Preparing Bach Flower Essences for Pets

admin | 10:28 am | March 29, 2008 | Bach Flower, Flower Essences

Guidelines

One of the exciting aspects of Bach Flowers is that they are readily available and safe to use. The remedies are purchased as a stock bottle, which contains the concentrated essence.

Essences are generally diluted before use although they can be given straight from the bottle in emergencies.Stock strength essences contain about 2/3 brandy, which most pets hate. So usually 2-6 drops of the stock is diluted in spring water, with about 1/4 brandy as a natural preservative. If the remedy is to be used in one week, it does not need added brandy.

Preparation

Buy a properly mixed combination from the Natural Vet Company

The remedies are selected and prepared either singularly or in combination (up to six remedies can be mixed together).
2–6 drops are taken directly from each stock bottle.
When preparing and giving the remedies it is important not to touch the tip of the dropper to avoid contamination.

Protect the remedies from computers, microwaves and electrical power points. The remedies are ‘energy’ or ‘vibrational’ medicines and may be affected by other forms of energy.

To prepare a Bach Flower Remedy place 2–6 drops of each selected essence (or 4 drops of Rescue Remedy) into a 1-oz or 25-ml bottle. Fill the bottle 3/4 of the way with spring water and then add brandy, vodka or organic vinegar to fill (so that water to alcohol is 3 parts to 1 part). This dilution bottle should be thumped against the palm of one hand to thoroughly mix the remedies.

The dilution bottle should be shaken before each dose.
The remedy is then given by mouth or applied to the ears or head area. It can also be diluted into a spray bottle and sprayed into a room.

While the remedies are safe and non-toxic, if symptoms worsen, stop using the remedy. Some animals may be affected by the alcohol or preservative. When your pet has settled, you can repeat the dosage by applying the remedy to the top of the head or between the shoulders rather than by mouth.

Dosage depends on the pet’s individual response. Try 3–4 drops every 10 to 15 minutes in emergency situations and 3–4drops one to four times daily depending on how severe the problem is. Importantly there is no wrong way to give the remedies, and it is not necessary to be accurate with counting the drops. If you choose the wrong remedy there are no side-effects or toxicities and pets cannot be overdosed. The only error is not selecting the right remedy and it not working at all.
Pets can be given drops directly into mouth either at the corner of the lips or on the tongue. Wash the dropper if it touches the mouth. The drops can be added to drinking water (6 to 8 drops) each day. Drops can also be applied to the skin and ears with equal success, and if necessary mixed in with the food (although this is not preferable). A dropperful can be added to the bath water, as soaking in an essence can be beneficial. A dropperful can also be added to a mister or spray pack so that a kennel, room, cage or pet can be sprayed with the remedy.

Choosing the Remedies

Perhaps the easiest way to choose remedies is to firstly familarise yourself with the different essences that are available and see how closely they fit the description of your pet. The following descriptions are derived from human behaviours and emotions that are matched to remedies and are therefore highly anthropomorphic. You should select the most appropriate remedy, but there may be more than one that matches your pet’s circumstances or behaviour. You can select up to six remedies, although the fewer the better. You can count ‘Rescue Remedy’ as one essence, even though it consists of five separate flower essences.

Remember Bach Flower essences work best in conjunction with appropriate behavioural modification advice from your veterinarian or behavioural advisor.

Buy a properly mixed combination from the Natural Vet Company