WITHFLOWER ESSENCES The following is a summary of apresentation given by Jeffrey R. Cram, Double-blind studies are difficultto conduct using flower essences because people who may have the same diagnosisdo not receive the same essence blends. Essences are chosen specificallyto address the individual personality and set of issues, which vary accordingto the uniqueness of each person and each person's situation, and so notwo clients receive the same essences. This is very different fromdouble-blind studies conducted with drugs wherein each subject receivesthe same drug. The first two attempts to conductdouble-blind studies with flower essences involved formulas: FiveFlower Formula (the Healing Herbs brand of Dr. Bach's famous combination,Rescue Remedy) and Yarrow Special Formula (by FES).
In the second study, a researchermeasured the brain waves in subjects and then stressed them with fluorescentlights. One group received one of two different flower essence blends(Five Flower Formula or Yarrow Special Formula) and the other a placebo. Those who received flower essence blends had little reaction to the lights. Those who received the placebo underwent a closing of the heart chakraand activation of the frontal lobes of the brain (the part of the brainresponsible for the "fight or flight" syndrome). Dr. Cram concludedthat the study may provide evidence of the ability of flower essences tostrengthen emotional equilibrium and equanimity in the face of stressesand environmental impacts, thus reducing the typical "fight or flight"stress response. This study was published in a peer-reviewed journaland also in: Cram, J.R. "Effects of Two Flower Essences onHigh Intensity Environmental Stimulation and EMF." Subtle Energies,12:3, 249-270, 2001.
In addition to the above double-blindstudies conducted in the USA, two other studies involving flower essencesand conducted in Europe have been briefly outlined in the Townsend Letterfor Doctors and Patients, August/September 1998 (911 Tyler Street, Pt.Townsend, WA 98368-6541, USA, http://www.tldp.com). In the firststudy, conducted in 1997, 115 Italian patients suffering from anxiety,depression, and stress, were treated with flower essences over an averageperiod of three and one half months. The article states that theresults were "positive" for 89% of the patients, and especially those sufferingfrom anxiety. Children and adolescents responded more quickly tothe treatment. 95% of those who declared themselves initially skepticalabout flower essence therapy experienced, nevertheless, improvement. No further details about this study were offered in the Townsend Letter.
"Group 1, which used the floweressences, delivered infants with significantly less assistance than theobstetrician control Group 3. More significantly, the flower essenceGroup 1 consumed fewer drugs, exhibited decreased tension, experiencedless pain, and felt reduced levels of anxiety than did both Group 2 andGroup 3." It was concluded that the use of flower essences duringpregnancy results in an easier delivery. No further information onthe methodology of the study was offered in the Townsend Letter. First flower:Pricklywild rose helps one to maintain openness and a courageous interest in lifeamidst adverse circumstances (courtesy of Steve Johnson, Alaskan FlowerEssence Project), Second flower:Yarrowprovides a protective shield to the energy field (courtesy of SteveJohnson, Alaskan Flower Essence Project). Third flower:Thereare many kinds of passion flowers; this one is probably a hybrid. The passion flower of the Aloha essences clears out negativity and inspiresunconditional love. Fourth flower:Billygoat plum is helpful for shame and fosters love and acceptance of oneselfand one's body (courtesy of Ian White, Australian Bush Flower Essences). Please contactEileen to arrange a consultation to determine the creation of a EileenHutcheson, M.Ed. Continueon to next page Copyright© 2002-2009 by Eileen Hutcheson. All rights reserved. Photos are |