Summer is the time to make your own flower essences.
Flower essences are a type of vibrational medicine, akin to homeopathy, in which the healing energy of flowers is captured in a process of dilution, and no flower parts remain in the finished remedy.
It is easy to make flower essences and they are a wonderful complement to herbal medicine because they address the underlying emotional causes that create problems in the body. Sometimes addressing the emotions can resolve physical symptoms and ailments.
They can work quickly, or take time to clear blockages. Similar to doing a detox cleanse, it is possible that you may initially feel heightened awareness of symptoms as stagnant emotional patterns are unearthed.
Why Use Flower Essences
Flower essences offer a wonderful way to heal and grow because they affect change at a deep emotional level.
They are safe for all ages, and even pets, and the don’t interact with medications.
There are a couple of popular brands of flower essences available at natural health stores, including Bach and Wild Rose, and Nova Scotian essences produced by Blue Fairie and Star Flower essences. Globally you will find flower essences produced with local blooms.
And, it is easy to make your own…
Making Flower Essences
Making the Mother
Float the flowers in pure spring or well water in sunlight for 20 minutes to 3 hours or until more than half the flowers are wilted. Remove the flowers and transfer the liquid to a clean bottle. A small tincture bottle is good, about 50 ml. A funnel would be helpful.
Mix the flower water with an equal amount of brandy or glycerine.
Succus the bottle 100 times to mix them.
Label as “Mother.”
Notes: Flower essences made with brandy will last decades, glycerine will last about 5 years, and plain water essences will last a few days. Look for or prepare glycerine based essences if you do not consume alcohol.
Making a Stock Remedy
Fill another small bottle with half water and half brandy. Add 5 drops of the mother. Succus 100 times. Label as “Stock Remedy.”
Making a Treatment Bottle
Combine water and 30% glycerine or brandy. Add 5 drops from the stock bottle. Succus 100 times. Label.
Keep the Mother and the Stock, and you can make flower essences to last a lifetime (if you have used brandy). Simply make more treatment bottles with the stock, and make more stock from the mother when you run out.
The treatment bottle is what you will use for the following methods:
Ways to Use Flower Essences
Take 3-5 drops in the mouth or in water, 3 or more times daily.
Use as a room spray – add 3 to 5 drops to a spray bottle full of water.
Add about 20 drops to a bath.
Flower essences can also be added to healing creams or lotions.
Flowers to Look For
For a brief couple of months, Halifax is bursting with flowers, so don’t delay and make your essences soon. The following flowers can be found here in Halifax, and across much of North America:
Mallow
Althea spp.
Mallow is for people who feel cut off and isolated, and long for warmth and openness. It’s for you if you have difficulty making friends or committing to relationships. Whether it stems from insecurity, fear or lack of trust, mallow will help you overcome barriers to friendship.
Horse Chestnut
Aesculus hippocastanum
Do you feel like nothing ever changes? Horse Chestnut helps you stop making the same mistakes over and over. Rid yourself of unwanted, repetitive thoughts and break out of stagnant patterns.
Dill
Anethum graveolens
If you’re busy, stressed, and overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle of a full & chaotic life. Dill is particularly good if you’re suffering from overstimulation, will promote relaxation and inner nourishment.
Daisy
Bellis perennis
Daisy is the plant for getting your #%@ together! It’s for planning and organizing. Absorb more information and organize it in a meaningful way. It also enhances concentration.
Borage
Borago officinalis
Borage is a heart remedy to ease the brokenhearted. It’s good for those suffering grief, loss, sadness, or discouragement and it lifts the spirits and prevents depression. It promotes courage and optimism.
Greater Celandine
Chelidonium majus
Celandine flower essence enhances communication. It’s good for singers, teachers and lecturers. Celandine assists giving receiving information, and is good for people who are stubborn or opinionated, do not listen, or can’t concentrate. It also helps enhance understanding of information given in dreams.
Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna, C. oxycanthus
Hawthorn is a renowned heart healer. As a flower essence, it heals broken hearts, opens the heart chakra and enhances expressions of love. It also eases emotional extremes.
Opium poppy
Papaver somniferum
Poppy flower essence is for escapists who find it hard to face up to the realities of life, and for those fearful of expressing strong emotions such as anger. It gives you the courage to assert yourself, and express your feelings.
Linden
Tilia europea
Linden is another flower essence for the heart. It increases awareness of our connectedness to the rest of humanity, and increases feelings of peace and happiness.
Mullein
Verbascum thapsus
Mullein provides an inner light to guide us along our path. It helps us to withstand social pressure, and strengthens the moral compass for those who are weak and confused.
If you’re interested in learning more about flower essences, herbal medicine, and holistic wellness, you’ll love our Holistic Herbal Wellness course. It’s a year-long, seasonal self-care course featuring herbal medicine. We meet one Saturday per month in Halifax or Moncton.
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