Positive Health Online

In the twelve years since the publication of the first edition of the Encyclopedia of Flower Remedies, the concept of energy healing and the links between mind, body and spirit have become much more widely acknowledged. The availability of a variety of flower remedies in High Street retail outlets has made this particular energy healing modality much more accessible to the general public and has generated the need for a comprehensive source of information and guidance. Clare Harvey has met that need with this new, updated edition.

Part One sets the scene for the use of flower remedies. It describes the myths and legends associated with the healing power of flowers, and their ability to promote balance on every level. It then goes on to discuss the concept of energy fields, both plant and human, and the importance of the scientific discoveries of pioneers such as Dr Jacques Benveniste and Dr Masuro Emoto, whose work on the ‘memory of water’ has added significantly to our understanding of how flower essences work.

An overview of the components of the human energy field e.g. meridians, chakras, the aura and subtle bodies provides the framework against which flower remedies act and descriptions of the impact on the energy field of the myriad pollutants and stressors to which we are exposed, emphasizes how much we are in need of ways in which to deal with these problems. Techniques such as Kirlian photography and Polycontrast Interference Photography (PIP) are mentioned as research mechanisms for demonstrating how flower remedies are able to produce significant effects on the body’s energy field.

Part Two comprises an expanded encyclopaedia which contains descriptions of 35 ranges of essences from around the world. Whilst many of the ranges were present in the previous edition, a significant number of new developments such as Sound Wave, White Light, Sun Essences for Animals and Purely Essences for Mother & Baby are now included. Each range is prefaced by details of where it is made and a profile of the essence developer is given. From this information it is possible to gain an understanding of the vibrational ‘feel’ of the range, and the individual description for each essence gives a clear indication of the situations in which it may be useful.

All flower essence developers readily acknowledge the legacy that was left to us by Dr Edward Bach, and whilst it would seem that we have moved on considerably from the 38 remedies that he developed in the 1930s, the enormous range of essences that is now available to us is merely a reflection of how our ability to travel the world and connect with other cultures has generated a need for different frequencies to help us heal.

Part Three provides a comprehensive ailment chart which covers problems at all levels – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual, and for each particular ailment, essences are suggested from several ranges. Determining the appropriate remedy is a vibrational, rather than an intellectual process, and people are generally drawn to work with the ranges of essences that they feel most vibrationally attuned to. So whilst an ailment chart can be a good starting point, Clare does suggest that using an intuitive selection method such as a pendulum can make the choice more objective.

Numerous case studies, based on Clare’s own extensive experience, provide examples of how flower remedies can work with the various body systems, i.e. respiratory, lymphatic, endocrine etc. There are also some interesting accounts of research undertaken by essence developers on topics such as the effects of radiation, hormonal imbalance, brain wave patterns and cancer, and whilst it is clear that much more research needs to be done to validate the efficacy of flower remedies in the eyes of the scientific community, it is encouraging to know that there are doctors and scientists who are beginning to do some serious investigation into the effects which have been observed by practitioners but have tended to be regarded as anecdotal.

From the Foreword by Richard Gerber MD, renowned author of Vibrational Healing: New Choices For Healing Ourselves, to Clare Harvey’s own Conclusion, the themes underpinning this revised and updated edition are the interconnectedness of everything in nature, the importance of taking responsibility for our own healing and the need to embrace healing systems which help us to shift our consciousness and move towards balance in all aspects of our lives. Flower Remedies have the ability to support us in these endeavours and this book is a source of useful information for both the newcomer and seasoned practitioner.

As someone who has successfully used flower remedies for many years, I am happy for this edition to take the place of my well-thumbed copy of its predecessor.

Further Information