FLOWERS have their annual moment of glory at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show but their power to heal and boost wellbeing is less well recognised. Flower essence consultant Clare G Harvey tells GABRIELLE FAGAN about remedies for a range of ailments from hayfever to stress
FLOWERS have long been a source of pleasure and happiness and thousands of enthusiasts will flock to that highlight of the gardening calendar, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this week.
But even skilled horticulturists and keen amateur gardeners who admire the blooms on display may be unaware of the important role of flowers in promoting harmony in the mind, body and spirit, according to Clare G Harvey, a world authority on flower essences.
"From the sensuous rose to the humble daisy, the delicate blooms adorning gardens, fields, hedgerows, mountainsides, woodlands and jungles possess special qualities," she says. "Flowers can ease emotional distress, boost self-confidence, lift energy levels, increase resilience to all kinds of illness and even enrich our relationships."
The concept of flower remedies as potent, but gentle, healers was first discovered by ancient peoples thousands of years ago, says Harvey.
"Years ago, people lived closer to the natural world than we do today, and discovered that when they sipped dew from the petals of flowers that had been warmed by the first rays of the morning sun, it had an incredible, uplifting effect on their spirits, calming their minds and cooling their emotions."
Flower essences, she says, are significantly different from other natural remedies. Essential oils, homeopathic medicines and herbal tinctures use a physical part of the flower or plant, while essences contain only the energetic patterning or imprint of the flower – its positive life-giving energy.
A third-generation healer, Harvey was trained by her grandmother, herself taught by the renowned Dr Edward Bach, a homeopath and creator of the famous Bach remedies.
There are many ways to administer remedies; internally, on the wrists, in the bath, via creams or oils or simply sprayed into the air and aura.
The traditional way of taking essences is a few drops sipped in water or dropped under the tongue.
To avoid consuming alcohol or when treating babies and children, flower remedies are equally effective gently rubbed on to the pulse points of the skin – the inner side of the wrists, forehead, or soles of the feet.
A remedy bath can be created with a few drops of the required flower remedies added to warm water and is, says Harvey, akin to being steeped in liquid energy. Relax and soak for at least 30 minutes.