Flowers have their annual moment of glory at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show but their power to heal and boost wellbeing is less recognised. Flower essence consultant Clare G Harvey tells Gabrielle Fagan about remedies for a range of ailments from hay fever to stress.

Flowers have always been a source of pleasure and happiness and thousands of enthusiasts will flock to that highlight of the gardening calendar, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show (May 21-25).

But even skilled horticulturists and keen amateur gardeners who admire the blooms on display may be unaware of the important role of flowers in promoting harmony in the mind, body and spirit, according to Clare G Harvey, a world authority on flower essences.

"From the sensuous rose to the humble daisy, the delicate blooms adorning gardens, fields, hedgerows, mountainsides, woodlands and jungles possess special qualities," she says.

"They can ease emotional distress, boost self-confidence, lift energy levels, increase resilience to all kinds of illness and even enrich our relationships."

The concept of flower remedies as potent but gentle healers was first discovered by ancient peoples thousands of years ago, Harvey explains.

"They lived closer to the natural world than we do today, and discovered that when they sipped dew from the petals of flowers that had been warmed by the first rays of the morning sun, it had an incredible, uplifting effect on their spirits, calming their minds and cooling their emotions."

Flower essences, she says, are significantly different from other natural remedies. Essential oils, homeopathic medicines and herbal tinctures use a physical part of the flower or plant, while essences contain only the energetic patterning or imprint of the flower - its positive life-giving energy.

A third generation healer, Harvey was trained by her grandmother, herself taught by the renowned Dr Edward Bach, a homeopath and creator of the famous Bach remedies.

"I grew up seeing first-hand the incredible effect of these remedies on people's health and wellbeing. Typical conditions I have treated over the years include infertility, pre-menstrual tension, hay fever, arthritis, skin problems and nervous exhaustion," she says.

"The beauty of flower remedies is that they are relatively inexpensive, easy to use and totally free of unpleasant side-effects. They don't contain active chemicals or possess pharmaceutical properties.

"They are best described as a sort of liquid energy, a vibrational medicine that brings about benefits by influencing each person's own life force. Taking these remedies can be likened to surrounding yourself with exquisite flowers which never fade or die."

She believes that there is a 'quiet revolution' going on as more and more people recognise the power of flower essences.

In 1986, Harvey helped her parents found Middle Piccadilly in Dorset, one of the first holistic natural healing centres in the UK, where she gives treatments. She also works at the Centre for Complementary and Integrated Medicine in London.

Clare G Harvey gives her guide to remedies and how to take them.

Taking remedies

:: There are many ways to administer remedies; internally, on the wrists, in the bath, via creams or oils or simply sprayed into the air and aura.

:: The traditional way of taking essences is a few drops sipped in water or dropped under the tongue, usually seven drops morning and evening as a standard dose and more often in emergency conditions.

:: To avoid alcohol or when treating babies and children, flower remedies are equally effective gently rubbed onto the skin on the pulse points, on the inner side of the wrists, forehead, or soles of the feet.

:: A remedy bath can be created with a few drops of the required flower remedies added to warm water and is akin to being totally steeped in liquid energy. Relax and soak for at least 30 minutes, by which time the energy of the essences will be readily absorbed.

Fight fatigue

Actress Cherie Lunghi, a fan of alternative remedies, uses a few drops of Dynamic Recovery, a flower essence which fights fatigue, frazzled nerves and exhaustion, and is recommended by Harvey.

"It helps me to keep calm and gives me the boost I need in times of stress and when I am lacking energy," she says.

It contains Banksia Robur, Macrocarpa, Black Eyed Susan, Crowea, Old Man Banksia and Yellow Cowslip Orchid.

:: Dynamic Recovery by Flower Essence of Australia, £7.50 for 25ml, available at The Nutri Centre (www.nutricentre.com). For stockists, call 020 7436 5122.

Calm & relax

It can be hard to regain emotional and mental calm after times of worry and panic, and this is one of the most common problems raised by Harvey's patients.

Calm & Relax Combination essence induces a calmness of mind and emotions, an ability to deeply relax and a feeling of being carefree, says Harvey.

It contains Black Eyed Susan, Bush Fuchsia, Crowea, Jacaranda, Little Flannel Flower, Paw Paw, Bottlebrush and Old Man Banksia.

:: Calm & Relax Combination Essence by Flower Essence of Australia, £7.45 for 25ml, available at The Nutri Centre (www.nutricentre.com). For stockists, call 020 7436 5122.

Clear skin

Skin conditions can be one of the first signs of stress, says Harvey, and it's necessary to clear the mind, body and emotions of toxicity and sluggishness.

A Detox Essence promotes cleansing for the system, and can help circulation and the liver.

It contains Wild Potato Bush, Bottlebrush, Dagger Hakea, Bauhinia, Bush Iris, Peach Flowered Tea Tree and Fringed Violet.

:: Detox Essence by Flower Essence of Australia, £7.45 for 25ml, available from The Nutri Centre (www.nutricentre.com). For stockists, call 020 7436 5122.

Hay fever

Many people assume that flower essences may not be suitable for them if they suffer from hay fever, says Harvey.

"In reality they contain no pollen or any irritating substances and can be enormously helpful in minimising or alleviating the irritating symptoms suffered at this time of year."

Hay Fever Super Boost is Harvey's own blend which contains Black Eyed Susan to reduce stress on the system, Lantana for the sensitive personality and allergic response, and Purple Garden Sage for sinus problems and streaming nose and eyes.

:: Hay Fever Super Boost, blend by Clare G Harvey, £9.95 for 25ml, available from The Nutri Centre (www.nutricentre.com). For stockists, call 020 7436 5122.

Woman balance

There are many symptoms of the menopause, including hot flushes, bloating and mood swings, which can be helped by flower essences, says Harvey.

"I have found great success in many cases with the Australian Bush flower remedy, Woman Combo," she says.

"This encourages a woman's own innate strength and beauty through life's physical and emotional changes. It harmonises any physical imbalances and emotionally prepares you for changes, from the start of menstruation to menopause."

The remedy contains a variety of essences including She Oak, Peach Flowered Tea Tree, Old Man Banksia, Mulla, Bottlebrush, Bush Fuchsia, Billy Goat Plum, Crowea, and Dagger Hakea.

:: Woman Balance by Flower Essence of Australia, £7.45 for 25ml, available from The Nutri Centre (www.nutricentre.com). For stockists, call 020 7436 5122.

Positivity

Positive and abundant thinking, or a fresh view after a negative cloud, can be one of the hardest states to achieve, says Harvey.

A Positivity remedy can help prevent people falling into repetitive negative patterns of behaviour, and help overcome a negative mind set and self-sabotage.

The flower remedy will promote positive thoughts, imaginative and lateral thinking.

It contains: Boab, Turkey Bush, Christmas Bell, Bauhinia, Southern Cross, Wild Potato Bush, Little Flannel Flower and Banksia Robur.

:: Positivity by Flower Essence of Australia, £7.45 for 25ml, available from The Nutri Centre (www.nutricentre.com). For stockists, call 020 7436 5122.

Gardener's remedies

If you're inspired by seeing the RHS Chelsea Flower Show on television or a personal visit, there are flower remedies which claim they may boost your chances of success in your plot.

"Getting started on your garden means making decision and taking these requires self-belief," says Susanne Haar, a registered Bach practitioner based at Nelsons Homeopathic Pharmacy.

"Add a few drops of Bach Original Flower Remedy Larch to water to help boost your confidence. If you tend to procrastinate over those dull gardening chores such as weedding try Bach Original Flower Remedy Hornbeam or Bach Original Flower Remedy Wild Rose. Both can help if you are feeling apathetic."

If the amount of work involved in making those changes to your garden seems overwhelming try Bach Original Flower Remedy Elm, she suggests. Alternatively, Bach Original Flower Remedy Gentian can be used to help you see something through to the end and not be dispirited by the first set-back.

:: Bach Original Flower Remedies, £6.65 each, available from Holland & Barrett and pharmacies and health food stores. Also available online from Boots (www.boots.com) and Amazon (www.amazon.co.uk). For more information, visit www.bachremedies.co.uk

:: Information: Live Better Flower Essences, by Clare G Harvey, published by Duncan Baird Publishers, £4.99, available from www.nutricentre.com and the Nutri Centre bookshop. For stockists, call: 0207 323 2382.