The APDT Chronicle of the Dog Summer 2018 | Page 53

FEATURE | FLOWER ESSENCE THERAPY
Arnica - For emotional relief post-trauma. Cleanses hurtful
memories. Helps in reconnecting to life after suffering any loss
of security such as an accident. Excellent for the overly sensitive
personality and for fear of touch as in cases of abuse. Mountain
goats in the Alps seek out the arnica plant (reportedly eating it
and rolling in it) for relief after suffering an accident or injury.
Arnica in its natural herbal form is highly toxic to humans and
should never be used internally unless diluted homeopathically.
Arnica Montana ointment enjoys a great reputation among ath-
letes for muscle soreness, bruising, and strain due to overexertion,
although some may not recognize exhaustion and continue on,
often to greater injury. NEVER USE ON OPEN WOUNDS IN
ANY FORM.
Clematis - For the personality that is like these delicate flowers
with soft, diffused colors, appearing dreamy and unfocused with
no interest in simple, daily tasks. The animals who came to me
for help seemed to “come alive” with this flower essence remedy,
getting an enthusiasm about their life that had been missing.
They want to participate and take ownership in decision making.
Clematis is for those in need of stimulation, enthusiasm, and
purposeful living.
Clover - Sweetens any task. Friendship strengthener. Brings out
the best in everyone. Folklore assigns this prolific spring and
summer flower as a blood cleanser and hormone balancer. Use
white, pink, red – whatever you have.
Dandelion - Dandelion helps those who are in need of change
requiring courage and the self-confidence of a lion. It is for
the personality that is often crabby, never satisfied, in need of
eliminating deep-seated, negative habits. Cheerful dandelion
enjoys a reputation as the “flower of survival” either because it
is among the first to bloom after winter or because it springs
back after being stepped on. It is colorful, abundant, and hardy.
Historically used as tea, wine, food, and in folk medicine as
a “springtime” tonic for eliminating sluggishness. One of my
absolute favorites.
Impatiens - Increase patience. Overcome irritability and rest-
lessness. For composure and to resist the immediate impulse to
misbehave. For the personalit y who can’t relax in the moment
long enough to see that everything is actually OK in the im-
mediate environment. Difficulty letting go of past experiences.
Mentally fighting to not behave impulsively and make poor
choices. As an essence, impatiens can never be over-used as most
people and animals could do with more patience.
Mimulus - Ideal essence for the personality struggling with
known fears, lacking conviction and belief in themselves to
overcome a challenge. This flower is actually shy, delicate, sen-
sitive and found in extremely harsh environments. The plant’s
behavior is that it blooms only for several weeks and disappears
if conditions become unfriendly or too harsh.
Yarrow - Thrive and flourish in hostile environments. Clarify
personal boundaries in any group setting. Rise above your present
circumstances or surroundings when the situation itself can’t be
improved – shelters, zoos, schools, work places, natural disasters,
intimidating or overwhelming negativity of any kind. Excellent
for those who are continually asked to accept unacceptable treat-
ment, behaviors, or environments. Also good for sudden change
in environment and violent acts. Legend has it a Centaur taught
Achilles and his soldiers to stuff yarrow leaves into wounds to
stop the bleeding. The Dakota named yarrow “medicine for the
wounded.” Perfect for emergencies, rescues, and rescuers!
Conclusion
“Believe it to see it” is the phenomena also known as “ships not
seen” when the Native Americans standing on shore literally
could not see Columbus’ ships because they had no frame of
reference for the sighting. I have demonstrated behavior improve-
ment, often drastic and radical improvement, on 800-plus ani-
mals nationwide and still have volunteers and owners who cannot
“see” the improvement of the previously wild, jumpy, mouthy dog
who, within minutes, is sitting at their feet on a loose leash and
looking them in the eye. Sitting. Quiet. Loose leash. Eye contact.
Human can’t see it! This is when I suggest: Spray a little bit on
your hands, gently pet the dog, and now you ask for a calm sit
with eye contact. “Oh, there it is!” A win-win situation.
Meg Harrison, owner of BlackWing
Farms Remedies in Valley Center,
California, is a flower essence expert
specializing in animal behavior. She
has successfully helped thousands of
behaviorally-challenged animals using
unique blends of essences, essential oils
and/or homeopathic remedies. Working
with trainers, health care practitioners,
rescuers, fosters, clinics and shelters nationwide, she facilitates positive
change in the vast majority of cases, no matter how difficult or
emotionally damaged, which includes rescues in California wildfires,
the aftermath of hurricanes, tornadoes, puppy mills, hoarding cases,
court-ordered seizures, research labs, captured Mustang horses, dogs,
feral and community cats, plus farm animals rescued from slaughter.
She has advocated for 40 years for gentler, more effective ways to
improve overall well-being and behavioral health of 24 species,
including humans.
The APDT Chronicle of the Dog | Summer 2018
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