What can you expect when taking flower essences? Some people respond quickly, after taking essences for only a few days or weeks, while others may require essences for many months or even years in some cases, in order to resolve emotional worries, release negative thinking or improve physical conditions (see note* below). Generally, people find that the longer they have had an illness or felt a certain way, then the longer it will take to bring about new balance.  Flower essences do not work instant magic (although many people can experience quick results).  Healing (on any level) often requires persistence and can be gradual, particularly where the issues are deep-seated.  This is in contrast to the expectation in today's society, where instant relief is promised by many medicines and indeed expected from them (but frequently has only temporary effect, as it may not resolve the heart of the problem).  Everyone's response is unique, and everyone's healing capacity is individual - so be patient. Healing is most often part of a bigger picture and unexpected improvements or changes can occur in other areas, so it pays to be observant and informally monitor your feelings while taking a course of essences.  For some people, the result of taking essences can be compared with the metaphor of  'peeling an onion'.  After first taking an essence, an issue may be presented in our consciousness that we may or may not have previously been aware of. This may follow the resolution of the original issue.  Subsequent layers may reveal themselves and require additional essences.  Complex conditions may require the expertise of a flower essence practitioner, in which case it is advisable to seek the assistance of one of our practitioners. Some people find the qualities of essences so subtle that they do not think there has been any change within themselves after taking them.  It is not until they reflect (or others remind them) upon how they were, or how they felt and behaved previously, that they recognise a difference. You do not have to believe that essences will work for them to do so, but it does help to be receptive and open to them.  Although not everyone experiences this, flower essences can sometimes provoke a 'healing crisis' during the first few days of taking them.  This can be experienced emotionally. We may become aware of strong feelings, and may actually display irritation, anger or crying.  Or physically, where a reaction occurs as the body detoxifies, there may be, for example, a skin rash, pimples or chest congestion.  If there is already a physical condition present, it may worsen before getting better.  Flower essences often work in this manner, presenting one with a physical manifestation of how certain issues are impacting on one's life and need to be resolved.  However, essences can be used for other reasons than improving a certain state of mind or condition, such as to provide a self-help means to personal empowerment, self-development and increased self awareness. *No claims are made that flower essences will cure physical illnesses, but they often bring improvements to a physical condition.  They do not treat physical illness directly, but rather the negative thoughts, feelings or inner disharmony that may manifest as physical problems.  In many cases they can resolve contributory factors so that illness does not manifest. © Centaury for Virgo, Rock Rose for Pisces by Debbie Sellwood (published 2007 rrp £12.99) ISBN 978-1-905398-13-3 www.debbiesellwood.co.uk