Bach's Flower Essences
Dr. Edward Bach was an English homeopathic doctor who discovered that diluted versions of flowers and tree buds could be used to address certain mental and emotional conditions in humans and animals. The therapy, known as flower essence therapy, has since become quite popular among holistic practitioners. They are quick to warn that flower essence therapy doesn't necessarily cure anything; instead, it has been known to improve the emotional states of both people and animals. The thinking behind the therapy is that the mind and body are intimately connected. If an animal is in a negative emotional state, fearful or aggressive, the body's ability to heal itself is blocked, which allows disease processes to take over.
Flower essences can be purchased from any health-food store along with a guide explaining how they are used. The remedies come in small dark brown bottles. They must be kept out of direct sunlight and should not be exposed to extreme temperatures. The dosage is usually four to five drops in the dog's drinking water or one to two drops directly in the mouth.
The essences themselves are prepared by soaking the flower in pure water in sunlight for an extended period of time. The resulting mix is stabilized and preserved with brandy. Since most animals do not like the taste of alcohol, you may seek advice about making a mixture with pure water and refrigerating it or finding an alternative natural preservative.
How to Use the Essence
The effect of the essence is not to take away a problem but to improve the emotional state of the animal and help him cope with his problem. Often, the Goldens we love are deeply tied to us emotionally. If we are suffering a difficult time, they suffer right along with us. Goldens are especially sensitive to our moods and the more in tune with us they are, the more they can benefit from appropriate use of flower essences. The guide provided with your essences contains information on how to use them. For instance, crabapple is used for detoxification after vaccinations, snapdragon for biting or chewing, and Star of Bethlehem for grief or trauma. The remedies are benign and do no harm if you choose the wrong one and there are also no side effects. You can use up to four different essences at a time without negating the effect of the others.
Rescue Remedy
Rescue Remedy is the most popular and widely used of all the flower essences. It is made from a combination of five different flowers and comes as a diluted liquid or a cream. The liquid form can be put in the dog's drinking water, and the cream can be used topically for accidents and emergencies. Here are some instances in which Rescue Remedy may be warranted:
Stressful situations, such as a move to a new home or other trauma or turmoil
Travel
Trips to the vet
Change of schedule
Competitions, such as field trials, agility, or obedience
Physical injury
Grief over loss of another pet or owner
The use of Rescue Remedy in stressful situations may alleviate a state of anxiety. It is worth a try if you or your dog is experiencing a rough time.
