FLOWER REMEDIES

Today, in the West, the name that is probably most frequently associated with flower remedies is Dr Edward Bach (pronounced batch). Practising in London in the early twentieth century, he noticed that his patients' psychological responses to disease varied greatly and came to believe that emotional problems caused illness. He searched for a therapy that would reduce the negative emotional attitudes that he had observed in his patients, and found that flower essences were beneficial. Bach developed 38 remedies, but today additional flower remedies have been prepared from flowers that grow throughout the world.

Flower remedies are made in two ways. One method is to float freshly picked flowers in water, which is then left in full sunlight for three hours. The other method is to boil flowering twigs in water for half an hour. The resulting liquid is strained and a portion is diluted with an equal volume of brandy before being stored in a clean amber-coloured glass bottle.

Crystal And Gem Therapy
Crystal and gem therapy is used y healers who believe that crystals have the power to focus and strengthen healing energies. An extension of this belief is the use of gems and crystals in various places around the house to absorb negative energy from geopathic stress (see previous post) or electrical pollution, especially from computer and television screens. Crystals used in this way should be washed regularly in cold running water and left in the sun to recharge. There is little hard scientific evidence to support the beneficial effects of using crystals in this way, but those who have used them believe that they can be helpful for stress and chronically painful conditions.

Rescue Remedy
Rescue remedy is made from five of Bach's remedies: rock rose, impatiens, clematis, cherry plum and star of Bethlehem. Put four drops in water and sip after an accident, argument, surgery or any emotional, physical or mental shock. Repeat as needed.

Flower remedies can be made by floating freshly
picked flowers in water and leaving them in the sun for three hours.

Using The Flower Remedies
The remedies are usually taken by sipping mineral water to which a few drops of the essence have been added. It is not certain how they work, although the action may be closer to homeopathy (see previous post) than to herbal medicines. Professional counsellors and therapists often recommend them for use in addition to conventional medicines.

Conditions that can be treated with flower remedies include:

- Mood swings, including depression and anxiety.

- Nervous disorders, including lack of confidence, jealousy and apathy.

- Sudden emotional, physical or mental shock.

This list is not intended to be comprehensive. Flower remedies are helpful for self-help as a first-aid treatment, but it is best to ask your doctor's advice about longer-term problems.