Flower essences are one of a class of treatments known in the alternative medical field as "vibrational" or "energy" therapies. A more familiar one in the same class is acupuncture. Considered an herbal supplement, flower essences are not homeopathic drugs (although like homeopathic remedies the essence is diluted many times and only a small quantity is needed for effectiveness), nor should they be confused with essential oils, herbs or aromatherapy. Flower essences retain no physical properties of the plant, instead they contain only pure spring water and the captured imprint of each flower's unique energy pattern. An excellent source for understanding both how water carries energy, and how energy (hado) affects the body, is the research carried out by Masaru Emoto.

Flower essences are nontoxic, safe, and work by introducing harmonious vibrations into our subtle body energy field, thereby counterbalancing and bringing back to center our emotions and spiritual energies. They are gentle and do not change who we are, but rather correct only that which is disharmonious and out of balance. They help us clear our energy pathways so that we move into alignment with our true selves and soul path.

Sometimes flower essences can work immediately - others take more time, up to four weeks or longer, depending on the nature of the imbalance. Chronic ills, physical complaints and addictions, for example, take longer to respond due to what is a deeply ingrained disharmony underlying the symptoms. Flower essences address the core energies. That is why they compliment more traditional medicines and work in tandem with other healing modalities to correct core imbalances that have manifested as physical symptoms.

The wonderful thing is you do not have to "believe" in flower essences to work. I suggest using affirmations to more quickly and strongly affect the healing process, as part of a holistic approach, but flower essences been shown to demonstrate the most immediate and dramatic changes in children and pets who are not exposed to any suggestion as to the expected outcome. Flower essences have been used effectively by everyone from the spiritual Native American leader Sun Bear to physicians of England's Queen Mother.

While Dr. Edward Bach was not the first to use flower essences, he is the most well known and considered a pioneer in the field. His research identified 38 flowers that he developed a system around which made taking and preparing flower essences much simpler. For example, in Australia the bushmen might dig a hole, fill it with hot stones and wildflowers and then bury you up to your neck to affect a cure! Taking drops from a bottle you can carry about in your pocket certainly is more modern and convenient.

Flower essences are, more simply put, therapy for the soul. Like music, art, and love, they ensure our health and wellbeing by reconnecting us to the flow and harmony of our unique spiritual life. They help us to come back "in tune".

To learn more about flower essences - how they work, more about their efficacy, what they do, and their history, please see the resources listed in the lefthand margin or the recommended reading list. Additionally, you might find the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section of value as well.

Finally, the first step of the Custom Formula ordering process describes in brief what each essence I currently stock does. Simply click on the flower name to see the description.

And of course if you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me.