The mere suggestion that flower essences could be powerful enough to help with serious mental disturbances would have made me laugh in the face of anyone suggesting such a thing just a year ago.
I’ve found since then that many people use them quite successfully for everything from mild anxiety to angry, psychotic states.
I’ve only used them a bit. I should probably experiment a bit more. I did in fact use the above mentioned “Rescue Remedy,” when taking care of my ailing father who almost died in November. It did, indeed, seem to take the edge off, but I’ve not used it a whole lot because, frankly, I still think it’s a funny concept.
I have also used “Cherry Plum,” for when I feel like I may possibly have an angry outburst during PMS–again, it has seemed to help, but I haven’t made a habit of using it. Like I said this study makes me feel inclined to experiment a bit more.
For more on Bach Flower remedies see here. Yes, yes, I find it hard to swallow too. But I’m learning more and more to be open to all alternatives. Using substances that have no side-effects is something that is always worth exploring.
Update: the abstract of the study is here. It points out that Rescue Remedy was only effective in cases of acute stress and not so much for mild anxiety. Someone I know who is well versed on flower essences believes that one must know what they are doing with flower essences.
It’s my belief that flower essences will replace the drugs being distributed by companies today within the next two centuries. It’s still a developing science that works from a new paradigm. It will take some time to create a protocol for using them in therapeutic settings, but in reality taking flower essences is a highly personal endeavor. I’ve found that it works to release deep seated issues when used consistently over time, and I’ve been working on some serious issues as of late. The key is to identify the core trauma that catalyzed the symptoms and selecting essences to treat the core. Once that is done, the symptoms will disappear and you’re on your way to becoming truly healed, not just treated. I would suggest looking at as many essence companies as possible, not just Bach, whose 38 essences are great, but limited in scope. FES, Alaskan Essences, Desert Alchemy, Morningstar Essences, Australian Bush Essences, and Hummingbird Remedies are great places to start. Remember to treat the core and the rest will begin to fall into place.
I have about two dozen flower essences. The one I use pretty regularly is yarrow. Yarrow is great for HSPs (highly sensitive people).
I add two drops to my water and sip it throughout the day. Like you, Gianna, the way it “works” is a bit strange for me. I am a scientist, so I struggle with the “mystery” of it.
But, bottom line, yarrow helps me strengthen my energetic boundaries. I feel stronger. I feel more confident.
Maybe it’s hogwash, but it works. I need to step out of my own way sometimes and have a little faith that there is healing beyond the literal, scientific plane.
Also, rubbing rescue remedy on your sacral area is supposed to really help during high anxiety and panic attacks.
It’s difficult, I know, I know… After so many years of hardcore psychotropic meds, it’s hard to grasp the concept that something as subtle as a flower essence can actually help.
It has helped me. I just wanted to add my little success story here.
Again, alternative remedies are probably not for everyone. Not that they don’t work if you don’t believe, but because so many of us feel a heavy, fast-acting, powerful medication is the only way.
I pose this question: how many of us taking psychotropics meds feel “cured”? Forget cured, how many of us felt better in the long run?
Not many. So, because of this, I am willing to try alternative treatments like flower essences, homeopathy, etc…
Interesting topic!
Update: the abstract of the study is here. It points out that Rescue Remedy was only effective in cases of acute stress and not so much for mild anxiety. Someone I know who is well versed on flower essences believes that one must know what they are doing with flower essences.
http://chp.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/12/1/3
Marissa,
I’ve told you as much as I know. I did feel like they’ve taken the edge off, but I would much sooner recommend a complete dietary and nutritional change for long standing problems.
I don’t believe flower essences can be the cornerstone of recovery. Perhaps they can aid with symptom relief when there are additional difficulties.
I don’t embrace the importance of flower essences like I do much of the other stuff I share on my blog, but that may be simply because I don’t know enough about them.
I posted the information because I think it’s interesting and I think that alternatives to pharmaceuticals are an absolute necessity, but like I said, I have little personal experience with them.
Marissa,
I’ve told you as much as I know. I did feel like they’ve taken the edge off, but I would much sooner recommend a complete dietary and nutritional change for long standing problems.
I don’t believe flower essences can be the cornerstone of recovery. Perhaps they can aid with symptom relief when there are additional difficulties.
I don’t embrace the importance of flower essences like I do much of the other stuff I share on my blog, but that may be simply because I don’t know enough about them.
I posted the information because I think it’s interesting and I think that alternatives to pharmaceuticals are an absolute necessity, but like I said, I have little personal experience with them.
And really, you’ve found that it works?
And really, you’ve found that it works?
Hi Mark,
You’re thinking or aromatherapy, which I know little about, but many people I’ve come across find it helpful as well.
These flower remedies are tinctures–you put a couple of drops in water and drink it throughout the day. You can also, for immediate relief put a couple of drops on your tongue.
Hi Mark,
You’re thinking or aromatherapy, which I know little about, but many people I’ve come across find it helpful as well.
These flower remedies are tinctures–you put a couple of drops in water and drink it throughout the day. You can also, for immediate relief put a couple of drops on your tongue.
http://www.brainconnection.com/content/211_3
“Smell is the only sensory system that doesn’t pass through our brain’s thalamus for its initial processing.”
Is the reason why it works.
http://www.brainconnection.com/content/211_3
“Smell is the only sensory system that doesn’t pass through our brain’s thalamus for its initial processing.”
Is the reason why it works.