Wellbeing: Flower essences

Flower essences
work to balance
emotions and
improve health.

The power of the flower

Far more than just a beautiful decoration, flowers have the power to heal. Holly Davis
reveals how flower essences can be used to balance your mind, body and spirit.

92 www.notebookmagazine.com
 When I am feeling overcome by the has been created, disease is most likely
to be cured.
amount I have to do, I take a moment to Every flower offers its own unique

remind myself I have a full and exciting life. vibration. Flower essences are created
by extracting this vibrational quality.
This is the life I choose and I love living this Recognition of the vibrational power
of flowers is not a new phenomenon as
way. When I desire respite and recognise flower remedies have been used through
the ages and across the globe. The
the need for repose, a walk in the bush is German abbess Hildegard Von Bingen
one of my favorite ways to find this. I notice (12th century) and Swiss physician and
alchemist, Paracelsus (14th century)
that by observing natural forms, particularly both wrote that they collected the dew
from flowering plants to treat health
wild flowers, my inner state can quickly imbalances. This practice was also used
by the Ancient Egyptians, Australian
change and my intuition and creativity are Aboriginals and the people of India, Asia
invigorated. I am in no doubt that flowers and South America.

have a profound effect on my emotions in The beauty of science

Englishman Edward Bach developed
general. Even a single vase of flowers in a his range of 38 Bach Flower Remedies

room can uplift my spirits for days. I love nearly 80 years ago using European
blooms. The most recognised of his
to see them evolve and reveal their inner range is Rescue Remedy. He put five of
his remedies together to assist in the
beauty and equally enjoy seeing them fade treatment of feelings associated with
any incidence of stress or emergency
and dry or even decay. such as an accident, argument or shock.
I have used Rescue Remedy pretty
consistently over a period of 25 years
Meaningful blooms tinctures, creams and many herbal and and find it incredibly useful for restoring
Flowers have played an important role therapeutic drugs made from all or calm feelings in many and varied
through the ages: as objects of beauty, parts of them. There is also a group of circumstances. I like to take Rescue
gifts and food, used for their scent and remedies that uses flowers, known as Remedy or Australian Bush Flowers
some for their healing properties. In vibrational medicine. These treatments Emergency Essence on long car journeys
Victorian times a ‘language of flowers’ are primarily designed to address our and when flying.
was created and each flower was given emotional wellbeing. Homeopathic Bach stated that the function
an attribute or significance so that medicines are probably the best known of Flower Essences is: “To raise our
wearing, giving and receiving them (right of these vibrational medicines, however vibrations and to flood our natures with
down to which hand you used to do so) the group that currently interests me is the particular virtues and to wash out
was a means of communication. The flower essences, and Australian Bush from us the faults which were causing
fact we still offer roses as symbols of our Flower Essences in particular. them. They are able, like beautiful music
love, give arum lilies as an expression or any gloriously uplifting thing which
of grief at funerals and place bunches Good vibrations gives us inspiration, to raise our very
of rosemary on memorials to represent Flower essences are not therapeutic natures and bring us nearer to ourselves
photography: Andrew lehmann

remembrance shows this language drugs used to treat the physical and by that very act to bring us peace
lingers on. symptoms of an illness. They are and relieve our suffering. They cure not
Flowers offer a great deal more than designed to address our emotional state by attacking disease but by flooding our
decoration; perhaps they have greater and harmonise negative feelings and bodies with beautiful vibrations of our
powers than we currently give them belief patterns held in our subconscious. higher nature in the presence of which
credit for. Flowers and plants are the They may be used to balance our disease melts as snow in the sunshine.”
foundation of many medicines and have emotional, spiritual and mental health, The creation of modern flower
long been recognised for their healing which in this modality are all seen as vital essences and homeopathy owe a lot
properties. There are potions and lotions, to our physical health. Once harmony to the work of the Swiss alchemist and

Notebook: December 2007 93

Wellbeing: Flower essences

physician Parcelsus (1493-1541). He overhead power lines and pollution.

founded what is now known as the These are the conditions required to
How can flower essences help me Doctrine of Signatures. produce the flowers that Ian harvests to
The doctrine suggested that careful make his essences. Ian went to collect
observation of a plant’s form and growing the best blooms to make the ‘mother
place could reveal what the plant could tincture’ that will be the basis for the
be used for. This doctrine formed the Silver Princess remedies for the year.
basis of many plant therapies such as Silver Princess is a remedy that can be
using long-lived varieties to extend the taken to increase motivation and assist in
lives of people, using those with rough determining one’s life purpose.
stems and leaves to treat skin complaints, To make the mother tincture, flowers
and treating jaundice with plants known are picked at their peak and then floated
to produce yellow sap. These theories in pure water in the sun for several
are still highly regarded by practitioners hours. Then the flowers are removed,
of vibrational medicine today. using either the leaves or twigs from the
same tree so that hands do not contact
Home-grown remedy the flowers or water. The water is then
Observation, study and intuition have collected and mixed with an equal
led Ian White along his life’s path. The volume of brandy.
fifth generation Australian herbalist and This mother tincture is then further
highly respected naturopath, travels the diluted with water and brandy to create
world to teach and apply his skills. the stock concentration or dosage
For more than 20 years, Ian has strengths. These are usually purchased
used his knowledge and experience to and used by health care practitioners
extend the Doctrine of Signatures by who make essences for their clients.
interpreting the native flowers, which led The dosage strength remedies are
to the creation of ‘Australian Bush Flower available through retail outlets to be
Essences’. This is the world’s oldest taken according to the instructions on
continent, “metaphysically it has a wise the bottle.
old energy,” Ian says. This land is home Ian spent five weeks of the spring
to scores of rare and wondrous flowers travelling around western, northern and
and Ian has pioneered the medicinal central Australia, procuring flowers and
use of many, creating 69 single flower making mother tinctures. While in Darwin
essences, 17 combination essences he collected the Red Suva Frangipani,
(these are blends of several essences an essence used to bring feelings of
designed to treat specific problems), inner peace after initial grief from the
cream essences and mists. loss of a loved one. He also acquired
He has written several books on the Red Lily flowers, which involved wading
topic and contributed to a book on the thigh-high through mud that was home
use of the remedies for animals. His to turtles, snakes and leeches. Now
products are widely available online and there’s commitment!
through health food shops. Medical Several remedies can be taken
practitioners who recognise them as a at once without harm, although Ian
powerful adjunct to their work, use them recommends treating the most pressing
in various healing modalities. emotion first and then progressing to
the next. He suggests you ask yourself,
Natural wonders “What do I most want in my life?” or
A few weeks before spring, Ian travelled “What is the major issue I am working
to Boyagin Rock, south east of Perth through at the moment?” Use the
in Western Australia to visit the last information supplied on each of the
naturally occurring stand of the Silver essences to choose those you feel are
Princess, a red flowering gum tree. most appropriate. If you need more
These trees grow on a rocky outcrop in guidance, visit a practitioner who can
pristine country, far away from roads, recommend the best essence for you. ■

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A guide to flower essences
I asked Ian to suggest 10 remedies that he feels would be good to have on hand. He recommended people start with the
combination essences below, as these have been formulated for specific outcomes and they are being used with great success.

1. Emergency Essence 6. Travel Essence products, and to clear built-up emotional

This is excellent for any emotional upset. This combination particularly addresses baggage. Contains: Bauhinia, Bush Iris,
It has a calming effect during a crisis. problems encountered with long haul Bottlebrush, Dagger Hakea, Dog Rose
If a person needs specialised medical flights, although it is beneficial for all and Wild Potato Bush.
help, this essence will provide comfort forms of travel. It enables a person
until treatment is available. Contains: to arrive at their destination feeling 9. Confid Essence
Angelsword, Crowea, Dog Rose of the balanced and ready to go. Contains: This essence brings out the positive
Wild Forces, Fringed Violet, Grey Spider Banksia Robur, Bottlebrush, Bush qualities of self-esteem and confidence.
Flower, Sundew and Waratah. Fuchsia, Bush Iris, Crowea, Fringed It allows us to feel comfortable around
Violet, Macrocarpa, Mulla Mulla, Paw others and resolve negative beliefs we
2. Woman Essence Paw, Red Lily, She Oak, Silver Princess, may hold about ourselves and any guilt
Harmonises any imbalances during Sundew and Tall Mulla Mulla. we may harbour from past actions. This
menstruation and menopause. It allows a combination helps us to take responsibility
woman to discover and feel good about 7. Relationship Essence for situations and events that occur in our
herself, her body and natural beauty. Enhances the quality of all relationships, lives and realise that we have the ability
Contains: Billy Goat Plum, Bottlebrush, especially intimate ones. It clears and and power not only to change those
Bush Fuchsia, Crowea, Five Corners, releases resentment, blocked emotions events, but also to create those we want.
Mulla Mulla, Old Man Banksia, Peach- and the confusion, emotional pain and Contains: Boab, Dog Rose, Five Corners,
flowered Tea-tree and She Oak. turmoil of a rocky relationship. It helps Southern Cross and Sturt Desert Rose.
one to express feelings and improve
3. Electro Essence communication. For those in intimate 10. Calm and Clear Essence
Relieves fear and distress associated with relationships a perfect remedy to follow Helps to relax without external pressures
earth, electrical and electromagnetic this combination is Sexuality Essence. and demands, to wind down and enjoy
radiation. It helps to bring one into Contains: Bluebell, Boab, Bottlebrush, relaxing pursuits. Contains: Black-eyed
balance with the natural rhythms of the Bush Gardenia, Dagger Hakea, Flannel Susan, Boronia, Bottlebrush, Bush
earth. Contains: Bush Fuchsia, Crowea, Flower, Mint Bush, Red Helmet Orchid, Fuchsia, Crowea, Jacaranda, Little
Fringed Violet, Mulla Mulla, Paw Paw Red Suva Frangipani and Wedding Bush. Flannel Flower and Paw Paw.
and Waratah. You can also create your own blend
8. Purifying Essense from Stock Essences. The Stock Kit,
4. Space Clearing Essence Designed to help release and clear includes all 69 pure Essences with a
This essence purifies and releases built emotional waste and residual by- reference book and two dose bottles.
up negative emotional, mental and
psychic energies. It’s great for clearing
tense situations and restoring balance.
Contains: Angelsword, Boab, Fringed
Violet, Lichen and Red Lily.
Learn more
5. Cognis Essence
This Essences gives clarity and focus Flower Essences are completely natural, and are self-adjusting to the
when working, speaking, reading or needs of the individual taking them. Ian advises you could encounter
studying. It balances the intuitive and a ‘healing crisis’ while taking them; this refers to an increase or
cognitive processes and helps integrate worsening of symptoms during the course of treatment. If this occurs,
ideas and information. It’s excellent for either reduce or stop taking the remedy for a few day, or increase the
study or pursuits that require intense dose to 4 or 5 times a day. You cannot overdose on flower essence
focus. It assists problem solving by and the quantity of alcohol they contain is insignificant, however
improving access to the Higher Self, they can be made alcohol-free. The remedies can be ordered online
which stores all past knowledge and from www.ausflowers.com.au or from selected health food shops
experiences. Contains: Bush Fuchsia, and healthcare practitioners. To learn more read Ian White's book,
Isopogon, Jacaranda, Paw Paw Australian Bush Flower Healing (Random House, 1999).
and Sundew.

Notebook: December 2007 95