Flower
Essences to Support Surgery
by Ziporah Hildebrandt
Surgery is one of the most common traumas we face in life. Whether it is a minor
elective procedure, or a dangerous life-saving operation, surgery is rough
on body, mind, self and soul. Flower essences can ease the emotional and
mental stresses of surgery. Reduced stress can quicken recovery, shorten
hospital stays, and lessen the chance of complications.
Taking flower essences
before surgery increases positive feelings such as optimism, acceptance
and peace. This helps the body deal with the physical stress of the
operation. After surgery, flower essences can ease common stresses such as
difficulty sleeping, feelings of fear and doubt, the challenges of
helplessness and the inability to function in familiar ways, Flower
essences can further aid recovery through increasing motivation and
helping with any lifestyle and emotional adjustments.
Anxiety
before surgery is common. A recommended combination known as Pre-Trauma
consists of Garlic, Chamomile, Red Clover, St. John’s Wort, Moonshine
Yarrow, Borage and Sweet Pepper. If this combination is not available, the
individual essences will also work well. This combination is quite
effective for pets going to the vet or even before dental visits.
Flower
essences work well on both a short and long-term basis. To prepare
physically for an operation, begin taking appropriate flower essences at
least 36 hours before surgery, and continue afterward until feeling
mentally and emotionally somewhat recovered. For emotional preparation,
begin up to a month before surgery. For a lot of anxiety, try Chamomile,
Gorse, Mimulus, Valerian, Aspen or Lavender. Depressed patients may need
Self-heal, Hollyhock, Roses, Borage or Horseradish.
Recommended
Flower Essences
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Rock
Rose and Star-of-Bethlehem
soothe terror, stress, shock and trauma to the live force. They bring
calm and a sense of spiritual comfort that counteracts feelings of
being abandoned, alone, helpless or invaded.
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Self-heal
encourages responsibility and participation in the healing process.
When there is doubt about the ability to recover, it can help connect
to an inner-source of healing strength and intuition.
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Yarrow
strengthens the etheric shield, the protective energy field around
each cell, organ and person. It helps with the energetic disruption of
radiation, including X-rays, MRIs and CAT Scans.
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Garlic
assists in dispelling negativity and aids inner-vitality, which can
increase resistance to infection.
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St.
John’s Wort, Cherry Plum, Angelica and Goldthread
can give a sense of protection. Especially useful the week before
general anesthesia and helpful for falling asleep.
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Morning
Glory
helps get over the dull feeling of anesthesia and medications, while
Rosemary can help people feel warm and alive again.
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Peony
and Crested Iris
help people experience unconditional love. This is highly appropriate
for children, birth and anyone facing especially dangerous medical
situations.
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Borage,
Rose Campion and Love-Lies-Bleeding
help ease intense suffering. Borage uplifts a heavy heart, while Rose
Campion releases pain shut within. Love-Lies-Bleeding can bring relief
to those overly immersed in their pain. They are especially
appropriate for heart surgery.
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Valerian,
Lavender and Annual Sweet Pea
(Lathyrus odorata) are soothing to those who are anxious, nervous,
stressed to the breaking point. They can help with insomnia and bad
dreams.
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Comfrey,
White Bleeding Heart, White Money Plant and White Foxglove
are indicated when the present brings up pain from the past, such as
grief, loss, feelings of being alone, unloved, worthless, deeply hurt
or traumatized.
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Lady’s
Mantle and Mariposa Lily
bestow a warm sense of motherly connection and protection. Especially
helpful for children, women during pregnancy or labor, or anyone
feeling motherless.
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Hollyhock,
Gentian and Gorse
are helpful for the discouraged. They bring faith and hope, which can
increase optimism and inner vitality. These are important to good
immune function, and often speed recovery. The truly despairing can
take Sweet Chestnut to encourage inner transformation.
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Spiderwort,
Cayenne, Walnut and Horseradish
can help the stuck get out of the rut, whether it’s the past, a
negative belief or attitude.
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Calendula,
Impatiens and Snapdragon
can shift the irritable, impatient, intolerant patient to a softer
attitude.
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Penstemon,
Olive and Oak
are helpful for those who are exhausted from illness or struggle. Elm
supports people who feel overwhelmed. (Care-givers may benefit, too!)
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Blackberry
is a wonderful motivator and useful when recovery involves lifestyle
changes or new exercise regimens. Tansy is helpful for those who
sabotage their own efforts.
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Rose,
Iris and Echinacea
are applicable to many of the situations described above. They
particularly bring a loving soul connection to those who struggle to
take the next step in their life process. Rose is especially when
someone has let go of something and feels empty. It could be an
unhealthy habit, a dysfunctional relationship, a painful memory or
negative attitude, or a body part that was removed. Rose flower
essences can fill the empty place from within with the divine soul
forces.
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____________________
Ziporah
Hildebrandt
began using and making flower essences in 1980, and subsequently combined
her studies with a graduate program in humanistic psychology. She
continues to research flower essences from her home in western
Massachusetts and writes extensively on the subject. She can be reached
for consultations at (413) 259-1874 or astroessence@the-spa.com.
Visit her website at www.astroessence.com.
This article was
originally published in Spirit of Change Magazine—not to be
confused with OfSpirit.com Holistic "Internet" Magazine &
Resource. We thank Spirit of Change, New England's Premiere
Holistic "Print" magazine, for allowing us to give new life to
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