Flower and gem essences offer gentle, natural methods of restoring children to their full potential by addressing them at a deep, energetic, soul level. As vibrational catalysts, or keys to the doors of awareness, they introduce opportunities for new and positive choices.

The essences do not change a child's inherent personality but release emotional components that block the natural growth process. Generally the child experiences greater inner balance and harmony, with improved learning and coping skills. A self-assured, grounded and balanced youngster can meet life's challenges more easily.

Frequently used flower essences that facilitate parenting and enhance life for children include:

CHAMOMILE is well-known when brewed as a calming and relaxing tea. Its flower essence, by Flower Essence Services (FES) and other companies, soothes and calms children who are anxious, unsettled or even angry.

VINE, by Bach, Healing Herbs (HH), and other companies, is for children who are used to having their own way and who tend to be controlling. Vine teaches awareness and consideration for others' views and enables them to make allowances comfortably.

VERVAIN (Bach, HH) calms overly persuasive children who put pressure on others to follow their views and ideas. Vervain brings a more relaxed and accepting attitude to these intense and stressed children who try too hard. The plant's appearance--tiny flowers on the very ends of exuberant stems--reflects the way the essence teaches children to back off and use energy in more productive ways.

SAINT JOHN'S WORT (FES) is an herb we have been hearing so much about lately. As a flower essence it helps those suffering from fear of the dark, sleep problems, nightmares, bedwetting, as well as those odd insecurities that seem to stem from mysterious sources. Children sometimes can't find words to explain why they are scared or feel anxious. The essence made from this bright yellow, sun-filled wildflower sends a spiritual light into those shadowy, scary places in the child's psyche, bringing comfort, security and peaceful nights to all.

ASPEN tree leaves seem to shake and quiver even in the gentlest breeze. When children are quaking or shaking with fear, Bach's Aspen essence reminds them about trusting. It is particularly helpful for when they are afraid and don't know why, or those common fears of "something bad happening." Aspen, like Saint John's Wort, is useful for children prone to nightmares.

ANGELICA (FES) brings angelic support for those who feel alone or abandoned, and reminds that we are never alone, we always have unseen friends. May be ideal for the little mite during major life changes, or if suddenly entering a new environment.

YARROW'S flower resembles a tall white umbrella. Its strong vertical stem introduces personal uprightness and fortitude, and the umbrella brings shelter-like protection. FES's essence helps those who feel vulnerable in the world or possibly fear being hurt by others. I often use it for people who suffer from environmental allergies.

FES's PINK YARROW is for the more emotionally vulnerable child, the sensitive one whose feelings are easily hurt. These children also tend to absorb another's bad mood. The Pink Yarrow helps them become naturally more discerning.

AGRIMONY (Bach, HH) helps children insecure in their identity. Use it when a child anxiously needs to embellish or pretend, like the need to be "macho". This tall, vertical plant with yellow flowers projects a "this is who I AM" attitude and teaches about self-acceptance. We are our strongest when we are ourselves.

CHICORY (Bach, HH) caters to the child who manipulates for attention and whose need for love and caring appears insatiable. Sometimes the child who gets ill needs Chicory essence, because in a busy household with several offspring, mother may only give attention when illness strikes. The heavenly blue flowers of Chicory reminds them they are unconditionally loved, which makes petulant attitudes and nagging redundant. (Editor's note: For even more detail about this essence, see Rupa Shah's article on Chicory in this issue.)

FES's BLEEDING HEART helps the child who is inconsolable and heartbroken over some loss-­like the death of a favorite pet perhaps, or even mid-morning sadness at preschool. It helps the child accept and integrate the experience, release the neediness, and become more self-sufficient.

ROSEMARY (FES) is a grounding essence for the children who seem hyperactive, inattentive, distracted and difficult to reach. They forget even their daily routines and need constantly to be reminded. Rosemary reminds them how to come back to earth, be present and engage in life around them. This may need to be given in combination with other essences because other symptoms are usually also present and need to be addressed.

GOLDENROD (FES) can be helpful for older children whose sense of moral "Self" is not sufficiently strong to protect them being negatively influenced by less appropriate behavior of peers. Goldenrod strengthens the moral "backbone" and makes it easier for children to retain a golden sense of Self. It helps them resist peer pressure to deviate from the straight path. In this day and age, in order to withstand the temptations of drugs and alcohol, children need all the help they can get.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patricia Meyer, CHT, is a Flower Essence Society Certified Practitioner with nearly 30 years' experience with flower essences. She has presented at colleges and universities, as well as internationally and holds workshops in San Mateo, California. Patricia works with children and adults diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and many other challenging difficulties. To read another of Patricia's articles on essences for children, have a look at our September issue.

If selecting essences for your own child appears overwhelmingly complicated, she is available for consultations. Please be aware that all members of a family, even the pets, are often affected when a child is troubled, and essences and counseling may be helpful for them as well. She can be reached by phone: (650) 348-7697, fax: (650) 348-8947, or e-mail: patsgarden@home.com.

DESIGN CREDITS: The background and other art came from Wendy's Graphics.

The World Wide Essence Society does not mean to imply any recommendation of nor give certification to any individuals or companies above. This article is provided purely for informational purposes. We ask consumers to make their own determination as to quality of the services and products offered above. This article is not meant to be advice, and the information is not meant to replace medical or psychological treatment.

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