London: Lorenz Books, 2000.    96 pp.   $17.95    3 pp refs

This is a great resource book on flower essences for the beginner.  The book orients the reader about the history of flowers, Edward Bach and the influence of homeopathic research.  There is quite a bit of information on how Edward Bach created his flower essence system and the components that make it up today.  Given that the Bach system was the first system of its kind for flowers, understanding all this history is educational. 

Drawing on the life work of Edward Bach, Vivien Williamson  provides a strong foundation of understanding for flower essences, including how to make and store them, how to use them most effectively, and how to prescribe them. Beautiful pictures orient the reader to the different flowers used for healing.  Aesthetically, this book is very pleasing and easy to use.  The pictures and layout of text make finding pertinant information easy and draws the reader in to continue to the next page.

Bach essences are grouped to address seven various personality characteristics: fear, uncertainty, insufficient interest in present circumstances, lonliness, over-sensitve to influences and ideas, despair and despondency, and the over-care for the welfare of others. 

The author outlines new essences which complement the work of Dr. Bach.  These have been developed and researched by the Flower Essence Society in California, including essences for developing personal power and direction, mental work, living lightly and with humour, strengthening the constitution, relaxing and achieving good sleep, and assuring protection. Of particular interest, the author discusses environmental essences and channelled essences.

Also included are tips for how to use the flower essences internally, externally, in emergencies, in combination with other essences, in the home and with astrology. Steps are outlined for working with children, treating animals, and helping plants.  All are very informative and helpful.  At the conclusion of the book are recommended readings and useful addresses. 

The section on making flower essences seemed particularly helpful, detailing all of the steps necessary for success.  Vivien Williamson outlines what needs to be done a few days before, the day before, and the day of making the essences.  There are also helpful tips on caring for the essences and the equipment used in making them.

Although it is virtually impossible to cause harm by using flower essences because of their homeopathic nature, it is still critical to be responsible when working as a healing practitioner to prescribe them for others.  While many parts of the consultation process are outlined in this book, the skills needed to be an intuitive healer go beyond what is mentioned in the book. 

What is lacking in the book is the scientific research that supports the healthy benefits of using flower essences.  While this is an overview of flower essences, some grounding in scientific facts would have been helpful.  With that said, this complete reference guide is a nice complement to any library for one who holds interests in integrative healthcare.

Book review by Deborah Pratt
MBA, BSJ, Holos University Graduate Seminary Doctoral Student

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