Bach Flower Essences
ABOUT
Bach Flower Essences were discovered by Dr. Edward Bach, an English physician and homeopath, in the early 1900’s. While originally developed for human use, we have found that the Bach Flower remedies work beautifully on animals, too. The remedies work on an energetic level, similar to homeopathy, acupuncture or Reiki. They affect the mental and emotional planes, and are useful for problems originating on these levels. Dr. Bach felt that even physical illness has its roots on the emotional plane, and by treating at this level, a general improvement in well-being could be achieved.
PREPARING THE REMEDIES:
1. take a one-ounce medicine dropper (stock) bottle
2. fill ¾ full with distilled water
3. add a half-dozen drops of each of the remedies you wish to use
4. shake well
This formula works for anywhere from one to six remedies (Rescue Remedy counts as one remedy when creating a mixture).
DOSAGE
Just a few drops (about 4-8) at a time are sufficient.
Acute conditions: the remedy can be given as often as needed, even every few minutes.
Behavioral problems: 3-4 times a day for 2-4 weeks.
If the response to the remedy is adequate by that time, you can begin to wean off by decreasing the frequency of administration. You may need to add a dropper-full to drinking water or give once a day long-term for some problems.
Be careful not to contaminate the dropper by touching it to the animal (if this occurs, rinse the dropper in very hot water before returning it to the bottle).
You can also add a dropper-full to the water dish, or a few drops on wet food (there is no effect of dilution).
You can add a dropper-full to a spray bottle filled with spring water, and use it to spray a room, carrier, car, around litter boxes or plants, or other problem areas.
You can even put a few drops in your hand and pat the animal on the head and around the ears with it–the head is very sensitive to energy and will absorb the flower essences in this way.
In the case of chewing or excessive licking or hot spots, you might want to try applying the remedy directly to the problem spot (IF it isn’t too raw, otherwise the remedy will sting); the animal will then consume it when it next licks that area.
REMEDIES FOR BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS:
Aspen: For fears of unknown origin.
Centaury: For animals that are overly submissive.
Heather: For animals that need constant attention and reassurance.
Holly: For hatred, jealousy, and ’sibling rivalry’ among animals living in the same household.
Larch: For lack of self-esteem.
Mimulus: For fears of known origin such as the fear of loud noises.
Rock Rose: For terror.
Vine: For animals that are overly dominant or dictatorial.
White Chestnut: For obsessive thoughts or behaviors.
Willow: For resentment (of other animals or of people).
NOTE: Alternative Remedies are not meant to take the place of medical treatment. In all conditions or situations requiring medical attention, you should consult or discuss this with your vet.
