Flower Essences

Flower essences are not new, but part of many ancient cultures throughout the world. They are traditional for the Australian Aboriginals and the Egyptians. The peoples of India, Asia, South America and Europe also used them.  They simply used different essences from different flowers.

The Story of Flower Essences in the Western world.

Hildegard von Bingen (12th century) and Paracelsus (15th century) both wrote about the use of flowering plants to treat health imbalances.

The healing method was popularised by Dr Edward Bach in the 1930s.  This renowned British practitioner of Bacteriology and Homoeopathy used English flowering plants. He believed that disease originated with mood and temperament. He went on to categorise  negative states of mind into seven kinds.

• Apprehension
• Uncertainty and indecision
• Loneliness
• Insufficient interest in present circumstances
• Over sensitivity to ideas and influence
• Despondency and despair
• Over care for welfare of others

Bach developed a range of 38 flower essences to treat these conditions. Since his time, the discipline has grown dramatically. It has spread across the Western world. Also, it has developed to address the new issues of the 21st century. As a result, there are now hundreds of different remedies. These include essences from crystals and shells as well as flowers. Each is unique in its healing power.

Native Australian Flower Essences

Ian White, fifth generation Herbalist, developed the world renowned Australian Bush Flower Essences. He applies essences to areas such as communication, self-esteem, sexuality, learning, creativity, abundance and spirituality. There are over 70 essences in his range.

Remedies are chosen to match the patient’s temperament and current state of mind. The aim is to treat negative thoughts and emotions. Essences do not treat physical complaints directly. Instead they address the sufferer’s worry and anxiety. The philosophy of flower essences sees these states of mind as primary causes of illness. The essences work on a vibrational level, allowing the life force to flow more freely as harmony is restored to the body.

Practitioners select up to five essences. Then they combine these into an individual preparation. Practitioners using these remedies include Homoeopaths, Naturopaths, Herbalists and Kinesiologists. They will often prescribe them as part of a complete treatment regime.

Flower essences are completely safe, with no side effects.