By Jean Hofve, DVM

Flower essences (remedies) are specially prepared extracts of the flowering parts of certain plants. They work through biofield energy to heal stress and disease from the inside. Flower essences were first developed by Dr. Edward Bach, an English physician who gave up his busy practice to study and prepare the 38 flower essences which now bear his name. We frequently use essences to help with mental, emotional, and behavioral problems in animals.

Since Dr. Bach’s time, many other essences have been created around the world, not only from flowers, but also from gems, minerals, animals, butterflies, lakes, sacred earth sites, stars, and even angels. Many of them are very useful in helping our animals recover from trauma, injury, and stress. These non-flower essences are often referred to as “energy” or “vibrational” essences.

Dr. Bach believed each of us has a divine mission on earth, which we can discern through listening to our own instincts, wishes, thoughts, and desires. He also believed all disease is the result of disharmony between the soul and the mind. This occurs through allowing other people to interfere with the true course of our lives. Such interferences are not in themselves evil or malicious; they may be entirely well-meaning, such as a friend who expresses concern about an action we plan to take. It is our response to them — the “permission” we give them to disturb us — which causes the inner disharmony.

In terms of Dr. Bach’s philosophy, it is easy to see how animals are similarly diverted from their “true course.” We forcibly wean them, take them from their families, and train them to exist with their human companions by altering or suppressing natural behaviors — even to the extent of surgery, such as spaying and neutering (or in extreme cases, mutilation such as declawing or de-barking). We are not being unkind or arbitrary when we require our animal companions to use the litter box instead of the carpet, or refrain from biting, spraying, or scratching. Our animal companions must make these necessary accommodations in order to share our lives. It is, however, not entirely natural, and can cause stress.

In humans, mental and emotional upset can have lasting physical effects. The cause, however, is internal, and we must heal from the inside. Animals too, have an active mental and emotional life. They can manifest not only behavioral but even physical problems that have their roots in emotional stress. Stress-related conditions in animals include asthma, urinary tract problems, conjunctivitis, and gastrointestinal upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea). Of course, there may be underlying physical causes for these diseases (and appropriate veterinary care is necessary), but acute flare-ups are very often due to emotional stress. Essences can help the animal heal the energy imbalance underlying many behavioral and physical problems.

Essences heal negative emotional states by “flooding” the patient with the opposite, positive quality. For example, the essence of Holly is love. Use Holly in any situation where there is a lack of love, such as anger, jealousy or rage. Similarly, the essence of Rock Rose is courage: it is helpful in cases of deep fears, panic, and terror.

Behavior problems such as chronic barking, litter box avoidance, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, separation anxiety, and inter-animal conflicts always have an emotional component, and are amenable to energy essences. (Note: while many acute or mild stresses and behavior issues can be resolved with essences alone, behavior modification through positive reinforcement may be needed for long-standing or more deeply rooted problems.) Many behavioral issues are greatly helped with essences. Fear is particularly responsive to essence therapy.

  • Mandy was a little grey cat adopted from a shelter. She spent the first two weeks in her new home under the dresser, coming out only in the middle of the night to eat and use the litterbox. After just one dose of an essence combination, Mandy’s guardian reported that within two hours the cat was out exploring the house.
  • JoJo was grieving the loss of his canine companion, who had died. He would sit mournfully at the top of the stairs waiting for the dog to come bounding up as she always had. Essences helped JoJo get over his sorrow and interact with the family again.
  • Sissy had licked her tummy bare as a stress response to her guardian working extra-long hours. She was given essences for several weeks, and soon the hair grew back normally.

When choosing essences, remember our pets often mirror us, and essences appropriate for our animal companions are often the ones we need, too.

Jacson Galaxy Solutions offers dozens of essence formulas for cats and dogs. Special formulas are available to help resolve a wide variety of emotional and behavioral issues, including anxiety, conflicts, stress, aggression, and much more!

Essences are very easy to give! They can be administered by mouth, or in food or water. Just a few drops (3-5) at a time are sufficient. To increase the effect, give more often rather than more volume. Add a dropperful to a spray bottle filled with spring water, and use it to spray a room, carrier, car, around litter boxes, or other area of stress or conflict. Or put a few drops in your hand and massage around the head and ears.

Since the essences act energetically, not physically, they are completely safe and non-toxic. They cannot be overused or misused, and are compatible with all other treatments. Even if you give the wrong remedy, it will not have any negative effects, but simply no effect. This allows us to use essences in food and water bowls, even when several animals share them.

Flower essences do not directly treat physical illness, but may help resolve the underlying energetic causes of disease. They are a complementary therapy not intended to be used in place of proper veterinary care. Always discuss all herbs, essences, and other supplements with your veterinarian before using. If your cat has a serious physical problem, please consult your veterinarian.