Flower essence consultant Clare G Harvey tells Gabrielle Fagan about remedies for a range of ailments from hay fever to stress

FLOWERS have always 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, next week.

But even skilled horticulturists 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. ‘‘They can ease emotional distress, boost self-confidence, lift energy levels, increase resilience to all kinds of illness and even enrich our relationships.’’ 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.

‘‘I grew up seeing first-hand the incredible effect of these remedies on people’s health and wellbeing.

Typical conditions I have treated over the years include infertility, pre-menstrual tension, hay fever, arthritis, skin problems and nervous exhaustion,’’ she says.

‘‘The beauty of flower remedies is that they are relatively inexpensive, easy to use and totally free of unpleasant side-effects. They don’t contain active chemicals or possess pharmaceutical properties.

They are best described as a sort of liquid energy, a vibrational medicine that brings about benefits by influencing each person’s own life force. Taking these remedies can be likened to surrounding yourself with exquisite flowers which never fade or die.’’ THE traditional way of taking essences is a few drops sipped in water or dropped under the tongue, usually seven drops morning and evening as a standard dose and more often in emergency conditions, but they can also be gently rubbed onto the skin on the pulse points, on the inner side of the wrists, forehead, or soles of the feet.

Actress Cherie Lunghi, a fan of alternative remedies, uses a few drops of Dynamic Recovery, a flower essence said to fight fatigue. ‘‘It helps me to keep calm and gives me the boost I need in times of stress and when I am lacking energy,’’ she says.

It contains Banksia Robur, Macrocarpa, Black- Eyed Susan, Crowea, Old Man Banksia and Yellow Cowslip Orchid.

Calm & Relax Combination essence induces a calmness of mind and emotions, an ability to deeply relax and a feeling of being carefree, says Harvey. It contains Black-Eyed Susan, Bush Fuchsia, Crowea, Jacaranda, Little Flannel Flower, Paw Paw, Bottlebrush and Old Man Banksia.

A Detox Essence promotes cleansing for the system, and can help circulation and the liver. It contains Wild Potato Bush, Bottlebrush, Dagger Hakea, Bauhinia, Bush Iris, Peach Flowered Tea Tree and Fringed Violet.

Many people assume that flower essences may not be suitable for them if they suffer from hay fever, says Harvey. ‘‘In reality they contain no pollen or any irritating substances and can be enormously helpful in minimising or alleviating the irritating symptoms suffered at this time of year.’’ Hay Fever Super Boost is Harvey’s own blend which contains Black-Eyed Susan to reduce stress on the system, Lantana for the sensitive personality and allergic response, and Purple Garden Sage for sinus problems and streaming nose and eyes.

If you’re inspired by seeing the RHS Chelsea Flower next week, there are flower remedies which it’s claimed can boost your chances of success in your plot. ‘‘Getting started on your garden means making decisions and taking these requires selfbelief,’’ says Susanne Haar, a registered Bach practitioner based at Nelsons Homeopathic Pharmacy.

‘‘Add a few drops of Bach Original Flower Remedy Larch to water to help boost your confidence.

If you tend to procrastinate over those dull gardening chores such as weeding, try Bach Original Flower Remedy Hornbeam or Bach Original Flower Remedy Wild Rose. Both can help if you are feeling apathetic.’’

  • Bach Original Flower Remedies, £6.65 each, from Holland & Barrett and pharmacies and health food stores. bachremedies.co.uk
  • Live Better Flower Essences by Clare G Harvey (Duncan Baird Publishers, £4.99).

Clare’s essences are available from nutricentre.com