Flower remedies or flower essences are substances made from water and whole flowers, then preserved with alcohol. They contain no actual flower parts, but people who use and prescribe them believe they contain the flower's essence or energy and can promote emotional healing. The remedies are thought to work in a vibrational, rather than a biochemical, way on the body. The typical dosage is four drops of the flower remedy under the tongue four times per day.

Flower remedies are a noninvasive, safe, gentle way to balance the emotions. Yes, you drink them, but they are considered noninvasive because no actual flower parts remain in the remedy. You are drinking spring water with a little alcohol for preservation and the vibrational energy of a flower.

Different remedies directly address the emotional effects of stress without any side effects. They are a lovely, natural way to treat the emotional effects of stress. And while some holistic therapists prescribe them, you can make them and take them yourself. In fact, the actual process of making flower remedies is a fun and relaxing way to combat stress and could even become an interesting hobby!

Of course, many of the remedies that are effective for certain emotional imbalances will come from flowers that aren't available in your area. Bach flower remedies, the most widely known, and other brands of flower essences are available in health food stores and from holistic health care professionals.

Different flower remedies address different emotional imbalances, helping to clarify the mind, “unstick” the emotions when they get stuck in one place or mode, and help to restore rational and productive emotions. Often, several remedies are prescribed in combination. According to the Illustrated Encyclopedia of Natural Remedies, by C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D. (Element, 1998), flower remedies were created to be so easy to make and use that people could treat themselves. If you would like to try making your own flower remedies, look for books that tell you how to do it, or talk to your holistic health care practitioner. If you don't wish to do this, or if you need a remedy from a flower not available in your area, you can buy flower remedies from health food stores or holistic health practitioners.

Find your emotional symptom of stress in the table on page 206 to see what kind of flower remedy might benefit you.