The early use of flowers as a form of medicine is probably as old as man himself. The first references that we have in a written form can be placed in the 1500's with prominent figures such as [[Nostradamus]] and [[Paracelsus]]. The shape, color, taste, smell and other parts of the plant give hints for its use in healing. Paracelsus called this the doctrine of signature. For example, he observed that the Christmas Rose bloomed in winter and concluded that it had rejuvenative powers. He recommended the use of this flower for people over fifty. Later it was found that this flower had the effect of reversing the painful symptoms of arteriosclerosis.
According to Paracelsus, the use of Angelica, "The root of the Holy Spirit" was in fact the cure for the plague that struck Milano, killing thousands in 1510.
Bach Flower Remedies
Dr. [[Edward Bach]], born in England in 1886, practiced orthodox medicine from 1914 until 1918 and served as a homeopathic practitioner from 1919 to 1930. As a pathologist and bacteriologist, Dr. Bach developed vaccines from intestinal bacteria that helped many people suffering from chronic diseases. During the fall of 1928, Bach visited Wales and acquired his first two flowers, Impatiens and Mimulus. Using both essences for natural remedies, he received excellent results.
It is important to mention that Bach was in part influenced by the spiritual researcher, [[Rudolf Steiner]]. In the 1920's he visited England several times and gave lectures before groups of physicians. He predicted that flowers would be discovered to be of great healing value sometime in the future.
From 1930 to 1936 Bach lived in rural areas of England and completed his 38 flower set. The Bach remedies were developed during the Depression and some people have noted that they seem to reflect the climate of that time: remedies for depression, discouragement and fear.
Dr. Bach stated that the real diseases of man are pride, cruelty, hate, selfishness, ignorance, instability and greed. His flower remedies have a strong impact with toxic emotions like resentment, guilt, hate and the feeling of being a victim. The flower remedies heal by rising the vibratory level of consciousness, therefore allowing us to perceive our superior nature. The flowers allow us to infuse our being with the particular virtue we need and automatically erasing the negative cause of the disorder producing pain. Dr. Bach passed away m peace in 1936. To this day, Queen Elizabeth II uses his flower remedies.
The California Flowers
During the decade of the 70's Richard Katz and Patricia Kaminsky studied and practiced the Bach Remedies. In Sierra Nevada they created the Flower Essence Services, and developed 12 flower essences which included flowers for self-esteem, creativity and self-realization and spiritual growth.
Some flowers are very useful for regenerating the life force. They have several essences for more loving relationships. For example, for a broken heart the Flower Essences Service have "Bleeding Heart" that has proven incredibly efficient at erasing emotional pain and learning from the experience. In the same kit, there are several flower essences for different problems of male and female sexuality.
These flowers work very efficiently with the behavior of the 90's. They help increase the learning abilities and enhance the creative process to help one accomplish personal life goals. They are very good for solving problems of social interaction, families in conflict or overcrowded life situations.
These essences heal a great number of physical problems by balancing and correcting the mental and emotional fields.
How Do Flower Essences Work?
[[(Bach)|Flower essences]] can change negative characteristics, but the human being can bring that negativity back. The human condition is not permanent. Various people respond quite differently to the essences: some people experience a profound effect within seconds or minutes, while others experience subtle changes over weeks... others can't say that they recognize what happened, but they always agree that certain positive changes have taken place.
In my 12 years of practice with the flower remedies, I am constantly amazed, surprised and glad about the results that flowers produce in my patients lives -- from a permanent release of unwanted negative thoughts, to bronchitis, to dissolving a cyst. The list seems endless.
I see the flower remedies as a medicine for the future of Mankind, bestowed on a few privileged enough to appreciate them now. Flower essences have no side effects and can combine with any treatment of traditional medicine. Mankind is evolving faster than at the beginning of the century. To be able to live ill a healthy fashion, it is very important to increase the vibrational awareness to have clear priorities that bring love, wisdom and understanding in the 21st century.
Recommended book:
Aromatherapy: The Complete Guide to Plant
& Flower Essences for Health & Beauty
by Daniele Ryman.
About The Author
Ricardo Milberg is a lecturer who has spoken on such topics as breathing awareness, prosperity and creative thought. He is a certified rebirther, a shiatsu/reiki practitioner and a flower essences therapist. Ricardo has also translated several books into Spanish on conscious breathing, rebirthing and sex, and has appeared on several radio and TV shows. Ricardo can be reached at: Berutti 3420 2A, 1425 Buenos Aires, Argentina. Tel. 5411-4828-0486. Email:
