedy is excellent when for when a relationship has ended.

Borage: this essence facilitates a buoyant heart helping to uplift any heaviness.

Butterfly Weed: this essence is for “love” addiction when anxiety develops from the initial feelings of “falling in love” begin to shift.

Holly: a great remedy to treat jealousy and anxiety with regards to relationships.

Pink Amaranthus: this remedy treats anxiety when in love.

Pretty Face: for anxiety around beauty and physical appearance.

These remedies are presented as starting points to dealing with anxiety.  But ultimately the anxiety needs to rooted out and just treated.  The basis for anxiety is fear whether conscious or unconscious.  Anxiety results when the mental body attempts to suppress information from the emotional body. When parts escape and overwhelms the mind  anxiety manifests.

If you are prone to anxiety it is wise to deal with it by gradually uncovering the underlying fear(s), take it slow be kind to yourself.  I caution against anti anxiety drugs due to their addictive nature and non therapeutic way of masking the anxiety, one cannot drug themselves into a healthy state of being.   There are many herbs available to assist with anxiousness two good ones wild oats and lavender.  Wild oat is nutritive; enriching the nervous system with calcium.   Lavender essential oil is widely known to be very calming and soothing for stress and nervousness.

If your anxiety is due to an over abundance of caffeine then it would by wise to cut down on this drug.  Try green tea instead of coffee, tea contains the amino acid theanine which acts as a calming agent.   With that said I have found it remarkable how flower essences can even assist caffeine induced anxiety.  For this Rescue Remedy is good as well as Lemon Balm and Blueberry Cactus.

The initial process of making a flower essence involves clean fresh water, usually spring although some people choose to use distilled water.  The choosen water is then placed in a clean clear glass bowl in direct sunlight.  Then fresh pick blossoms from the plant species is placed in the bowl of water in full sunlight for a minimum of  3 hours.  After 3 hours the water is decanted into an amber glass jar with an equal amount of brandy.  The brandy serves to stabilize the vibration of the essence and prevent the growth of bacteria in the now highly charged water.  Now you have a mother essence, from the mother essence stock bottles are prepared.

To make a stock bottle a few drops of mother essence are added to a neutral solution of water and brandy.  Stock bottles are usually prepared in 1 to 1/4 ounce  bottles.  When you buy flower essences in the store or on line you are purchasing flower essences at the stock level.  Stock bottles are sometimes used directly, though if you are using a few essences at a time it is best to combine your stock essences into a dosage bottle.

Dosage bottles are the perfect way to administer and use a variety essences at one time without having to unscrew the cap a few stock bottles a few times a day.  To make a dosage bottle add 2-4 drops of essences from the stock bottles to a neutral solution of water and brandy, usually in 1/2-1 ounce amber glass bottle.  I personally prefer 1/2 bottles as they last 4 weeks when used 3-4 times a day.  The 4 week period is a good cycle when using flower remedies, after 4 weeks it is time to re-evaluate the formula and decide if you still need the essences.  When administering essences always keep the pipette clean, don’t touch it with your fingers, mouth, tongue or teeth.  Preventing contamination keeps the integrity of the essence at its most potent vibration.

One of the goals of Essence Alchemy is provide people with the flower remedies they need to make a dosage bottle.  The retail cost of stock bottles range from $8 to $12 a bottle and if you need 5 essences this can start adding up.  Essence Alchemy is designed in a user friendly way to help you find the flower remedies you need to design your own dosage bottle for a fraction of the cost if you were to purchase each remedy individually.

I have included 6 major brands of flower essences as they cover a wide range of issues and are all well researched remedies.  The brands include the original 38 Bach Flower Remedies, Flower Essence Society (FES), Delta Gardens medicinal herb set and Woodland Essence forrest floor, shrub, tree and at risk plant flower essences.  I also have the complete set of Australian Bush Essences and a partial set of Alaskan flower essences, gem essences and environmental essences.

There are a number of pre-made flower essence combination remedies available on the market.  The most recognized being Edward Bach’s original formula known as Rescue Remedy also referred to as Five Flower Formula*.   This formula was originally designed to be you used acutely in times of shock, stress or trauma.  It works well when used in this manner.

Rescue Remedy consists of the following flowers Cherry Plum, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose and  Star of Bethlehem.  From this original formula one can make variations on the theme to address more specific concerns.  Below are some examples of other possible uses for Rescue Remedy.

Rescue Remedy + Crab Apple:  Useful for upset stomach  and discomfort from food poisoning, it can also be used topically on the skin for rashes/ hives or other inflammation related skin issues.

Rescue Remedy + Olive: This formula is useful for states of exhaustion it is great for general use.

Rescue Remedy + White Chestnut: This formula is useful for an over anxious mind with it being most helpful when the mind is keeping one from sleeping.

Rescue Remedy +Larch and  Mimulus: This formula is useful for stage fright/performance anxiety.

Rescue Remedy + Pomegranate: This formula is excellent for the discomforts associated with PMS and menstrual cramping.  Pomegranate is available from FES.

These are just a few examples of how one can get creative with the basic Five Flower Rescue Remedy Formula.  There are many stressful situations that can be aided by Rescue Remedy and going off this original formula one can tailor a mixture to best suit their needs.

*Note, Rescue Remedy is a trademark of the Nelson Bach company.  In  Dr. Bach’s lifetime he never made any effort to trademark or patent any of his work, he felt it was a gift to be used freely.  Five Flower Formula is the name given to Bach’s emergency formula by Healing Herbs Ltd.

Flower essences are amazing tools to assist with personal development and knowing how to use them can greatly enhance your experience. A simple method for getting the most out of flower essences in a therapeutic way when choosing self treatment is to focus on one area at a time.  Since most people turn to essences in a time of crisis, it is suggested to start with strengthening essences.

The key here is to use them for grounded perspective so you can easily work with the situation at hand.  Some strengthening essences are borage, mimulus, larch, mountain pride, california fuschi, yarrow, st. john’s wort, walnut, pine, sunflower and red cedar.

It is also recommended to add some catalysing essence to help move energy.  Some catalysts include horseradish, cayenne, habanero and goldenseal.  These essences can help move stuck energy and ‘psychic debris’ from the mind and emotions.  This benefits the whole strengthening process and it is easier to catalyse movement when feeling strong.

Another nice group of essences to include in the initial strengthening process are softening/soothing essences.  The benefits of strength and softness are like a balm to the soul and healing process.  Some essences that are useful with soothing and uplifting the spirit include star jasmine, white chestnut, impatiens, marshmallow, cherry plum, angelica and elderberry.

Self treatment is a great introduction to flower essences as it gets you familiar with the flower essence healing process.  I suggest starting with a few essences at first use them consistently until the bottle is done. For a more in depth experience choosing a personal consultation with someone familiar with flower essences.