Healing with flower essences proposes similar principles applied to homeopathy. Both forms of therapy are based on curing the patient by restoring the bodyís energy pattern and vibrational characteristics. The underlying premise is that all life forms possess an innate vibrational energy force that is disrupted by conditions and circumstances of our environment leading to disease and illness. These disruptions are further related to emotional and behavioral specifics, which can be characterized and treated with the vital energy or essence of certain flowers. The aroma or essence of a flower naturally elicits an emotional response, similar to the way music affects an individualís mood.
Dr Edward Bach is credited for the development of the first modern therapeutic system of flower essence therapy. Dr Bach was a distinguished British physician in the early 1900’s with a strong influence from Hahnemann and the concepts of homeopathy. Dr Bach developed various vaccines during his tenure in immunology and then developed some of the first nosodes, oral homeopathic vaccines. In his clinical experience, Dr Bach realized the importance of the mental and emotional state of mind in the recovery from illness. In 1930, he embarked on a quest to develop a treatment method that did not depend on the destruction or alteration of one living thing to benefit another, which ultimately lead to the discovery of his first twelve healing herbs with a natural affinity to mental traits. In all, 38 healing remedies were identified which he believed would remedy all the negative states of mind that afflict mankind.
A variety of other flower essences have been described in the past 30 years. In the 1970s, Richard Katz and Patricia Kaminski developed the California Flower Essences. Ian White described the Australian Bush Flower Essences in the1980s, influenced by the Australian Aborigines traditional knowledge and experience with native plants. Other Flower Essence lines include the Alaskan (1980s), Bailey in Britain, and Celestial Remedies (1990s) to name a few. All of these flower essence lines are based on the same premises described by Dr Bach.
Flower essences can be very effective in the treatment of clinical and behavioral issues of birds and other pets. The underlying premise in using flower essences to treat conditions in birds is the presence of an emotional component to the problem. These formulations act on the energetic signature of different emotions that produce the outward behaviors. It is commonly accepted that emotional and psychological stress can lead to physical illness, therefore the flower essences can be incorporated into a holistic treatment plan.
The choice of remedies is individualized for each patient. Oversimplification by using a single remedy for a particular problem is much less effective than thoroughly evaluating the patient and formulating a remedy of various flower essences. Of course, there are certain remedies that are classic ìfitsî for a particular condition, such as Rescue Remedy for the stress and anxiety of a veterinary visit or treatment. This is a classical formulation of five flower remedies, consisting of star of Bethlehem, rock rose, impatiens, cherry plum and clematis. This remedy can be sprayed in the exam room, sprayed directly onto the bird, or given directly by mouth. Extensive repertories of other flower essences exist for man and animals.