As a practitioner and teacher of the Bach flower essences I have always been passionate about these little bottles of flower energy and never cease to marvel at the difference they can make to people's lives. More recently I have been involved in working with children aged 3 to 4 years in a local nursery school, a project established by a progressive Head teacher who opened a 'healing' room in her school. Here, children could relax, listen to stories, practise massage with their Mums who themselves could attend courses about health and childcare.
My introduction to the nursery began when I taught a Holistic Health class there - a course based on Louise L. Hay's 'Heal Thyself', which examines the emotional issues behind physical problems. This philosophy reflects that of Dr Edward Bach and his 38 flower essences, which when used alone, or together, apply to every possible mix of emotions.
On learning about the essences some of the parents asked if they might try them to help their children with behavioural problems such as shyness, etc., The subsequent success of this small trial led to the head teacher allocating some of her budget to fund a low cost clinic where parents could access treatment and pay a minimal fee if they could afford it.
Soon, both the staff and parents observed remarkable changes in the children with behavioural problems such as agresssion or temper tantrums. It was very clear that the flower essences were making a tremendous difference, so much so, that in one case a child with suspected Asperger's Syndrome* was given the confidence to interact with other children. Her various fears, which included; using any toilet other than home, watching certain TV programmes, not being able to sleep alone, travelling by train or bus - were all overcome. However, the biggest step was her ability to start primary school and mix with new children without the trauma normally associated with this syndrome.
A selection of essences were used at different stages; Aspen for irrational fears, Rock Rose for the terror she often showed e.g., screaming when taken onto a train/bus, Impatiens because she was always busy and wanted immediate attention, and Vine because she liked things done her way only. Crab Apple was also added to this regimen at a later stage, as it appeared she showed fastidiousness about using different toilets. Walnut was also given before she was due to start her new school.
This child may need to continue taking the essences for a while to support her during her journey through school, but for her Mum, the improvement to her daughter's emotional balance means that her school life is normal and her daughter is fitting in and coping.
I have listed a few of the more interesting cases below to show the variety of problems that the essences have helped. All the children's names have been changed in the following cases.
Jack aged 4
Jack was one of the greatest successes at this clinic and was the very first child treated. Jack's behaviour was such that he had been placed on the register for Emotional and Behavioural difficulties (EBD). His behaviour both at home and nursery was disruptive. After discussion with the Head teacher, his Mother decided to try the flower essences. Jack was hyperactive, his mind going all the time, he would not give in to tiredness, was anxious about any change, showed anger and impatience with his family and other children and teachers at the school.
The first essences given were: White chestnut for his active mind, Walnut to help him move forward and accept a new school, Oak for pushing himself even when exhausted and Vervain, because he was over enthusiastic about everything he did and Impatiens for his irritation with everyone. Jack took the essences for two months, before attending his new school. By this time he had been taken off the EBD register.
Sally aged 3
Sally refused to interact with other children, she would cover her work with her hands if staff approached her, and would not answer teachers if they spoke to her. After some discussion with the Mother and the Head teacher it became apparent that Sally was manipulating the situation, in that she would respond at home but not in nursery. The Mother was becoming very upset and worried about her behaviour, saying Sally was very timid and shy. After great thought I decided to try the Vine essence for the manipulation.This seemed quite a strong remedy for such a little tot, but taking into consideration the staff comments about her manipulation and the Mother's concern that Sally was shy, I decided that the combination of Mimulus and Vine - two very different "personality" types, yet very much part of Sally's personality could yield results. This approach had an immediate effect - to the amazement of the staff! A week later the Head called to say, "Sally actually spoke to us today!".
One very obvious problem at nursery schools is that young children are unable, or unwilling to "poop" and from discussions with medical staff, it is clear that this common problem often results in children as young as three years, undergoing a bowel wash. The following two cases serve to demonstrate how the gentle, yet powerful flower essences can avoid the need for this invasive procedure.
Mary aged 3
Mary would use the toilet to empty her bladder but insisted on wearing a nappy to empty her bowel. Her Mother was concerned as Mary was soon to commence nursery so she decided to try the flower essences. As with most of the children, because they cannot explain their emotions, I have to listen to their parents and teachers and attempt to understand the child's feelings and thoughts. I decided to try:-
Larch - as it seemed she might lack confidence
Mimulus - for her fear of using the toilet
Chestnut bud - as she had previously had an accident with diarrhoea while staying with her grandmother and may be afraid of this happening again if not wearing a nappy
Star of Bethlehem - because I felt that this or some other incident had left Mary shocked and afraid to try and use the toilet for bowel movements
One week later Mary was using the toilet without a problem.
Jenny aged 3
Jenny was about to undergo treatment at hospital for a bowel wash, because she would or could not, empty her bowel. She had been prescribed with Lactulose and Senna without success and so her Mother decided to try the essences before the hospital treatment. Again, with little to go on, I decided to try the "fear" essences and gave Jenny Mimulus and Rock Rose. I also added Vine, as she appeared to be a very determined little girl who did things her way.
Within a short time Jenny was going to the toilet naturally and the bowel wash procedure was avoided.
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These are only a few of the children who have been helped by the flower essences. We tend to forget that young children suffer from upsetting emotions, just as we adults do, but as they have little experience in knowing how to deal with their emotions, they quite often display aggressive behaviour.
Another common situation is when there is an addition of a new baby to the family. Young children at this time might benefit greatly from the Walnut essence, which would help them cope with the change to their domestic environment. Holly would help balance the anger and jealousy they often feel allowing them to more easily accept this new addition to their little lives.
Some of the parents and professional staff in the area have also accessed this low cost clinic with great success and certain cases have been referred to us from health professionals connected to the school. Even the OfSted inspector gave the clinic his approval as he felt this initiative was supporting the emotional health of the children.
Although names and schools may not be mentioned, I would like to acknowledge the bravery of the Head Mistress, who had the courage to follow her heart and try a simpler approach to rectify behavioural problems in such young children.
As Dr Bach said, "Health is our heritage, our right. It is the complete and full union between soul, mind and body; and this is not a difficult far-away ideal to attain, but one so easy and natural that many of us have overlooked it."
Perhaps we should all be looking for a simpler way, to heal our children.
* Asperger's Syndrome (AS) is characterised by major difficulties in social interaction with restricted and unusual patterns of interest and behaviour. Children with severe AS do not read social cues well and have little empathy. They have little ability to form friendships and suffer from social isolation.
