Red Clover and Chamomile:
Staying Calm and Centered in Today's
Troubled Times

©2008 by Maggie Smith

Editors' note: This article is reprinted with permission from the May and June, 2008 issues of The Joy of Flowers, a monthly newsletter available at www.floweressenceenergy.com.

In this current time of natural disasters, war, financial insecurity and adversity often inflamed by the media coverage, I recommend two flower essences made from plants you may already have in your yard or garden that have a surprising ability to help maintain a sense of individuality, and a calm, steady presence. A familiar plant that may be growing in your front yard is red clover. As a flower essence, Red Clover helps us to act from our own center of truth instead of being caught in the hysteria of "mass consciousness". You may already have chamomile in your cupboard as a soothing tea. There's much more to learn about this homey plant, so, brew a cup and join me on the journey to discover its other properties. As an essence, Chamomile helps restore harmony and balance and brings joy into our lives.

Chamomile Essence -- Soothing the Fretful Soul

CHAMOMILE'S HISTORY: In Ancient Egypt, Roman chamomile was dedicated to the god Ra the sun god, as it was considered a cure for fevers and "ague". To the Anglo-Saxons, it was one of nine sacred herbs given to the world by the god Woden, and they would put it onto the household floors to delicately scent the home. Medieval monks planted Roman chamomile in raised "healing beds" they made in their gardens for invalids to lie upon to relieve depression. In the Middle Ages, it was hung over baby's beds to protect them and keep them healthy. It was traditionally used on the hair and face to attract the beloved, in love potions and at weddings. Planted on graves it was thought to ease the passage of the dead into the next world.

ITS HERBAL USES: Over the centuries, herbalists have considered the flowers of this plant particularly helpful for alleviating nervous stress of any type, especially for tension in the solar plexus and stomach area. Recently, this observation was validated by research when Chemiewerke Hamburg Pharmacy of Germany found that chamomile reduces gastric acid and helps prevent ulcers. It has been recommended for hundreds of years to ease nerves and muscle pain, sciatica and menstrual cramps. If you've tried the tea, you may have found it wonderful for restful sleep. Many users find that a cup of hot chamomile tea will bring down a fever and soothe flu symptoms.

THE FLOWER ESSENCE: Chamomile is best for those people who are moody, changeable, easily upset, impatient and angry and unable to release their emotional tension. Energetically, it helps balance our emotions, and acceptance of our limitations. It eases frustration and resentment and promotes patience and the calm clear speaking of our truth. Chamomile is a symbol of energy and patience in adversity. Because of its ability to restore equilibrium, ease emotional problems, it promotes a sunny disposition and supports the nervous system.

Red Clover Essence -- Acting from Your Own Center

Red CLOVER'S HISTORY: Red clover, cousin of the pea, can be found growing in meadows, fields, and roadsides from spring to autumn. It has been considered a good luck charm since ancient times; the four leaf clover as a symbol of the Cross, and three leaf clover as a symbol of the Trinity. In the European Middle Ages women considered the three leaf clover a symbol of the Goddess: the maiden, mother and crone. The Druids considered red clover to have the power to protect from danger and evil influences, including witches, and giving psychic protection to the wearer. "Rolling in clover" was an Irish saying I grew up with, meaning the person was having good luck.

ITS HERBAL USES: On an herbal level, the plant red clover has been used to treat coughs and respiratory system congestion. Herbalists recommend it as a blood cleanser, useful in deep-seated chronic conditions of toxicity. They believe that it enhances waste via the urinary system, stimulates the liver and gall bladder and has a mild laxative effect. Like chamomile, they feel it has relaxant properties, helping to relieve stress and tension, muscle spasm and headaches related to stress. It soothes sore throats, irritating coughs, and helps relieve asthma and bronchial problems.

THE FLOWER ESSENCE: Red Clover flower essence is a balancer, helping to maintain our inner connection and staying calm -- while the storm rages outside. It instills clarity and tranquility, enhancing self-awareness whether it is an emotionally-charged family situation, stress at work, natural disaster like the floods and fires or other crisis situations. It is used as a cleansing remedy, helping clear negativity picked up from others, and is useful for those who take on the emotions of those around them. In our stressful times, when so many people both near at hand and on a global level as well are in crisis, don't ignore your need to avoid absorbing hysteria and negative thoughts.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Maggie Smith, the creator behind Flower Essence Energy Sprays, is an advanced energy healer, a graduate and teacher for the School of Energy Mastery. Her journey with flower essences began in 1993 with the Flower Essence Society of California. She is currently the United States teaching representative for the "Living Essences of Australia". Over the years Maggie has expanded her awareness of the vitality of flower essence therapy and her knowledge and skills through aromatherapy training. Her Aromatic Hydrosols and Flower Essence Energy Sprays are used in exclusive spas in California and throughout the United States. Maggie has a private practice in Santa Cruz, where she shares this effective life-affirming gift. Read more about her products and practices and sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.floweressenceenergy.com.

Art Credits: Page designed by Windfall. Images courtesy of Clipart.com.

The World Wide Essence Society does not mean to imply any recommendation of nor give certification to any individuals or companies above. This article is provided purely for informational purposes. We ask consumers to make their own determination as to quality of the services and products offered above. This article is not meant to be advice, and the information is not meant to replace medical or psychological treatment.

©2008 Vibration Magazine/The World Wide Essence Society
PO Box 285     Concord, MA 01742 wwes@essences.com

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