Did you know that European Holly (Ilex aquifolium), the kind used for the Bach Flower Essence, does not have spiny leaves unless it’s been nibbled on by animals or insects? And not all their leaves will wind up being spiny at the same time unless a gardener went after them with clipping shears on a regular basis. Without being subjected to damage, the European Holly has rounded leaves without spines at all.
There is a scientific explanation and you can read about that, but the basic idea is that the plant is responding to being attacked by creating spines to protect itself. And, in a metaphorical sense, so do humans! We get spiny, if not downright spiky, when we’ve had enough of being abused or disrespected or disappointed and unloved. Our ability to love and express compassion and kindness can just run right out the door as we strike out, seek revenge, or reject our fellow humans.
Holly flower essence helps heal the heart. I’ve written quite a bit about it because Edward Bach thought it was a foundational essence—one needed by almost everyone from time to time. The shape of the spiny leaves reflects light into the center of the Holly plant as the white Holly flowers bring spiritual light into the soul. It helps a person access the deep peace that comes from feeling safe and loved despite what they may have experienced in their lives. It enables the person to regain compassion for themselves and the desire to give and receive compassion and grace with others.
Quite a good metaphor for the Christmas message of peace on earth, goodwill to men, don’t you think?
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Flower essences are used to assist with mind-body-spirit interactions and individual results may vary. They are extremely dilute which makes them quite safe. But because so little physical substance can be detected in a flower essence solution, these products are presumed to work on an energetic or vibrational level—something that cannot be adequately tested by western scientific methods. Claims made by me, therefore, are based on personal experiences and the evidence of the combined multiple decades of case notes by Dr. Edward Bach as well as Healing Herbs and Flower Essence Services (the companies who make the ingredients I use in my products). This is not, however, accepted medical evidence or substantiated scientific evidence from a modern allopathic point of view. I am not a medical doctor or licensed healthcare practitioner.
Statements made have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information provided on my blog, websites or by this company are not a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a health care provider, and should not be construed as individual medical or mental health advice. Consulting with a health care provider is a must for anyone taking medications or working with a medical or mental health condition, and highly recommended before using any herbal product. Please consult your doctor or health care provider for any possible contraindications and/or interactions with current medications. I trust you to seek the medical guidance you need to use any of my herbal products healthily at your own risk.