In recent years, alternative medicines have become increasingly widespread. In particular, many people have chosen to rely on Bach Flowers, a natural remedy useful not only for humans but also for helping our animal friends.
The number of owners who turn to alternative medicine to treat their animals is steadily increasing. When it comes to animals, dogs, cats and horses with anxiety, stress, phobias and depression are ideal candidates for Bach Flower therapies.
What Are Bach Flowers
Bach Flowers were discovered by the English doctor Edward Bach, who supported the theory that all physical disorders are the external manifestation of a negative thought or emotion, such as fear, sadness or anger.
According to Dr Bach, a physical symptom can be healed only by acting on a deeper level, namely the heart and mind. Treating only the symptom with medicines, on the other hand, diverts attention from the main cause, which not everyone is able to understand and observe.
The doctor discovered that some flowers were able to reflect different personality traits and various negative emotions, turning them into their positive counterparts. From these flowers he therefore created floral remedies, of which there are now 38 in total.
What They Are Used For
Bach Flowers work by “tuning in” to the mind of the person taking them, transforming negative thoughts and emotions without concealing or eliminating them. A person with low self-esteem who believes they are worthless may, thanks to Bach Flowers, begin to see their positive qualities.
Bach Flowers are the ideal remedy for animals suffering from psychosomatic disorders, meaning all conditions and diseases for which there is no true underlying cause, but which are believed to occur in cases of stress, anxiety and depression.
In particular, Bach Flowers can be used in animals in situations such as:
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Dogs suffering from separation anxiety;
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Dogs with kennel syndrome;
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Animals depressed because of moving or the death of another animal or one of their owners;
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Animals stressed by a house move, the arrival of a child or another animal;
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Animals that have suffered physical or psychological trauma;
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Animals with phobias.
Bach Flowers are also particularly suitable for dealing with temporary discomfort, for example:
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To overcome fear of a veterinary visit in particularly emotional dogs;
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To relieve the stress of surgery;
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To deal with the fright caused by an attack by other animals;
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To manage the difficulties of living together with other animals;
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To accept the owners’ prolonged absence during working hours or trips;
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To cope with car journeys.
Which Remedy to Choose
The choice of a floral remedy should be assessed, both for people and animals, by an expert in the field. Each of the 38 Bach Flowers, in fact, affects different inner aspects. Normally, those who work with this type of remedy prescribe the appropriate mixture or flower only after an interview, during which they can learn about and analyse the personality and emotions of the person requesting it.
Obviously, this is not possible with animals, so a particular floral remedy, Rescue Remedy, is often preferred. This is a mixture of five flowers, particularly suitable in all situations requiring emergency intervention, such as severe stress, acute anxiety and profound depression.
How to Take Them and What the Dosage Is
Bach Flowers are sold already diluted with water. To be effective, however, they must be mixed with an appropriate amount of brandy or vinegar to help preserve them.
Rescue Remedy, on the other hand, can be purchased ready to use in small dropper bottles.
When needed, it is necessary to administer 4 drops to the dog or cat. They can be applied directly into the animal’s mouth with the dropper, or onto the muzzle or paws, so that the animal can ingest them by licking.
During difficult periods that continue for a long time, Bach Flowers can be used as an actual therapy, administering them two or three times a day.
In any case, remember that some problems shown by our animals may conceal serious conditions and disorders. Before relying on alternative medicine, therefore, make sure your friend is healthy by having them undergo a thorough veterinary examination.