Articles Body and Being articles are no longer being written. We leave these in place for your reading enjoyment. The healing power of touch – February 2006 Chromium effective for common mood disorder – January 2006 The Bach Flower Essences® – December 2005 Natural solutions for stress, mood and sleep disorders – November 2005 Sytrinol™ A breakthrough in cholesterol management – October 2005 Beyond echinacea – September 2005 Stevia: A natural choice for sweetness – August 2005 Choosing a multivitamin for your child or teen – July 2005 Choosing a sunscreen – June 2005 The flames of inflammation – May 2005 Cleanse away your allergies – April 2005 Seasonal allergy relief – March 2005 Fish and your health – February 2005 Taking a closer look at vitamin E – January 2005 Wintertime aromatherapy body care – December 2004 The truth about coconut oil – November 2004 Bringing a little "calm" to children's active schedules – September 2004 Summer smoothies – August 2004 Homeopathy for PMS and menstrual cramps – July 2004 Vitamin C and pregnancy risk – June 2004

Body and Being
NATURAL SOLUTIONS FOR HEALTH AND BODY CARE

Monthly articles are supplied by guest writers who explore natural solutions to health and well-being issues.

The Bach Flower Essences®

The simple and natural method of establishing equilibrium and harmony by means of wildflowers, discovered by Edward Bach, M.B., B.S., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P, D.P.H.

by Nancy Buono, Curt Finckler and Mary Lyn Long

(December 2005) — Recent research into the links between emotions and the immune system supports the view that emotional and physical health are linked. More and more medical experts now agree that a healthy mind really does encourage a healthy body.

Bach Flower Essences can help you take control of the way you feel and get more out of life. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) doctors now say that 50 to 75 percent of all disease is stress related. The Bach Flower Essences are not for curing specific diseases, but are for relieving the underlying stresses that contribute to these illnesses.

What are the Bach Flower Essences?
The Bach Flower Essences are 38 essences, homeopathically prepared from the flowers of non-poisonous plants, bushes and trees. Each is for a specific mental and emotional state.

How do they work?
They work on the emotional state of the person concerned. The Bach Flower Essences aim to transform the negative attitudes associated with disease into positive ones. This, in turn, allows the body’s own physical system to fight disease and associated stress.

What if I take the wrong Bach Flower Essence or too much of the correct one?
If the Bach Flower Essence you take is not really the one you need, there will be no harm caused whatsoever. You simply will not notice any effect. You could swallow a whole bottle of any of the Bach Flower Essences and no harmful effects would ensue.

Are the Bach Flower Essences only for sick people?
People do not have to be physically ill to benefit from the Bach Flower Essences. In times of difficulty and fatigue when negative feelings creep in, the essences can restore balance before any physical symptoms appear.

How do I take the Bach Flower Essences?
The essences can be prepared two ways. Add two drops of the chosen essences to a glass of water and sip throughout the day, refilling the glass as often as needed. You can also place two drops of each essence into a one-ounce amber glass dropper bottle filled three-quarters full with spring water.

You can combine six to seven essences in your dosage bottle. This should be taken by mouth a minimum of four times per day, four drops each time, particularly upon rising in the morning and before bedtime.

For those unable to swallow, the essences can be applied externally, by moistening the lips, wrist and temples. The Essences can also be used as a room spray and in the bath.

For a list of the 38 Bach Flower Essences and indications for their use and dosing, including an online tutorial, visit www.bachfloweressences.co.uk/dynamic/us, or consult the assorted books about Bach Flower Essences available at PCC Natural Markets.

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