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What
Are Flower Essences?
Flower essences are liquid, potentized plant preparations which
convey a distinct imprint or etheric pattern of a specific flower. These
remarkable remedies expand our understanding of health care, recognizing
a relationship between body and soul, and the interweaving of spiritual,
mental, emotional and physical aspects of wellness.
Flower essences enjoy a reputation of being both highly effective and
very safe to use. They are not part of standard biochemical medicine for
they contain only minute traces of physical substance. Rather they
belong to a new field of potentized remedies which derive
their beneficial powers from the inherent life forces within
substances.
By careful attention to celestial and environmental factors which
influence the plant at its stage of blossoming, and rhythmical
procedures which further enhance the living properties of each plant
remedy, the essence of a specific flower is prepared.
Because the remedies contain subtle properties, their primary field of
action goes beyond physiological states of being. The remedies are
designed to help transform emotions, attitudes or patterns of behavior
which hinder our full development or potential. Flower essence therapy
is based on the insight that the human being is a microcosm profoundly
related to the macrocosm of Nature. The archetypes which are found in
the human psyche have their healing correlation to plant archetypes
which are living in Nature.
Flower essences should not be misconstrued as cure-alls or simplistic
panaceas. They are precise tools which can be used by qualified
therapists as adjuncts in a wide range of health care programs, or by
informed and insightful home-care practitioners. The flower essences
work most beneficially as part of a holistic program of health
enhancement, including exercise, nourishing diet, stress reduction,
inner development and appropriate medical care.
Flower Essences and
other Health Modalities
Flower essences are renowned for their universality of application.
They are used by thousands of people in diverse circumstances, and as a
supplement to many forms of health care. Because the flower essences
work at very fundamental levels, yet in such a non-invasive way, they
can be used concurrently with other health therapies. What is more, use
of the essences can actually enhance other practices by addressing
psycho- spiritual issues which may be underlying various health
problems. Physicians, nurses, chiropractors, acupuncturists, herbalists,
massage practitioners, physical therapists, nutritionists,
psychologists, pastoral counselors, social workers, and other
professionals find the essences to be an invaluable adjunct to their
practices.
Flower essence therapy is not an exclusive answer to all of
humanity's ills. It does not substitute for our daily practices of
meditation and prayer, physical exercise, healthful diet, social
responsibility, and moral development. However, used with sensitivity
and understanding, the essences are an important catalyst toward a more
health-filled, balanced lifestyle. By stimulating greater awareness of
our inner life, the essences build a much needed bridge between the
realms of body and soul.
How Are Flower Essences
Used?
Flower essences are most commonly taken orally from a dropper bottle
directly under the tongue, or in a bit of water. In addition to oral
use, flower essences are also quite effective when absorbed through the
skin in baths or topical applications. The dosage preparation methods
described below are guidelines for flower essence use, based on several
decades of experience. Keep in mind, however, that there are many
creative and effective ways to use flower essences.
There are several levels of dilution in the preparation of flower
essences. The mother essence is derived from fresh blossoms in a bowl of
water, infused with the morning sun (or heated by fire, in the case of
some of the English essences). The mother essence is generally preserved
with brandy. This infusion is then further diluted to the stock level,
and sometimes again to a dosage level. Generally it is the stock level
of dilution which is available commercially from flower essence
companies, although there are some pre-mixed combinations sold at the
dosage level of dilution.
from Using Flower Essences: A Practical Overview, by Patricia
Kaminski and Richard Katz 1986, 1987, 1992, 1994 by the Flower Essence
Society, a division of Earth-Spirit, Inc., a non-profit educational and
research organization All rights reserved For further information please
contact the Flower Essence Society, PO Box 459, Nevada City, California
95959 USA; tel: 530-265-9163, fax:530-265-6467
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