I’ve always had a keen interest in natural foods and supplements. In my twenties I became interested in a number of alternative health practices including the use of Bach Flower Remedies. Now years later, while shopping at my local health food store, I was delighted to discover a book entitled Bach Flower Remedies for Animals. If not already familiar to you, Dr. Bach’s 38 flower remedies were originally developed to relieve emotional suffering in humans (he believed emotional imbalance caused deterioration of physical health), and  in my recent book find, I learned these remedies can work equally well on our pets. The Bach flower remedies don’t treat physical complaints directly, rather, they help by treating the negative emotional states that provoke or worsen the problem in the first place.  To concoct the remedies, certain types of healing flowers are gathered at their peak perfection and based on homeopathic knowledge, their essences drawn from them, each resulting  remedy formulated to treat specific conditions.

Bach Flower Remedies for Animals, by co-authors Stefan Ball and Judy Ramsell Howard will assist you in finding the appropriate flower essence to treat Alfi’s separation anxiety (try Mimulus for fear of being abandoned), or Bruno’s aggression (try Holly if the aggression is jealousy based or Vine if it’s dominance based). You’ll also find it’s filled with informative case studies along with insights from professional animal behaviourists that will help you “read” your own dog better, ultimately leading to a closer and more enjoyable relationship.  This book is a must-have for anyone interested in alternative healthcare for their furry best friend.  

PS:  I found the Rescue Remedy Spray (or drops) to be a particularly useful all-purpose remedy that works effectively to reduce stress in both people and pets, the handy bottle (spray or drops) fitting easily into a handbag, pocket or desk drawer.  If you’d like more information on Rescue Remedy, click here.