By Dr. Jean Hofve
Bach Flower Essences were discovered by Dr. Edward Bach, an English physician and homeopath, in the early 1900’s. While originally developed for human use, we have found that the Bach Flower remedies work beautifully on animals, too. The remedies work on an energetic level, similar to homeopathy, acupuncture or Reiki. They affect the mental and emotional planes, and are useful for problems originating on these levels. Dr. Bach felt that even physical illness has its roots on the emotional plane, and by treating at this level, a general improvement in well-being could be achieved.
For more information on flower essences in general, see our article here.
ADMINISTERING BACH FLOWERS
To make up a combination, use 2 drops of each desired flower essence to one ounce of water; for Rescue Remedy use 4 drops per ounce of water. You can add up to 20% alcohol (usually brandy or vodka; 4 parts water to 1 part alcohol) as a preservative as desired, but some animals dislike the taste. (You can use flower remedies straight from the stock bottle, but they taste terrible!) Cats can be sensitive to alcohol, so if you are concerned, you can (a) leave the remedy dose open for a few minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate, or (b) add the remedy dose to a little bit of warm water to steam it off quickly. Or just dilute it in food or water, or use it topically.
You may use up to 6 essences in combination, with Rescue Remedy counting as one essence. In general, use the fewest essences possible.
The remedy can be given by mouth, which is the most effective method. Only a few drops (3-5) are necessary, and need not be swallowed, but only must contact the mucous membranes (gums, tongue, lips). Be careful not to contaminate the dropper by touching it to the animal (if this occurs, rinse the dropper in very hot water before returning it to the bottle). You can also add a dropper-full to the water dish, or a few drops on wet food (there is no effect of dilution). You can add a dropper-full to a spray bottle filled with spring water, and use it to spray a room, carrier, car, around litter boxes or plants, or other problem areas. You can even put a few drops in your hand and pat the animal on the head and around the ears with it–the head is very sensitive to energy and will absorb the flower essences in this way. In the case of chewing or excessive licking or hot spots, you might want to try applying the remedy directly to the problem spot (IF it isn’t too raw, otherwise the remedy will sting); the animal will then consume it when it next licks that area. For detailed directions on using flower essences, visit Spirit Essences’ instruction page.
DOSAGE AND TIMING
Just a few drops (about 3-5) at a time are sufficient. For serious or acute conditions the remedy can be given as often as needed, even every few minutes. For most behavioral problems, we recommend 3-4 times a day for 2-4 weeks. If the response to the remedy is adequate by that time, you can begin to wean off by decreasing the frequency of administration. You may need to add a dropper-full to drinking water or give once a day long-term for some problems.
MULTIPLE ANIMALS
The Bach Flower remedies are nontoxic and will not adversely affect any other animals in the household. It is fine to put the remedy in a common water dish. In some cases we may even want to treat multiple animals in this way. The Bach Flowers work through a principle of resonance; if the animal needs the remedy, the remedy will act. If the particular remedy is not correct, there will simply be no effect.
KEYNOTES OF THE BACH FLOWERS
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REMEDY | KEYNOTE |
AGRIMONY | denial, “stuffing” emotions, inappropriate communication, allergies, physical irritants. |
ASPEN | vague fears, sense of impending doom |
BEECH | intolerance, allergies |
CENTAURY | meek, “doormat”, picked on by other animals |
CERATO | inattentive, easily distracted |
CHERRY PLUM | loss of control |
CHESTNUT BUD | to learn a lesson the first time or break habits |
CHICORY | possessive, clingy, manipulative |
CLEMATIS | consciousness, focus; post-op |
CRAB APPLE | cleansing; infections, toxins |
ELM | easily overwhelmed or frazzled |
GENTIAN | to see “light at the end of the tunnel”, restore hope; long illness rehabilitation |
GORSE | hopelessness, giving up; cancer, critical injury or surgery |
HEATHER | needy child, very clingy, talkative |
HOLLY | anger, jealousy, need for love; abandoned, abused |
HORNBEAM | mental weariness |
HONEYSUCKLE | grief, homesickness, depleted energy |
IMPATIENS | impatience, irritability, nervous energy; PAIN |
LARCH | lack of self-confidence |
MIMULUS | timidity, specific fears; illness that does not respond to treatment |
MUSTARD | depression, gloom, mood swings |
OAK | chronic exhaustion, overworked but keeps struggling; loss of control |
OLIVE | physical exhaustion from long strain |
PINE | perfectionist, guilt, feeling rejected: abuse |
RED CHESTNUT | worries about others |
ROCK ROSE | terror, panic |
ROCK WATER | inflexible, stiff; arthritis |
SCLERANTHUS | imbalance; neurologic problems |
STAR OF BETHLEHEM | trauma; need for comfort; any stray or animal from shelter |
SWEET CHESTNUT | at wits’ end, despairing |
VERVAIN | fanatic, hyperactive, over-enthusiastic |
VINE | control, domination |
WALNUT | transition, protection, over-sensitive to environment |
WATER VIOLET | grief, loner, reclusive, arrogant; to bring joy; most Cats |
WHITE CHESTNUT | repetitive thoughts |
WILD OAT | bored, feeling un-useful |
WILD ROSE | apathy, passive resignation; to “be here now” |
WILLOW | resentment |
RESCUE REMEDY | the 5-flower combination for any acute trauma or stress. Considered as a single remedy in combination |
LOSS OF CONTROL/PANIC/ASTHMA ATTACKS*
*These remedies are NOT a substitute for Emergency medical care.
- Cherry Plum (anxiety attacks, incontinence, seizures, breathing difficulties)
- Rock Rose (extreme panic, breathing difficulties)
- Oak (paralysis, incontinence)
CRYING, WHINING, BARKING
- Heather
- Beech
- SPRAYING CATS
- Beech
- Holly (especially if due to inter-cat conflicts)
- Willow
- Agrimony
OLDER PET ANNOYED BY YOUNGER ANIMAL
- Mustard
- Beech
- Wild Rose
GENERAL IRRITABILITY
- Impatiens
- Beech
HISTORY OF GRIEF, TRAUMA OR ABUSE
- Water Violet (grief)
- Star of Bethlehem
- Pine (guilt; animals that cringe)
- Chicory
- Honeysuckle
BOARDING/KENNEL/CONFINEMENT
- Heather
- Honeysuckle
- Star of Bethlehem (for comfort)
- Wild Rose
- Sweet Chestnut Water Violet (grief)
- Wild Oat (boredom)
SEPARATION ANXIETY
- Chicory
- Wild Oat
- Holly
- Willow
- Wild Rose
- Heather
CONFLICTS AMONG ANIMALS
- Willow (resentment)
- Agrimony (open communication and harmony)
- Mimulus (for picked-on animal)
- Vine (for dominant, bully animal)
- Beech
- Holly
- Walnut
TRAVEL REMEDY *(first 3 remedies are the Basic Formula)
- *Rescue Remedy
- *Elm
- *Walnut
- Mimulus (fear of riding in car)
- Cherry Plum (for panic in car)
- Scleranthus – car sickness (balance problems)
TRAINING FORMULA
- Clematis
- Chestnut Bud
- Cerato
NEGATIVE ENERGY FORMULA (Courtesy of Dr. Steve Blake, the Pet Whisperer)
- Rescue Remedy
- Mustard
- Walnut
- Crab Apple
- Wild Rose
RECOVERY ASSISTANCE
- Gentian (to give hope)
- Gorse (for animals that have “given up”)
- Centaury (increases the will to live)
- Sweet Chestnut (for increased energy)
- Olive (for physical exhaustion)
- Honeysuckle (restores depleted energy)
Flower essences do not directly treat physical illness, but may help resolve the underlying energetic causes of disease. They are not a substitute for proper veterinary care. Always discuss all herbs, essences, and other supplements with your veterinarian before using. If your pet has a serious physical problem, please consult your veterinarian; if it is urgent, seek emergency care.