Bach Flower Remedies and other Flower Essences

Bach Flower Remedies

Bach Flower Remedies are probably the most widely known Flower Essences*. They are the original set of 38 flower essences developed by Edward Bach in the 1930's in England.  He started his career as a medical doctor, later moving into bacteriology.  In the final years of his medical practice he became more preoccupied with the question of emotional health and well-being as he frequently observed the emotional patterns that preceded or accompanied physical illness.  He was also driven to find the most gentle 'remedies' that anyone can use to help support emotional health, arriving eventually at Flower Remedies.  Each of these dilute infusions of a specific flower address and support us in dealing with a particular emotion or pattern.  They can be used individually, though up to 7 essences are often combined in the dosage bottle to address a number of related issues together in a synergistic way.
* Note on terminology.  The terms "Flower Remedies" and "Flower Essences" are used inter-changably.  They both refer to dilute infusions of specific flowers, prepared in the way that Edward Bach first described. 

Rescue Remedy or Five Flower Mix

This is Edward Bach's inspired combination of five of his flower essences, and the most readily available. This combination has a broad application for general distress.  Commonly people will use it when they are shocked or jittery after a fright or an accident; when they are feeling intensely nervous, such as before tests or performances, or starting a new school or job. 

More recent development of Flower Essences

Since the 1960's and 70's people in various countries started to produce their own flower essences, some from the same plants that Bach was using, and others from plants found locally.  Flower essence practitioners today have enormous choice and tend to work with whichever sets of essences that they feel an affinity with.

Ranges I work with

Each Flower Essence practitioner gravitates towards different ranges of essences.  There are several reasons I have chosen to work with these particular ranges of essences.  The essence descriptions need to make sense to me, they need to be clear and direct, and to suggest unique support for issues and feelings that I know my clients seek help with.  They also need to be easily available and affordable.  On top of this, the approach, values and philosophy of the essence producers is important to me. 

Through my experience with these ranges both in the clinic and using them personally, I know I can rely on them to support my clients' emotional well being. 

• Bach Flower Remedies 
• FES Quintessential Essences 
• FES Range of Light Essences 
• Bailey Essences
  
• Australian Bush Flower Essences 
• Living Essences of Australia