Can Flower Essences Really Help Your Pet?

What exactly are Flower Essences?

Flower Essences are specially prepared extracts from the flowering parts of selected plants, with each having unique properties that can relieve an emotional and/or physical imbalance.

The first known flower based remedies were prepared and developed in 1930 by Dr. Edward Bach, an English Physician. He was a visionary who recognised the soul-spiritual aspects of healing, and dedicated his life to exploring the ways in which flowers and plants could provide a natural and gentle way of restoring emotional balance.

This led to the range of Bach Flower Remedies that we know today, with many additional ranges now available, including Australian Bush Flower Essences and Alaskan Flower Essences. The essences not only harness the energetic vibration of the flower, they also include the essence of the place and even the weather!  

How can Flower Essences help my animal?

Flower Essences can help support animals with underlying stress manifesting as physical tension or behavioural problems.  Emotional stress exists as a negative vibration within the body, and each essence has its own unique vibration that dissolves a particular stress.  The essences stimulate the body’s ability to bring itself back to natural balance.

 Are Flower Essences Safe?

Flower remedies work on the energetic body of the animal.  They are safe, non-toxic and naturally derived, meaning they can be added to food and water, even when animals share bowls. It is not harmful to give too much, or give the wrong essence to an animal. If the animal does not need the essence, it causes no ill effects, with the only outcome being no effect at all.

As an Animal Kinesiologist, I incorporate Flower Essences into my work every single day, and here are my Top 5 along with the issues they can help with.

1.   Rock Rose – Extreme Fear

Rock Rose is a great option for animals who experience intense fear. If you have a dog or cat who hides under the sofa, paralysed by fear during a thunderstorm, this this is the perfect remedy. This essence releases intense fear, especially when the fear is so intense the animal becomes a danger to themselves and others. Intense fear can be contagious around other animals! Rock Rose enables the animal to develop courage and step outside of their fear, increase feelings of bravery and calmness.

2.   Slender Rice Flower - Group Harmony

If you have two or more animals who are not getting along or are having trouble bonding, then you may like to try Slender Rice Flower. It encourages co-operation and humility, allowing cohesion within a group.  I recommend this essence when introducing anew animal into your home, particularly a rescue animal to help balance your group and promote harmony.

3.   Mimulus - Grief and Loss

Mimulus helps animals when they are grieving the loss of an animal companion or family member. Often these animals experience fear in response to this loss and may feel they have lost their sense of security, especially if they were closely bonded with a more confident animal. This essence helps them find courage in the face of uncertainty and supports them as they begin to process the emotions of grief and loss. Animals experience grief just as we do!

4.   Vervain

Vervain is recommended for the over enthusiastic and high-energy dog that always needs to be on the go.  High energy levels can sometimes mean these dogs find it hard to focus and settle down, always needing to be on the go. They may be over-exuberant, but not in a stressed way – although it may cause you stress!  Vervain helps ground these dogs and improves mind and body balance.  It can reduce the intensity and drive and promotes calm.

5.   Grey Spider Flower - Sound Sensitivities

This essence provides support for animals that are reactive or fearful to loud noises, or who have developed phobias around particular sounds.  By using this essence, animals are supported in resolving their fears around the perceived threat, restoring emotional calm and balance.

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‍Claire Oats
Specialist Animal Kinesiologist B.Sc, Dip Kin

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About the author
‍Claire Oats is a Specialist Animal Kinesiologist and Canine Behaviourist from Perth. Claire has worked with dogs for the last 25 years and specialises in resolving behaviour problems using Kinesiology techniques to remove physiological, neurological and emotional stress.

Please note: Claire's blog is general advice only. For further information on this topic please consult your veterinarian.