Flowers have been used for centuries to alleviate the symptoms of stress and anxiety in many different ways. They have been used in the form of concentrated essential oils for external use in aromatherapy. They have been used as a means of visualization for meditation. They have been used in energy work; their very presence is believed to lift the spirit. They have also been utilized by drawing their energy into water for oral consumption and spraying into the atmosphere.
According to Strausfogel (2006) the use of essential oils by way of aromatherapy can be very useful in aiding relaxation. She particularly suggests lavender, rose geranium, chamomile, rose and sandalwood in a bath. Essential oils can also be used in a soothing massage. Another way that aromatherapy can be used with essential oils is by room misting with spraying apparatus or by burning scented candles or oils. I personally find that lavender is very useful in aiding restful sleep because it clears the sinuses.
Some cultures use flowers as a means of focusing the mind, for example in Hindu traditions the Lily is very important and is believed to have extraordinary energy. There are two ways that the energy can be tapped into for healing and relaxation. The first is simply by visualizing the Lily for meditation purposes, to clear and rest the mind. The second is to actually have the Lily present and, in brief, to use the energy vibrations of the flower itself to align the chakras and strengthen the heart chakra.
It is an age old tradition to take flowers to someone who is in hospital because flowers are beautiful; they lift the spirit with their heady scents and soulful faces. For example, throughout the ages Daffodils have been a traditional Spring flower, used by the ancient Druids and early Christians to represent birth and renewal. The color of the flower being yellow, it is a bright and cheerful flower and Daffodils in most traditions are considered to be inspirational. Whenever I am feeling down I think of a field of daffodils I used to play in as a child and I am immediately uplifted.
There is more to flowers than meets the eye: Ancient peoples understood that flowers have energy and they give off healing vibrations. Each flower has a different vibration that can be seen using Kirlian photography today.
Dr. Edward Bach felt that he had discovered something new in the 1930s when he came up with the notion that emotions and our health are linked and that flowers can effect our emotions and thus our health. But this was just a new spin on an old idea. Bach created 38 remedies; the most commonly known in the United States is Rescue Remedy.
Nancy Buono (2007) states: “The essences are known as vibrational healers.”
Buono goes on to explain that flower essences can be taken orally, they can also be applied to the skin, sprayed into the air, or applied as a compress. Buono also points out that the essences are administered for different fears, depression, low self-esteem and loneliness.
Clearly there are many different ways that flowers can be used to bring about relaxation and relief from stress, however when using flowers it is important to be careful because not all flowers can be taken orally as they are poisonous. For example, the Daffodil is poisonous. I have found visualizing flowers very useful for diminishing stress and helping me to relax, especially in scary situations such as going under anesthetic. I have also found aromatherapy to be very useful and my personal preference for the bath is Lavender. I have experimented with Bach remedies and remedies of my own. According to Buono, Bach’s Red Chestnut is supposed to prevent worrying. However, there are many other flower essence makers in existence today that offer essences to aid in relaxation and stress elimination. I would suggest experimenting and shopping around. And, if you don’t have a lot of money, an aromatic scented candle may be cheaper than flower essences which can be very expensive. Better still, pick a free flower and enjoy its beauty, or if you can’t do that visualize one.
References:
Buono, N. (2007, July 14). The mind-body connection: Reduce your stress with flower
essences. Total Health. 21 (1), 34.
Anxiety; University of Miami (UM) anxiety research study breakthrough concludes Bach
flower rescue remedy effectively relieves high situational stress levels.
Mental Health Business Week. (2007, July 14). Mental Health Business Week. 12.
Strausfogel, S. (2006, November). Scentual soaks. Better nutrition. 68 (11), 34-35.
