Back to: Alternative Medicine in New York

Dr. Jared Hanson is a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist in New York City specializing in alternative medicine. He uses essence therapy, including flower essences and leaf essences, as part of his practice.

Flower Essences in New York

Essences are special preparations of plant substances. The most well-known are flower essences, but essences can also be made from leaves, bark and seeds. These preparations are most appropriate when an emotional or spiritual conflict is at the core of a health issue.

Flower essences, the first essences developed, were originally created by an English physician named Dr. Edward Bach. Bach began his career as a bacteriologist and later on turned to homeopathy as he became disillusioned with the more materialistic bias of conventional medicine. As his understanding of the mental and spiritual foundation of disease grew, Bach sought remedies that would specifically address emotional imbalances. Flower essences, prepared from fresh blossoms and spring water, fulfilled this need.

One of the most famous flower essence formula is Rescue Remedy (also sold as Five-Flower Formula). This combination is used in times of immediate stress such as a trauma or emergency. It is calming and provides clarity in situations of panic and urgency.

Though it focuses on the spiritual, emotional and psychological realms, essence therapy is in no way limited to treating mental and emotional issues. Chronic diseases of all kinds can often be traced back to an emotional predisposition and it is precisely in these cases that essences are indicated as a natural therapy.

Since Bach’s time, many other kinds of essences have been developed. Falling leaf essences, for instance, provide assistance in situations requiring release or letting go. Root essences, as another example, are useful when emotional or spiritual grounding is necessary.