I discovered Australian Bush flowers at the end of last year. I was invited to attend a workshop on Australian Bush Flowers essence combinations, and I just happened to be free that day. That was just as well because they really inspired me! So much so that I decided to start using them, for myself, my family, and in my practice. I am now a Level 2 Practitioner.

In this article, I will explain a bit about them and why they are so appealing.

Flowers generally have been used for centuries for their healing properties across most continents. In Europe, Hildegard von Bingen (whom some of you may know of) used flower essences in the 12^th century. More recently, Dr Edward Bach’s work shows that flowers’ essences can address emotional unbalances.

What are Australian Bush flowers?

For a long time, the Aborigines understood the medicinal properties of Australian Bush flowers. They ate the whole flower for its properties and at the same time, ingested dew residing on the flower (which is the base of today’s essences) providing further healing.

These essences were created by Ian White who grew up in Australia and was taught how Australian flowers can heal. He developed the 70 essences that are currently in use, and many combinations of essences.

To make the essences, the dew of the flowers is collected and their vibrational healing signature is imprinted onto a carrier solution (a mix of purified water and alcohol for preservation).

What are their benefits?

Australian Bush flower essences bring about balance in the body and mind, and therefore a sense of well-being. They are mostly used for their emotional healing: grief, depression, anxiety and resentment are examples of emotions that they can address.

They can also help to balance hormones: they are useful at every stage of womanhood and can help anyone with other hormonal imbalances (for example resulting from a hyper-active thyroid).

Physical issues, such as recovering from an illness or digestive issues, can be healed by Australian Bush Flowers too. Furthermore, the essences support us when travelling to recover from jetlag and can protect us against wave-form energy.

How to use Australian Bush Flowers

The essences are safe to take for all ages, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding. They are usually taken orally as drops, twice a day over several weeks. But there are plenty of other options.

As they contain a bit of alcohol to preserve them, some may prefer to rub them onto the skin: onto babies’ fontanelles, on pulse points such as the wrists or behind the ears.

You can add them to a bath, or a cream or a massage oil. You can even add them to homeopathic remedies taken in water.

Unlike other products, you can safely take Australian Bush Flower essences alongside conventional medicines. They are complementary to homeopathic remedies.

Examples of essences

The above photo is of the flower Bottlebrush. The essence from this beautiful flower has a sweeping action, it brushes aside what is not needed. It can help those going through major life changes, such as becoming a parent, starting school, or becoming old. It can also facilitate bonding between a mother and her new-born. This essence is included in several ready-made combinations such as “Transition”, “Adol”, “Woman” and “Calm and clear”.

Another example is the essence made from the flower Crowea. It is very good for people constantly worrying. It has a calming effect and brings a sense of well-being. It also helps to balance the stomach. Crowea essence is frequently prescribed and is used in many combinations.

If you would like to find out more about these essences or a homeopathic treatment, please contact me using those details.

With best wishes for a healthy life,

Priscille Francetti LCCH MARH

Homeopath

References:

About Bach Flower Remedies article

Australian Bush Flower Essences book by Ian White.

Getting to know the Australian Bush Flower Essence Combinations workshop by Caroline Gaskin.

Getting to sleep may have been a little harder than usual in the last few weeks. With the various changes that we have been through recently, and the days getting longer and brighter, going to bed has been an issue for many of us and our children. You will find in this article some tips for helping children sleep well at night.

Sleep is an important part of your child’s life. It contributes to their physical and emotional wellbeing. Good sleep helps:

• the immune system stay healthy and fight infections when needed.
• to improve attention and behaviour.
• to process the information children have learnt in the day and to improve their memory.
• to grow.

So how can we help our children sleep?

General tips for helping children sleep

It is important to establish a sleep routine early on. Children like and benefit from routine and so first of all, ensure your child goes to bed at a regular time. If your child is playing or doing a particular activity, tell them in advance that the bedtime routine is to start in 5 minutes. You may want to give your child a bath and then read them a story before going to bed. Some children benefit from listening to music when going to sleep. See if this works for your child and choose some easy to listen and soothing music.

Try also the following tips for helping children sleep:

• Make sure the room temperature is around 16 to 20°C and has been aired during the day. Do not cover your child too much as hyperthermia can disturb sleep.
• Avoid caffeine drinks (such as Coke) after 3pm.
• Avoid the use of screens (TV, computer, phone, etc) two hours before going to bed. These produce a blue light which basically sends the message to the brain that it is still daylight and therefore the person should stay awake.*
• Use curtains and black-out to keep the room as dark as possible.
• Older children can be allowed to keep the light on for a little longer with a book.

Children aged 3 onward

As they grow up, children realise that other members of the family are still up and that they are missing out on social time. They may start to ask for a drink, or another story, etc to delay their bedtime. This is absolutely normal but you must stay firm with them.

Disrupted sleep and nightmares

It is usual to see children who reach a particular milestone sleep less well for a few days or weeks. They may try to disrupt the bedtime routine, or more frequently they will have more dreams and nightmares or wake up in the night. Reassure your child and comfort them at bedtime or when they wake up in the night but avoid picking them up if possible.

Nightmares are more frequent between the ages of 2 and 5. If nightmares or night terrors recur too often, it is important to identify the root cause of the issue. Perhaps they are due to a story or film they would have seen, or perhaps they are not comfortable in their bed. There are many possible reasons, but if you can’t identify any particular trigger, then you may want to involve a professional. You could approach a counsellor specialised in children or a homeopath.

Still not sleeping?

If despite your best efforts, your child is still struggling to get a good night sleep, then homeopathic remedies might come to the rescue. Here are some examples:

Pulsatilla is a good remedy for children who do not want to leave you to go to bed. They are particularly clingy and cry easily, especially when ill.

Sulphur may be given to a child who sleeps in short naps. They wake after a short while and are wide awake. They will eventually go back to sleep but the pattern repeats several times during the night. A reason why they may wake frequently is that they have an itchy skin and the warmth of the bed makes it worse.

Aconite and Calcarea Carbonica are remedies to be considered if your child suffers from nightmares.

There are many more homeopathic remedies that can help with sleep. Feel free to contact me for further advice.

For more information, please contact me at priscille@priscillehomeopathy.co.uk or on 07387 422 848, or via my contact page.

With best wishes for a stress-reduced life,

Priscille Francetti LCCH

Homeopath

Get my free guide for raising a healthy child by clicking here.

* See this article for further information on how blue light affects our sleep.