Rescue Essence:
First Aid Kit in a Bottle

Rescue Essence is the most popular Bach Flower Essence in North America (and probably in many other parts of the world). It's not a single Essence, but a combination of five:

• Rock Rose: For terror and panic
• Impatiens: for irritability, nervousness, and tension
• Cherry Plum: For fear of losing control
• Star of Bethlehem: For trauma, shock, and numbness
• Clematis: For unconsciousness

I've used Rescue Essence for driving-related traumas, physical injuries (especially cuts), fear-related insomnia, stressful situations, and other purposes. It has been especially helpful to me preceding a visit to the dentist, before appearing for jury duty, and when we were moving Beyond the Rainbow to its website. (We just kept the bottle by the computer).

People I know have taken it before and after surgery, during labor and after childbirth, and for a wide range of traumas.

I insert here the usual disclaimer that Rescue Essence is no substitute for medical treatment; however, in my experience and that of others it has helped to alleviate the mental and emotional stresses which can worsen a medical emergency.

How to Take It

It's generally recommended that if you feel that you need a mixture with two or more of the Essences in Rescue Essence that it makes more sense to use Rescue Essence itself in your mixture. It counts as one Essence; however, you add four drops to your mixture instead of the usual two.

In an immediate crisis you can take it directly from the bottle, four drops at a time, as frequently as every twenty minutes, or put the four drops in a glass of water and sip it often.

Do be careful about taking it on an empty stomach, as Rescue Essence, like all Bach Flower Essences, is preserved in brandy.

Giving It To Others

Rescue Essence can be given to people who are unconscious. Because lawsuits are popular activities I don't suggest that you give Rescue Essence to a stranger. However, if an friend of yours needs it you can put it on pulse points, such as the temples and wrists.

I've given it several times to birds who flew into a glass window or door. Put a few drops on or into the beak. This often creates an immediate recovery.

In general, Rescue Essence can be very helpful for animals in cases of physical or emotional trauma. For animals up to human size put four drops in the drinking water. For larger animals increase the dosage to ten drops. Cats, in particular, don't like the smell or taste of alcohol. Rub the Rescue Essence behind their ears; they'll hate it, but it's good for them.

It's also good for plants when you repot them, or if they are looking unhappy.

Rescue Essence is also available in a cream (no animal fat used), and people have found it to be very useful for rashes, skin cuts or abrasions, or bruises.

Above all, don't be limited by my suggestions. The uses of Rescue Essence are virtually limitless.