Flower Essences

Before the pharmaceutical companies were around there were wise-men and women. People would travel to these herbalist/doctors when they fell ill and needed healing. Now a days we rely heavily on chemical based medicine that have so many negative side effects. These side effects often leading to more serious long term problems. Doctors these days are ready to fix all of your problems with pills. Medications have their limit and sometimes only act as a bandage to the open gash. Now I am not saying to stop taking your prescribed medication. What I am saying is to do research and try to go a more natural route if possible. Plants, animals, and insects all around you can be used for various remedies. You just have to know what to look for to unlock their healing powers.

Healing can be for various reasons. For most it is topical and for others it may be emotionally. What I have learn is that flowers are not only beautiful but they carry with them life essences that we can all tap into. They have many benefits from adding color to your garden, adding flavor to your food, and more importantly healing your soul.

 So let's get into what flower essences is. Flower essences to simply put it are flowers from plants that are infused or decocted into water to address emotional or mental wellness. This method was formulated by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930's. You can do some research online as there is plentiful information out there if you look. Flower essences are so simple to prepare you can even get your family and friends involved.

As always I will list some of the benefits:

• Anyone can use them regardless of age
• Natural and Safe
• No Negative Effects as there is little to no organic matter
• Can be taken with food or other substances
• Non-addictive
• Healing
• Healthier
• Helps cope with mental issues
• Can be used on your pets
• Combined with other essences

I will provide some generic information on some useful herbs and flowers you can use to get started on your journey with flower essences. There are 38 Flower Essences that were formulated by Bach. I will only list a few. Again these can be combined in various combinations to address multiple issues.

Anger - Aspen, Cherry Plum, Mimulus

Impatience - Impatiens

Hatred - Crab Apple, Holly

Depression - Mustard, Elm

Sadness - Gentian

Love - Agrimony, Chicory, Clematis

I bet you are asking how you can make your own flower essences. Again its very simple so get your pens and papers ready. Here is what you will need.

• Glass Bowl
• Purified Water
• Flowers of your picking
• 40% Grain Alcohol
• Wooden Spoon
• Amber Dropper Bottles (or clear whatever you can find)

Instructions: 

1. First pick which flowers you want to work with. Once you have those in mind, gather only healthy flowers that are pest free. Ensure the flowers if you are picking them in the wild or even in your own garden are organic. You don't want to consume pesticides.
2. Place your flowers into your glass bowl. Fill the bowl with filtered water. Make sure the bowl is in direct sunlight for 2-4 hours. Now let the flower and the sun work together to do their thing. In the mean while go do some gardening while you wait.
3. After time has passed and you are done doing your garden work. Use a wooden spoon (as not to contaminate the flower essences with your own oils) gather the flowers. Put your used flowers into your compost. Most articles you read will say toss them out but recycle and make it into healthy compost. It's all about returning what you used back to Mother Earth.
4. Using a funnel pour your infused water into a glass bottle. Fill your bottles half way with the Mother Tincture (flower essence) and then fill the other half with grain 40% alcohol (drinkable). Seal the bottle with your dropper cap. Refrain from using any metal as it will cause a chemical reaction to your infusion. This is why we are using glass and wood.
5. Label and date your infusions. This is most important so you know later what you are consuming.
6. Store your bottles in a cool place. An ideal place would be the refrigerator. Keep out of direct sunlight at all times. 

I hope you have found this article useful and entertaining. If you would please subscribe, share, comment. Peace, Love, and Gardening!

As a disclaimer I always recommend you continue your treatment with any medicine you are currently taking. I am not a doctor and I am not prescribing any doses for you to substitute your current therapy or treatment. If you have questions about interaction with your medication always consult your doctor before consumption.