Custom flower essences

Flower essences are a gentle branch of herbal medicine made from flowers. They were first developed by the English physician Edward Bach in the early 20th century, based on the idea that each flower carries its own energetic quality.

Today many practitioners use flower essences to help with emotional and spiritual imbalances. Many people also find they support a general sense of physical health and well-being.

From Bach’s remedies to North American flowers

Bach’s original 38 remedies, made from English flowers and plants, are still the classic set. The best known is a five-flower blend, sold as Rescue Remedy and as Five Flower Formula. It is commonly used for emotional shock and stress.

Since then, makers such as Flower Essence Services (FES) in Nevada City, California, have added more than 100 essences made from North American flowers. Together, they give a practitioner a wide range of remedies for many kinds of emotional imbalance.

Some examples

A few of the most commonly used Bach flowers:

• Gentian, traditionally used for discouragement
• Gorse, for hopelessness and despair
• White Chestnut, for overthinking and a busy, restless mind

And two from the FES North American essences:

• Bleeding Heart, for sadness after a breakup or the death of someone close
• Joshua Tree, for breaking unhealthy patterns passed down through families

Custom formulas

Robert has used flower essence therapy in his acupuncture practice for more than 20 years. He often blends several essences into one custom formula to address more complex emotional issues.

For people working through stress in a relationship, for example, a combination he often uses is:

• Holly, to help open the heart
• Willow, for forgiveness and flexibility
• Calendula, for warm, healing communication

Many people find a blend like this helps ease conflict and bring new warmth to a relationship.

Alongside acupuncture

Flower essences are gentle, and they can be a helpful addition to acupuncture and other herbal treatments. Most are preserved in a small amount of brandy, so let Robert know if you avoid alcohol. Essences are not a replacement for medical or mental health care.

If you’d like a custom formula, ask Robert at your next visit or when you book.