Cherry Plum Flower Essence for Horses

As I exercise my dogs this time of year, I cannot help noticing all the trees, plants and flowers preparing to burst open sharing their joy and stories.  This is a time of new beginnings - when better to review and adjust our own healthy lifestyle plan as well as that of our beloved working and companion animals. Through my next several posts, I will share knowledge and application of Bach Flower Remedies in the hopes that you look seriously at their implementation as a tool for your supporting your pets' needs.

Prunus Cerasifera, cherry plum, is the right flower for horses who have had an accident or a similar frightening experience, for mares following a stillbirth as well as for foals who have been separated from their mother too early.  Their life force seems diminished and the animals are often highly-strung and tense.  

Cherry Plum, the flower of composure, helps to promote inner peace.  The horse becomes more balanced and the violent outbursts are not as strong or even disappear altogether.  Horses that need Cherry Plum are under a great deal of pressure from within and are prone to temperamental outbursts. Suppressed fears can suddenly burst forth in a violent manner:  the horses in question are unpredictable and can be dangerous in this panic attack state.

Some behaviors that are positively influenced by Cherry Plum include:

Aggression towards other horses

Viciousness (i.e. during grooming)

Bucking

Irritability

Muscular tension

Nervousness

Jumpiness

Rearing

Excessive protectiveness

Sudden temperamental outbursts

Unpredictability

Trembling with tension and agitation

After traumatic experiences (accident, shock)

Dosage and Dispensing 

You will need:  pure or filtered water (do not use alcohol, vinegar or sparkling water), a 20 ml or 

30 ml dark glass bottle with a dropper lid or pipette, the concentrate of the selected flower essence.

If you are using one flower remedy, add two drops of the concentrate for every 10 ml of water. When blending more than one flower add three drops of each flower to 30 ml of water.  Store the bottles should be stored at room temperature, away from light and kept away from electrical appliances such as computers, microwaves, cell phones and televisions.  Properly stored, your mixture (and the original concentrate) have a long expiration time of a year or more.

Bach Flower Remedies work on energy not by means of prescribed methods.  Higher doses do not have a greater effect than the quantities recommended. Since the essences are absorbed most efficently through the mucous membranes of the mouth, please note:

*  Do not give your pet the flower remedies with food or water but instead, place directly in the mouth or on a piece of apple, carrot or dry treat

*  Administer the dosage before feeding times

*  If your pet is receiving any other treatment (homeopathic medication or other) leave a gap of 15-20 minutes between the two

Initially intense physical or psychological reactions to the remedies MAY occur. Though this is not the usual case, it is important that I share the existence of the possibility. This is a positive sign that the energetic qualities of the remedy is in action.  First reactions may include a need for more sleep, restlessness or a lack of interest in normal activities.  In extremely rare circumstance, diarrhea is present.  These effects pass very quickly (usually within 1-2 hours) and give way to effective healing.Of course, if any physical response or change concerns you, notify your veterinarian.  

Basic Dosage Guidelines for Horses

Foals and Ponies   2-3 times daily, 2-5 drops

Large Horses   2-3 times daily, 5-8 drops

As symptoms fade, do not abruptly stop administering the flower essence, instead, gradually reduce the amount given.  For example, if you are giving 5 drops twice daily, reduce it to 4 drops twice daily for the next two days and then reduce it to 3 drops twice daily for two days, 

then  2 drops twice daily for the final two days.