How essences help! The various situations, circumstances and issues for which flower essences can be used are too numerous to mention, but just  few of the more typical ones are listed below.  Essences never change one from whom one is already; they do not add or give anything that one does not already have.  In resolving unhelpful emotions, beliefs and thinking, one's positive qualities are enhanced; one resonates to a higher frequency which enables one's true self to shine through.  As flower essences have a general balancing effect, one can often notice improvements or enhancements in areas other than which were expected. Upsets and trauma - Flower essences can bring comfort in times of distress, trauma or upset.  They help to release shocks (new and old) that when left unresolved may become the underlying cause of future health imbalances. Stress - Assisting one to remain calm and centred, essences can change one's perception of a tense situation, so one is able to manage stress in a more healthy way. Confidence - For many people, a lack of self esteem and confidence can prove to be a debilitating factor in various areas of life.  Flower essences can improve self-worth immeasurably, so it becomes easier to have the confidence to do things one wishes, take up opportunities and achieve far more than one thought. Change - The one inevitable thing about life is that one will need to embrace change on some level and at some time.  Essences can help hugely at these times especially for those of us particularly resistant to any form of change.  They assist by gently acclimatising one to other perspectives or situations, enabling one to embrace other standpoints and generally to step more lightly through life with greater flexibility. Challenges and problems - At these times one needs to find inner strength to face major change, challenges and difficulties, essences are there to support and help one cope. Anxiety and worry - Flower essences help one to relax, they instill a level of calm and peace that relieves anxiety, worry or a tendency to negative thinking. Depression or sadness - There are many different essences to support one during times of just plain gloominess to absolute despair and hopelessness.  By introducing a level of light into our psyche, they help one to see things differently and provide the inner strength to cope at times like these.  Professional help should be sought for the clinically depressed or suicidal. Focus and direction - Quite often one can go through periods when one loses focus or needs assistance to make a decision or find the appropriate path in life.  Essences instill awareness, helping one to reach decisions more easily.  They inspire direction, so one is able to see the way more clearly, to be aware of one's objectives and aims and to fulfill one's potential. Inner guidance - If one is looking for inner guidance or clarity around a particular issue then there will be an essence to assist.  Essences can also aid in helping to understand one's higher purpose or unfold one's spiritual awareness. Relationships - When it comes to personal relationships, essences can lend a hand when communication problems or conflicts with others arise.  Inevitably this area of life means facing hurt, pain and disappointments at some point.  Whilst these factors can take some getting over, essences can help one to cope with upsets and move on from these feelings.  They assist in overcoming setbacks, enabling one to face life again with resilience and optimism.  Sometimes one may benefit from an essence to let go of old resentments or anger pertaining to a relationship.  Not only helpful in enabling one to appreciate another's view point, essences can make one aware of one's own behaviour too. Protection - Many people, espcially those who work with others in some capacity, are often extremely sensitive.  Their 'openness'  makes it very easy for them to absorb lke a sponge other people's 'stuff'.  This can be tiring and overwhelming emotionally or debilitating to the extent that they can become ill.  In these cases, one can benefit from the protective qualities of essences, against the discord energies of others.  They help to create healthy boundaries so one is strong enough to compassionately help others but to remain safely shielded. Recovery and convalescence - Helpful in recovering from surgery and clearing the affects of anesthesia, essences are also useful in restoring vitality following a period of illness, accident, overwork or stress. Although no claims are made that flower essences can cure physical illnesses, they often bring improvement to a physical condition.  They do not treat physical illness directly but the emotional/mental attitudes or inner disharmony that are believed to contribute toward illness or physical problems.  When Dr. Bach, the founder of modern day flower essences, developed the Bach Flower Essences, he did so by recognising the link between stress, emotions and illness; his essences (along with other essence ranges) help to improve our wellbeing by making actual transitions in our emotions.  In resolving personality imbalances, they provide a gentle, holistic way of healing, that is often noticed physically.  Some of the areas in which improvements have been successful are in allergies, skin conditions, sinusitis, menstrual and menopausal problems, breathing conditions such as asthma and sleep problems.  Some essences are now used in hospitals in Australia and South America. For further information, please get in contact with a practitioner on our practitioners list and if you are considering a consultation then do read the counsultation section on what to expect.  Note:  Never use essences as a substitute to consulting a qualified medical practitioner.