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Flower PowerFlower Essences May Help Behavior ProblemsBy Christina Blume |  |
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As an herbalist, I was very skeptical about flower essences until I began using them eight years ago. You don't have to believe in essences for them to be effective. The animals I've been involved with proved it. Flower essences are not contraindicated with any other form of health care. They will not interfere with pharmaceuticals, herbs or homeopathy. They're safe for all animals, all ages and weights, even in pregnancy. You can't overdose with flower essences. Trauma Remedy is the flower essence I recommend everyone have on hand. I have bottles of Trauma (or Rescue) Remedy in the house and car. Five Flower Essence and Natures Rescue is for any kind of emergency, trauma, accident or stressor, large or small. It's also the remedy I recommend when you don't have "specific" essences on hand. This remedy is immediately calming to any animal or person. The key is remembering you have it and using it. Fear essence is one of my favorite flower essences, because it's so remarkable to witness its effectiveness. Animals and people who react strongly to thunderstorms and firecrackers on July 4th are helped dramatically with this essence. I've received letters about dogs who would literally dig through a door to get inside during a thunderstorm when their people were away. And I find that 2-3 doses of this essence calm animals' fears. A friend's mare was about to foal, and July 4th was approaching. She was worried; there were concerns around the pregnancy, and this mare had a history of great agitation with thunder and firecrackers. She gave her horse three doses of Fear essence during the day and planned to camp out with her all night in hopes of keeping her calm. The horse wasn't oblivious to the fireworks, but she remained calm amidst the noise and smell of sulfur in the air. Five years ago, I got a curious call from a neighbor that prompted me to make a blend a Fear essence and Trauma Remedy. She explained that she was late leaving for work, and her dog Samson was barking an unusual and frantic bark in the back yard. She said she didn't have time to check him closely, but when she glanced at him, it seemed he had a moustache. Any guesses? The poor thing had a face full of porcupine quills! I examined him through the fence. He was in a great deal of pain, frightened and to top it off, there was a stranger on his property. I opened the bottle of blended essence–took four drops myself–then threw the rest into his open mouth by the dropperful as he snarled at me. I'd never used an entire bottle before. After waiting a couple of minutes, and talking to him in a soothing manner, he calmed noticeably. I opened the gate, attached a lead to his collar, helped him into my truck and took him to the hospital. This was an example of a human needing to take essence also. We often forget to treat ourselves. Chamomile Flower essence is calming for barking puppies and general nervous upset. Another time, I got a call from a couple in Vail who boarded their two potbellied pigs when they went on vacation or had to travel. They said it almost wasn't worth it. The pigs would scream through the entire two and a half hour car ride to the boarders. I suggested they try Chamomile, and they've been using it for two years now. They say their lives have changed and they can travel in peace. Prickly Pear is a sweet essence for animals that may suffer from loneliness when their person(s) is away for extended periods. Animals have different levels of sensitivity, just like us. Some might be fine for a day but become lonely if we leave them for a weekend. For others, even a day is too much. Prickly Pear in the water dish alleviates some of the loneliness. Holly Flower essence (specific for jealousy and its resulting unattractive behavior) is an essence I use frequently. When our new kitten arrived, our two older cats were not amused. Someone was wetting on the beds–the beds with down comforters. Now I wasn't amused! I dosed the community water dish with four drops of Holly and four of Quaking Grass (helps the animals adjust when a new member is introduced to home, litter, herd or flock). The wetting problem ended in two days. I usually like to mix Holly and Quaking Grass essences when there's a new addition in the home. This works well for permanent additions and for temporary conditions, such as pet sitting and visiting pets. Another favorite is Self Heal. Use it when an animal is sick or recovering. Self Heal brings out everything the animal has inside for recuperation and the will to live. It's an essence I definitely give just before and after surgery. After surgery, I also give homeopathic arnica, which is outstanding in reducing swelling, bleeding and bruising. Flower essences should begin working within three days. Trauma and Fear essence work in the moment, immediately, for stress and emergency situations. When you're working on a chronic behavioral or emotional problem, it's sometimes necessary to give the essence for a few weeks. The standard dosage is four drops directly into the mouth, in the water dish or added to a small dish of chicken or beef broth. It's easy to put four drops on paws, noses or anywhere it might be licked. You can also put 12 drops of the essence in a four ounce atomizer bottle filled with distilled water and spray it, brushing or rubbing it into their coats. It's not quite as effective to put it in their food or on treats, but I do this when I must. For horses, I generally use one dropperful on grain and run some on their faces. They're most effective when given frequently–4-8 times a day is ideal. To read more about flower essences, I suggest the following: The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care by CJ Puotinen. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves animals. Flower Essence Repertory by Patricia Kaminsky and Richard Katz The Healing Herbs of Edward Bach by Julian and Martine Barnard Flower Essences and Vibrational Healing by Gurudas Plant Spirit Medicine by Eliot Cowan Flowers that Heal by Patricia Kaminsky Vibrational Medicine by Richard Gerber MD I use approximately 70 flower essences for my animals. If you'd like more information about them or where to find them, e-mail blumesfarm@mindspring.com. Editor's note: As with all such stories, OK PetGazette doesn't endorse the above. We simply provide the information. Readers make the choice. The author is an herbalist from Elizabeth, Co. She teaches a variety of herb classes in the Denver area, including at a community college. Back to Features |
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