Flower Essences: flowers as a healing method?
by Christy Caplan
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February 16, 2009 I’ve been using flower essences for years. I started reading a book called “Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats” by Cheryl Schwartz, DVM and since writing all over the book and placing sticky notes throughout it I’ve seen first hand the effects flower essences have on dogs.
She starts the section out on flower essences with… flowers bring joy to the senses. And for my three hounds there is nothing more true than this! I used them to help balance out fear, anxiety, jealousy and depression. Bruiser and Shermie will *argue* over who sits next to me and well Shermie is an anxious dog – period. That’s just how he’s wired.
You simply add them to your dog’s water dish – one drop is all that necessary. Or you can rub them into the ear flaps too.
I’m not joking when I tell you that all three dogs (Shermie and Bruiser especially) are *less* jealous and anxious when I use these… Bach makes many flower essences and I get them at Whole Foods but there is another online dealer called: Green Hope Essences and they have an animal wellness collection.
Of course — I use these in addition to seeing the vet if there is an issue or a problem but they seem to work. For example, it’s advised that you use the flower essence Mimulus and Walnut for acceptance of change. Check them out and please post comments and let me know what you think.
More about Cheryl Schwartz, D.V.M.: Cheryl has been a natural and holistic veterinarian for more than 20 years; extremely well known and respected in her field, she is on the Board of Advisors for Healthy Living magazine and is the regular columnist for holistic pet advice. She is a resident of San Diego, California.
This is really helpful Christy! Baxter had some serious separation anxiety while I was out of town last week and I’ve been wondering how I might be able to help him with it the future. I will definitely check out the book!
Hello again Christy! This is really interesting and I can’t wait to check out Schwartz’s and other books on this intriguing technique. Just wondering, where will I be able to find “flower essences”? Do you have a tip on where to start? Thanks and keep these interesting posts coming!
Thanks for the comments! Flower Essences are really cool. Try Bach’s Rescue Remedy for anxiety — it’s great and I use it when we go on trips. You can find flower essences at any Whole Foods, Wild Oats or online – you should look at the animal collection on Green Hopes site as it includes a large variety. http://www.bachflower.com/ – it looks like they have a flower essences for animals book on their site. I’ll look a other sites to see what other specialty stories carry them too – stay tuned
I love this Christy!! I soooo believe in the use of flower essences and most especially with our critters. I have a friend who just lost her “mamma” Calico who was 16. Well “Cali” had a son, “Jr.” (who is 14) who was just the most nice, laid back kitty you ever did see (looks like Shamu the Killer Whale). Anyway, after Cali died, Jr. began to act out horribly. I suggested she try flower essences on Jr. and there is a specific one for grief that begins with an S that for the life of me I cannot bring up in my memory right now!
Love this blog and love you!!
Woof–Woof!!
Thanks Lynn! Great testimonial for flower essences. I’ve heard many similar stories and Green Hopes Essences has a grief & loss flower essence that fortunately we have not had to use but there are some great success stories based on it… Thanks for checking this blog posting out and your kind words. Your postings are an inspiration. I will add your blog to my blog roll!