In 2015 I completed training as an Animal Bach Flower Practitioner. I absolutely love working with all 38 essences and as you will see below in the case studies, have had some amazing outcomes. I enjoy creating my own now too, guided by the plants in my garden and intuition. The attached video is a real creative session for Lola my own dog, who selected her flowers with care.
What are Bach Flower remedies?
Dr Edward Bach (1886-1936) was a Harley Street Consultant, later turning to Homeopathic studies. He believed that Dis-ease was caused by the emotional issues of the person, the unhappy thoughts were impacting upon the physical body. In 1930 he left Harley Street to pursue the development of his remedies. Dr Bach sought out the plants he felt would offer support for the range of unwanted emotional states which he knew from practice impacted upon wellness and health. In recent times there is a renewed focus upon the impact of emotional states upon wellness and there is research ongoing to consider a “gut brain link” where emotions are directly related to wellness and dis-ease.
Bach discovered 38 essences in total before his death. He asked that they were not developed further and continued to be prepared in the organic traditional method. He was clear that they should be safe and simple enough for anyone to use. Today the essences are still prepared in this method and are available to buy from high street stores. Rescue Remedy, his emergency emotional first aid is familiar and used by many families every day for shock and fear.
How are they created?
The Remedies are made in a variety of ways traditional to many herbalists.
The fresh flowers from the plant are picked in the early morning and infused in spring water in the sun. Some are boiled to obtain the essence. The water infusion has the signature or imprint of the flowers supportive energy; each flower supporting a different emotional state.
A small amount of this essence is then mixed with preservative (usually Brandy or glycerine ) and then bottled.
How are they used?
A questionnaire and discussion helps to identify the emotional and behavioural and physical issues with the person or animal, within their environment and considering their history and health needs. After an assessment the practitioner will identify the essences which can balance the emotional state and enable the person/animal to exhibit the emotional qualities of the flower as identified by Bach, where appropriate there may be a physiological improvement.
This was seen with Rosie was a rescue rabbit. She had had a traumatic time with the loss of her close companion and some neglect. This included Fly Strike which was not responding to vet intervention. She was aggressive to the other rabbits and had to be segregated. After meeting with her and her young guardian a formulation was created which she received daily for 3 weeks. At two weeks her guardian reported the fly strike had cleared. Rosie was more receptive to the other rabbits and was engaging in social time. Within 3 months Rosie was settled in the Rabbit enclosure and proudly produced a litter of Rabbit Kits , having resolved her issues with the other rabbits!
The practitioner will create a personalised remedy for that person/animal. A journal or diary notes changes or not over time, it can take 3 weeks for a true difference to begin to emerge, though it is possible just a few treatments can create the desired outcome.
The practitioner will offer either to be ingested in water or more usually for animals topically on the paw pads. As this is an energy based remedy it is taken by the body in either form equally well.
Are there side effects?
There are unlikely to be side effects and there is no contraindication for other meds or treatments. However it is recommended the person informs the Dr or Vet. There are no active ingredients to interfere with allopathic medication, this is a vibrational energy remedy. It is possible that a physical healing as well as an emotional one will occur. No ”cure” is implied or offered. As with other vibrational energy therapy it enables the body to seek self-healing and wellness, to balance.
Some case studies
Izzy Gus and Sam (San Fransisco)
A couple of years ago I helped Lee with a bullying little puppy and a 15 year old Tibetan. After in taking information I recommended five different essences for each specific to their situation and needs.
Their relationship really improved with Izzy no longer stocking or being aggressive toward Gus.
Sadly Gus passed two years later and now Izzy, four years old, is up to his old tricks with Sam who is two years old. Izzy just does not like Sam in his space and unfortunately it’s all his space. He growls and then pounces and often there is a bloody sounding kerfuffle. So once again I supported Lee in creating recipes for them each, and after only a few days the results were noticeable. The growling and bullying was much less often and when it does happen, Izzy is easier to distract. Sam had been defensively starting to growl at Izzy and that too has calmed down. They even began to play a bit and the other day shared a heartwarming kiss. But the biggest change for Lee was their willingness to stay in the family room with the gate up.
Eila and Baillie
Baillie is a Rescue Tibetan Terrier. She had a hugely traumatic incident where her primary caregiver suddenly died with her present. Following this she was not cared for with the same love and compassion and so was forwarded for adoption.
After a few weeks to settle Baillie was still very withdrawn/shutdown and unwilling to engage and insecure with touch and could not make any eye contacts. She was noise sensitive and destructive.
I went to see her and get to know her. She is a beautiful complex soul and so desperately wanted to be heard. We worked together with a mix of Bach and Reiki as she requested and received. Over the course of several months we offered her essence formulations for her current complexity of needs. It was like we stripped the layers and layers of her trauma like the skin of an onion. She began to open and engage, to smile and allow touch and indeed seek it.
Almost a year later my Tibetan Terrier to the vet for her annual check . He was amazed in the change in her since our last consultation and was very interested in hearing about the Bach flower remedies. Eila worked with me to develop the tools to deal with a dog who was grieving and had many anxiety problems to a calm and relaxed girl with a beautiful heart who the vet barely recognised from her previous visit.
One year
later …
There had been a lot of uncertainty in
the family Baillies human dad had been in hospital, there were different
routines and different visitors.
Initially, Baillie and her TT brother Max reacted badly, very disruptive and their separation anxiety was obvious, bins emptied, urinating on floors and carpets and stealing food which was upsetting for the family and increased tensions in our attitudes to them and increased the strain generally.
Eila called and after a long conversation I was able to offer advice and sent another formulations for them. This contained various oessences including Star of Bethlehem and Chestnut Bud. As the bottle was opened both dogs immediately got up then sat at my feet requesting it.
From there, using games to challenge them, and some behaviour support they were more secure and eye contact from Baillie started to return. When I made contact with her, lots of reassurance was used through both touch and talk and she then started volunteering herself to me, coming over for cuddles but also allowing me to go to the bathroom in peace!
Libby and Tatty
It was a joy to work with rehomed Tibetan Terrier Tatty.Libby has been guardian for Tatty for almost 4 years (she had been a breeding bitch) and she had always been very nervous, subdued and seemingly lacking in joy or enthusiasm for life. Then, after recovering from a recurring ear problem, Tatty’s mood deteriorated, she became despondent and seemed depressed, and Libby was worried about her,
After collecting all the information about Tatty now and over time, I created a bespoke mix of several Bach Flower remedies. During this time she noted Tatty’s mood lift almost immediately and, within a week or so she was back to her normal self. Although she was still, by TT standards, quite subdued and quiet. With a face to face consultation with Tatty to evaluate her, after which Tatty had a second and different bespoke Bach Flower remedy. Immediately, Tatty became significantly, more outgoing and cheerful, she has become more confident, energetic and clearly is finding her inner TT. She seems less worried about life and even ‘asks’ for attention, or chooses where she wants to be. She is clearly happier and generally appears to have a better sense of herself.
If you are interested in learning more about the power of these simple Botanical essences please get in touch.
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