Flower Essences and Stress Relief

Stress is a name given to a combination of emotions linked to survival which can be responsible for negative effects on us both mentally and physically.

Our current ordered and controlled lifestyles make us more vulnerable to stress and as individuals, although it is difficult, we need to be able to take responsibility for managing our own stress levels for optimal health.
​
Stress is a major cause of illness and disease and is often known as the disease of modern living. It can result from any situation requiring change and is not only caused by traumatic events such as bereavement, unexpected redundancy and divorce but also more positive changes such as getting married, having a baby and moving to a new home.

---

Generally we can’t help but give too much time and energy thinking about potential problems and subsequently creating associated emotions which cause our natural energy vibration to drop which in turn affects our general health and wellbeing. When the body becomes highly stressed, it releases adrenaline (stress hormone) which prepares the body for action (also known as fight or flight response). This speeds up heart rate, causes blood pressure to rise and releases fats and sugars into the bloodstream ready to fuel the muscles. This means that with prolonged stress, fats and cholesterol are being constantly released into the bloodstream increasing risk of potentially serious problems such as heart disease and stroke.

One gentle yet subtle way of managing mild to moderate stress is the taking of Bach Flower Essences (remedies). The Bach Flower remedies were discovered by Physician Dr Edward Bach (1886-1936), a Doctor of Medicine and Homeopath who developed his own system of treating illness based on the healing properties of flowers. He wanted to treat the person as a whole (holistically) rather than just treating the symptoms as he knew that mental and emotional states could have a direct and powerful effect on physical health.

Flower remedies lift our emotions as they contain the energetic imprint of flowers, plants or trees which make us feel better mentally and subsequently physically. The remedies also open up our channels for reception of inner guidance and connection to our soul so we naturally become more intuitive and know how we can help ourselves.

There are several remedies used for stress depending on the current situation. Flower remedies are sold in small bottles available from many Health food shops and can be taken for as long as necessary by adding a few drops to a glass or small bottle of water or by using in an aura spray.  The following 10 Bach Flower Remedies provide a self-help list to help lift those stress-related emotions:

• Mimulus – This is the remedy for a ‘known fear’ or ‘worry’ such as worrying about finances, exams or redundancies at work.

Mimulus helps us to be less irrational and have the courage to work through the fear.
 

• Elm – This helps with a crisis of confidence after taking on too much responsibility. An effective remedy for overwhelment.

Elm helps restores strength of mind, confidence and ability to cope.
 

• Centuary – This a remedy for overload caused by doing too much for others and not being able to say no.

Centuary helps kind, helpful people to empower themselves and restores inner strength and self-worth whilst still keeping their positive qualities.
 

• Vervain  - This remedy helps with over-enthusiasm and constant mental activity leading to exhaustion and mental tension. A great remedy for those who find it difficult to relax and also those who are perfectionists prone to overwork, pushing beyond their limits and becoming highly sensitive and stressed as a result.

Vervain encourages calmness and balance.
 

• Larch – This remedy assists with stress caused by a feeling of failing to do as well as others.

The remedy promotes confidence, determination and the ability to live life to the full.
 

• White Chestnut: This remedy can be of assistance when life events mean we can’t stop thinking about something, constant worrying, unable to get past events out of mind (keep replaying them in head), lots of mind chatter.

White chestnut helps sooth the worry and regain control of own mind. It encourages calm, focused thoughts and can help with sleeping too.
 

• Rock Water: This remedy is needed when the setting and maintaining high standards becomes too much.

Rock Water helps to soften a rigid personality of the person enabling them to be more open-minded and if necessary, look for guidance.
 

• Wild Oat – Remedy to take when there is uncertainty and lack of direction with life in general.

The remedy assists with moving forward and encourages a clear vision of the future.
 

• Red Chestnut - Remedy to take when worrying about another person who is a close family member or friend.

The remedy restores trust and enables us to project positivity.
 

• Scleranthus Remedy to use when the inability to make a decision causes emotional instability.

Scleranthus helps restore balance and soul connection therefore enhancing intuition to assist with making a decision.
 
These Flower remedies can be taken individually or as a combination of a few essences.  The taking of Flower Essences can be combined with other stress reducing lifestyle changes such as daily exercise, regular relaxation and optimal nutrition. Also of enormous benefit would be confiding in a trusted relative or friend and in extreme cases seeking help from a therapist or counsellor.

Lisa Elmore