Flower Essences
A Natural Way to Relieve Emotional Imbalances
by Rositha Jeanson

The first time I read about flower essences was in Richard Gerber’s book, Vibrational Medicine, New Choices for Healing Ourselves. In the chapter titled, “Learning to Heal with the Wisdom of Nature”, I read about Dr. Edward Bach and how he developed the flower essences that are used to treat emotional imbalances. They sounded too good to be true. I had always been interested in emotions and personalities and the connection between the mind and body and I thought if there was a natural way of dealing with emotions then I wanted to learn about it.

I did some research on the internet and realized there are many essence makers in the world, but I particularly wanted to learn more about Dr. Bach. In my search I discovered the Bach Centre of England and learned that they also offered courses in Canada. Since then I have completed all three levels with the Bach Centre and I have never looked back.

For ten years now I have worked with the Bach flower essences, as well as with other essences from around the world (FES, Masters, Pacific, Canadian Forest Tree) and there is no doubt in my mind as to what they can do. I tell people that the essences support whatever it is they are going through emotionally. I have seen time and again how these natural remedies can gently guide people through the blocks in their lives.

Dr. Edward Bach, who discovered the flower essences early in the last century, was first a successful Harley Street medical doctor and homeopath in London, England. He left behind a lucrative practice to work with the essences and eventually identified 38 basic negative states of mind and created a plant or flower-based remedy for each one. Not to be confused with aromatherapy, these odourless flower essences are made by “energizing” spring water with wildflowers or tree blossoms. They are taken internally, either on/under the tongue or sipped in water.

In his lifetime, Dr. Bach developed and categorized the 38 flower essences into seven groups representing the variety of emotional imbalances. They addressed: fear, uncertainty, insufficient interest in present circumstances, loneliness, over-sensitivity to influences and ideas, despondency or despair, and over-concern for the welfare of others.

“Every time we feel under pressure or unhappy there is an essence to bring us back to ourselves,” writes Stefan Ball, Principal of the Bach Foundation in Oxfordshire, England, and author of Teach Yourself Bach Flower Remedies. “This preventive use of the remedies helps us stay in balance so that disease is less likely to strike,” he adds.

Taking flower essences is a journey of self-discovery. You are learning about yourself, your reactions, your feelings, and your fears. The essences alone won’t help everyone overcome their emotional issues but I do believe that if you try them something will shift.

The key to choosing an essence or essences is to pinpoint exactly how you are feeling right now. Then it is only a matter of finding the best match from among the Bach Remedies (or from any of the other essence makers).

Dr. Bach’s 38 flower essences are:

Agrimony: mental torment behind a brave face.
Aspen: fears and worries of unknown origin.
Beech: intolerance.
Centaury: weak-willed and subservient.
Cerato: seeks advice and confirmation from others.
Cherry Plum: fear of mind giving way.
Chestnut Bud: failure to learn from past mistakes.
Chicory: selfishly possessive.
Clematis: dreaminess; lack of interest in present.
Crab Apple: self-hatred; sense of uncleanliness.
Elm: overwhelmed by responsibility.
Gentian: discouragement; despondency.
Gorse: hopelessness; despair.
Heather: self-centredness; self concern.
Holly: hatred; envy; jealousy.
Honeysuckle: lives in the past.
Hornbeam: “Monday Morning” feeling.
Impatiens: impatience.
Larch: lack of confidence.
Mimulus: fear of known things.
Mustard: deep gloom with no origin.
Oak: exhausted but struggles on.
Olive: lack of energy.
Pine: self-reproach, guilt.
Red Chestnut: fear or over-concern for others.
Rock Rose: terror.
Rock Water: self-repression, self-denial.
Scleranthus: uncertainty, indecision.
Star of Bethlehem: after-effects of shock.
Sweet Chestnut: extreme mental anguish.
Vervain: over-enthusiasm.
Vine: domineering; inflexible.
Walnut: protection from change and outside influences.
Water Violet: proud; aloof.
White Chestnut: unwanted thoughts; mental arguments.
Wild Oat: uncertainty as to correct path in life.
Wild Rose: resignation; apathy.
Willow: resentment.

Dr. Bach also created an “emergency” combination, called Rescue Remedy, which contains five flower remedies—Impatiens, Star of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum, Rock Rose, and Clematis. It works very quickly—within five to twenty minutes—and can be used for anything that can upset you such as: going to the dentist, being interviewed, giving a speech, experiencing wedding day nerves, a bereavement, relationships, work, and anything that causes you stress. I have taken it before and after I go to the dentist and it does help calm me. Rescue Remedy is also very beneficial for your pets and can be used for such things as: visits to the veterinarian, shock and trauma, separation anxiety, adapting to new surroundings/situations, constant licking, fears (loud noises), excessive barking, or whatever is distressing the animal.

So when you need a little help to stay in balance and move forward in your lives, perhaps the flower essences are something that you might want to look into now that you are aware of them. As a flower essence educator and practitioner I encourage clients to learn about the essences and to feel confident in choosing and using the Bach Flower Essences. For me, it is about helping people to help themselves.

Rositha Jeanson welcomes all questions and inquiries. You can reach her in Manitoba at (204) 792-8723 (cel), email: rositha@mts.net, and Web site: www.floweressencesandmore.com.