BROWSE THROUGH A BROCHURE relating to flower essences and it's very possible you'll chance upon at least one flower essence that provides protection on some level. The protection afforded by the essence might be against environmental (physical) pollutants, or, on another level, against "negative energy" encountered.

Many people are instantly drawn to such flower essences if they themselves are sensitive to emissions from computers, cell phones, even other people's negative thoughts, feelings etc. Many such individuals are highly sensitive to and extremely aware of what is going on around them; they are often very intuitive and able to sense things on a subtle level. A great many children have these qualities - their sensitivities are not dulled with the passing of time, which can happen in a world that often does not support and nurture this aspect of our being.

Sensitive people are vulnerable because they tend to absorb environmental and energetic energies easily. Many counselors and therapists speak of a similar experience - they find they too easily 'sponge up' their clients' energy and often feel unnecessarily drained at the end of the working day. (Furthermore, many animals absorb what is going on around them, sadly, often to their detriment. Many pets 'take on' their caretakers' emotional stuff either because they are simply around them or they want to relieve their caretakers of some of their burdens!)

If the person is in a good state physically, emotionally and spiritually, often they can discharge a given amount of these absorbed energies without them having much effect. However, at times, especially when run down, struggling, stressed or unhealthy, the energies absorbed can prove to be too much, and imbalances manifest. To help prevent this happening, or simply to help minimise the effects of such exposure, various flower essences can be taken as they afford people greater resilience against many harmful factors in their lives.

For those not familiar with flower essences, they are natural remedies made from flowers. The healing properties of flower essences are made possible through the life force of the flowers. Flower essences address negative emotional states and sometimes physical ailments. By dissolving and alleviating negative emotions, flower essences allow the 'higher self' to manifest increasingly in the individual's life. This in turn strengthens and enhances one's overall health and wellbeing.

There are at present a number of different flower essences available to bolster one's defences against negative influences. Probably some of the best-known are those of the Yarrow family.

A popular essence to guard against environmental pollutants is White Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). It is ideal for those who feel vulnerable to such forces and protects from negative influences such as radioactivity. For people who spend a lot of time in front of a computer or talking on cell phones, it provides valuable protection against the emissions they are exposed to during their day. It is also a helpful essence to use before undergoing an x-ray and it's also a good idea to use certain Yarrow based fomulas following exposure to radiation.

Another member of the Yarrow family is Pink Yarrow (Achillea millefolium - Achillea millefolium var. rubra). It's qualities are also protective though this essence offers protection against negative emotions. It is therefore ideal for people who are very sensitive to the moods, energy, feelings, and even the thoughts, of others. It is also helpful for those who tend to identify themselves with the emotions of others, creating confusion between their own feelings and those absorbed from others. This is an invaluable essence for therapists, especially those who tend to greatly sympathise and/or empathise with their clients, often to the detriment of their own health and wellbeing.

Buchu (Agathosma serpyllacea) can be of assistance also with regards to over-identification with the emotions of others as it helps to establish emotional boundaries.

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is also helpful for warding off negative thought form. It also alleviates mental confusion provoked by the thoughts of others. Similarly, Mountain Pennyroyal (Monardella odoratissima) lends one strength and clarity of thought, mental integrity and positivity, in the face of negative energy.

For those who feel unprotected by outside forces, Balm of Gilead (Populus gileadensis) is useful.

Wild Garlic (Allium sativum) is also an important essence to take for any situation requiring resilience and strength. It is recommended for those who are weak, frightened, worried or easily influenced.

Another experience of many sensitive people is one of often being found 'in their heads' or lost in thought. They may be daydreamers, appearing absent-minded or vague, and as a result said to be 'off with the pixies' or 'in la-la land' etc. Such comments are often unfortunately leveled at the person as a criticism.' (and upwards!). The world of imagination is their natural 'stomping ground' so to speak; they feel very tuned in to this realm and hence they often access it. Here their spirit can fly free, detached from the limitations, and at times judgment, of the physical plane, and from this space they often receive their most powerful, creative and wonderful thoughts and ideas.

However, at times, such people can 'linger' in this realm/space a little longer than is beneficial! In some instances, it is no longer a situation of 'head happily in the clouds' but rather someone 'withdrawing from real life'. This can result in the person existing in an imbalanced state which can cause problems on different levels; there may be physical problems as well as the more obvious emotional problems, for example, the person may experience coldness in the extremities or a dulling of the mind. A number of flower essences may help to ground and re-balance, that is, to carry out daily activities with greater ease and focus without surrendering their need and/or desire to turn inwards.

Clematis vitalba is suited to people who are absent-minded or absorbed in thoughts and fantasy with no interest in the present.

Another member of the Clematis family, Clematis jackmanii, is helpful when the inner fantasy life has taken over and the person has withdrawn from the everyday world. Clematis helps ground these people in the earthly plane and can assist them to harness their creative talents, bringing their dreams into physical manifestation.

A number of sensitive people readily surrender themselves to the dream state/world and are very comfortable in their night-time travels. Others can find that, even in this state as in the waking, they feel vulnerable and may experience such night-time disturbance as insomnia and night-sweats. St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) may be a useful essence for such people, helping them feel grounded and secure during their exploration into other realms of consciousness. This essence may also be helpful for those who feel vulnerable when meditating as it brings an anchoring, protective energy.

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) also helps ground those who live too much in the ether of their dreams while still allowing them access to dreamtime information. It helps make the transition from day to night and night to day levels of consciousness easier. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is also recommended for those who are not fully present in their body. It also develops mental clarity.

For those very 'porous' to what is going on around them, it is also quite easy to feel overwhelmed, especially in the face of great activity. A number of essences can assist such people assimilate a great deal in an easier manner.

One such essence is Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus) which is ideal for those who are overwhelmed by details and/or struggle when faced with simultaneous events.

Another such essence is Dill (Anethum graveolens).

Likewise, Fig Tree (Ficus carica) stimulates lucidity, self-control, mental clarity, self-assurance and memory.

Any of the above essences can be used on a daily basis if desired or, alternatively, just when one anticipates they could be helpful. For example, many sensitive people find being in a crowd rather stressful and challenging, especially if the crowd is in a building containing a lot of equipment and noise, like a shopping centre. Such people can find the assault on their senses quite bewildering and exhausting. Taking some essences prior to visiting a crowded place can do much to ease the sense of being overwhelmed, losing your centre etc.

So it is that a number of flower essences can address the major difficulties many sensitive people may experience. Essences offer the benefit of protection and support, hence, making them an invaluable tool in our daily lives. Of course, the greatest protection we can give ourselves is the harnessing of our inner light - the divine light, intelligence, guidance and power that lies within all in our true protection. We can tap into this source and, in healing ourselves, shine more brightly. Nature's bounty, however, offers us wonderful healing agents, such as flower essences, to support us and to be utilised as we heal ourselves, our hearts and our lives.

© Wholistic Life PL, 2008

Do note that some plants species have a number of varieties, for example, in the Chamomile family, one can find the botanical varieties Matricaria chamomilla, Matricaria recutita and Anthemis nobilis. With regards to flower essences, it's important to understand that the qualities of the flowers belonging to the different varieties can have slightly different properties. Hence, when ordering an essence based on its description, it's important to check that the botanical (Latin) name of the flower essence is the same as that which you are after. Furthermore, many flower essences have multi-healing qualities and for the purpose of this article only the relevant qualities are stated.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marlene Keel is a flower essence therapist and director of the Flower Essence Center. A variety of flower essences from around the world, for people and pets, are available by mail order from the centre, via their website www.floweressences.com.au or by phone/fax: +61-3-5787 2258.