Flower Power

Centerpieces, corsages, potpourri—flowers are commonly used to enrich our lives with beauty and fragrance. Who knew this flora family could enrich our wellness too?

Taking time to stop and smell the roses may do more than serve as a reminder to live in the moment. These blooming botanicals provide various health benefits that can enhance our quality of life.

Using flower essence to synchronize the body, mind and spirit is a remedy first discovered by Dr. Edward Bach to “kick-start your own healing mechanism,” according the The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies.

Bach discovered emotions are linked to physical condition, concluding that people with a negative attitude are susceptible to illnesses. He first identified seven states of emotional well-being and created 12 flower remedies to address them. Currently, there are 38 Bach flower remedies. “They address the emotional self, unlocking repressions, liberating negativity, and encouraging positive well-being,” according to the The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies.

Therapists believe flower remedies are perfect homeopathic solutions to combat emotions like obsession, anxiety, apprehension and depression. Here are suggestions from The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies on how to achieve security and enhance overall wellness with flower power.

Wild Rose

People who believe their life is predetermined by fate and feel powerless will benefit from wild rose. Using wild rose essence helps people to become self-motivated and regain curiosity about life. Roses can also be used to alleviate menopausal and pre-menstrual symptoms in women. Moreover, these budding beauties have anti-inflammatory properties that can help maintain a clear complexion.

Lavender

Lavender is best known for its ability to induce a restful sleep. Its calming aroma can be used to calm anxiety. Pick these purple flowers to treat acne by killing bacteria; They kill bacteria in the skin and sooth infected blemishes. The calming effect lavender’s aroma projects eases headaches and tension around the sinuses and temples.

Honey Suckle

Feeling homesick? Feeling nostalgic? Honeysuckle allows its users to keep the happy feelings from the past, but provides them with strength to move forward without longing for distant memories. Honeysuckle can be used to help a grieving person heal and is beneficial for those experiencing sorrow. Suckle this honey to be present and live in the now.

Water Violet

Our world is overrun with technology, and “FaceTiming” with our iPhones is more common than face-to-face time with our friends. Because communication through various technologies is so readily available, it’s become easy to see the world only through an LCD lens. Feelings that accompany isolation like loneliness and depression can be remedied with water violet. Although some people may enjoy their alone time, social interaction is important for well-being. Water violet helps one discover security within themselves to trust communication and reap the benefits that come from sharing.

Mimulus

Unless you’re superman (or woman), fearlessness is not a quality most of us mortals possess. Whether your fear be rational or irrational, the mimulus flower is helpful in soothing panic and taming fright. The flower allows us to find the courage within ourselves to go beyond what we believe our limits to be. Mimulus calms the apprehension that arises when we are confronted with a fear and allows us to respond appropriately with a clear mind.

It is simple to incorporate flowers into your everyday life in order to reap their benefits.

• Place flower petals into an ice tray and fill with water. Allow the ice cubes to form around the petals and use in water.

• Buy tea’s that are made with fresh flowers. My favorite tea is the Yogi brand Honey Lavender Stress Relief and Skin DeTox (Rose).

• Lie out fresh flowers and allow them to dry. Once the petals are dried out, wrap them in mesh material and use as a potpourri to give your home a flowery fragrance of your choice.

• Create your own flower essences by boiling the flower and its twig in a pot of filtered or mineral water. Allow the flowers to simmer 30 minutes, and then allow the flowers to cool (with the lid on the pot) for another 30 minutes. Filter out the flower and the twigs and pour leftover water into a bottle. Use this remedy to rub on points of tension on the body or waft under nose for the aromatic qualities.

• Purchase Bach Flower Remedies targeted to your needs at http://www.bachflower.com/.

• Purchase flower essential oils at health-food stores such as Whole Foods.