Introduction to Flower Essences

Flower essences are dilute extracts of flowers and plants used to treat animals and humans. They are similar to homeopathic remedies in that they are diluted and potentized to make them more effective than the original flower as an herbal extract would be.

Dr. Bach

Dr. Edward Bach developed the original flower remedies while working as a homeopathic practitioner, and devoted the final years of his life to researching and developing his remedies. He hoped to find a simpler form of treatment that would not require anything to be destroyed or altered.

Dr. Bach believed diseases in the body are a result of imbalances or negativity in the soul, and by correcting the problem there healing would result on all levels.

Preparation and uses

Flower essences are produced using the sun method or the boiling method, both of which were invented by Bach. A key difference in homeopathy and Bach’s flower remedies is that they are only used to treat the mental symptoms believed by practitioners to be the root cause of the many diseases. The essences are derived from non-toxic substances, with the idea that a “positive energy” can redirect or neutralize “negative energy”.

Each remedy is used alone or in conjunction with other remedies, and each flower is believed to impart specific qualities to the remedy. Naturopaths or other healers typically use up to six or seven remedies together to meet a patient’s individual needs. The remedies are used primarily for emotional and spiritual conditions, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, stress and sleep problems.

The essences are often available in small spray bottles, glass bottles with an eye-dropper for oral administration, or in the form of creams that can be rubbed into the skin.

Common flower essences

There are many essences available, but some of the more common ones include Chicory, Cherry Plum, Heather, Chamomile, Olive, Crabapple, and Tiger Lily.

Author: Jake Van Der Borne