Many folks have heard of the famous 'Rescue Remedy', a blend of flower essences designed to reduce the stress of the user in tense or traumatic situations - and this formula works wonders for many people. Beyond this remedy, popular knowledge of flower essences is somewhat limited. The scope of flower essence therapy is actually extremely wide, with remedies addressing a great variety of psychological, emotional and spiritual states. Here we'll have a look at flower essences addressing 'conditions' shared by many women - remedies that may help you become more comfortable with your feminine 'power' and help you truly shine within and without!

We'll start with a brief flower essence primer - what are they and how do they work? Flower essences are liquid preparations, usually with water and a little brandy, containing the energetic imprint of the flower. None of the original flower remains in the water, unlike tea. Instead, the water, which is a highly-imprintable substance where energy patterns are concerned, holds an etheric picture of the flower and stores it indefinitely. What does this mean for us? Well, as modern science is revealing, we are all made of energy - all matter is really distinct patterns of energy which our senses perceive as solid. Emotional and psychological states and conditions have an energy pattern too. It is these energy patterns on which a flower essence can have an effect. They are not so dense as matter; they are more fluid and mutable - usually maintained through our own habits or self-images. Flower essences infuse the vibrational pattern of a particular flower into this etheric emotional/psychological vibrational pattern of ours. Oftentimes, this can be the impetus needed for change, and essences have been shown to support healing from actual physical illness through a change in the mind (or heart) of the patient. That said, here's a few flower essences that may be of particular use in healing to women, allowing full and bright expression of the divine feminine principal within us all.

Alpine Lily flower essence can support the acceptance of one's femininity through a more vibrant relationship with the female body, helping overcome an overly abstract sense of femininity where one feels disembodied or alienated, perhaps seeing the female organs as 'lower'. Women in need of this essence tend to favor that which is more cosmic and virginal, and find it difficult to identify with the earthly aspect of the feminine. They have many spiritual attributes and actively use higher feminine forces, but do not integrate this consciousness with the physical body. Negative impressions of the female body are often unconsciously absorbed from the mother or from the larger culture. Because the soul does not fully identify with or inhabit the female body, physical stress and disharmony can result in the reproductive organs, in the sexual function, or in the biological experience of pregnancy and nursing. Alpine Lily stimulates the integration of the feminine and female selves, promoting circulation between the higher and lower energy centers. The soul learns that its full energy and potential depends of the utilization of the bodily female as well as the spiritual feminine.

The flower essence of Pomegranate supports expression of the sensual, where this may have been repressed through any number or sources. Pomegranate is indicated in almost every case of negative self image tied to sexuality, allowing a full connection to the second chakra of the pelvis. For this reason, it's also used as an aphrodisiac, allowing a comfortable connection to this source of femininity. This is especially useful for women whom do not feel a connection to this area of their body; this may have even resulted in disease in the area, and oftentimes a more positive mindset will accelerate healing in these cases.

Flower essence of Hibiscus can support return to a healthy state of heart and mind for women who have been sexually traumatized. It may also be of great benefit to the modern woman who has consciously or unconsciously absorbed the negative impressions of dehumanized sexuality. The flower is a great expression of beauty - the essence brings a flowing warmth through the body and soul, particularly healing to repressed or damaged sexual psychology.

The Beech flower essence is one of the original 38 flower essences developed by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930's, Beech supports tolerance and acceptance of others by allowing one's own self-confidence to unfold. Often, if one has grown up in an environment of criticism and harsh expectation they feel inwardly vulnerable and insecure. This is often expressed later in life through harsh speech and criticism of others. Beech can also lessen the oversensitivity someone growing up in such an environment may have, tending to continue being overcritical of themselves - as above, this in turn will lessen reflecting this onto others.

Sunflower flower essence can bring a balanced sense of individuality and a sun-radiant personality. Sunflower balances the Yin and Yang energies and attunes people to higher wisdom. Those who demonstrate anger or 'hostility' towards their father or other males in their life will benefit from Sunflower. It can support growth away from low self-esteem or arrogance, particularly related to a poor relation to one's father or distorted masculine aspect of the self. Sunflower essence allows the healthy self shines forth from the soul, not unlike the sun which radiates in the sky. Some people mask their true sun-nature with feelings of self-effacement and low self-esteem. This condition darkens the true luster of the Higher Self; in these instances the Sunflower flower essence brings to the soul the quality of light. Others want their brilliance to shine too strongly, glaring others with pompous self-glory and ego-aggrandizement. For these people, Sunflower flower essence brings out the quality of warmth, or loving compassion.

These essences are often used by women for their healing, and there are many others available to support other aspects of your personal growth. Many guides are available on the internet and in print to help you find other flower remedies that may support your particular situation. Flower essences are safe, and not contraindicated with any medical treatment, and may be an effective adjunct by healing one's emotions or psyche. This can support the most important component of natural health and wellness - the power of a positive mind and happy heart.