Flower Essences for Animals and People

The essences I most frequently recommend for compassion fatigue are those which address the recurring emotions common to animal welfare and activism work (scroll below the list for detailed descriptions):

• PTS Formula for traumatic stress
• Glassy Hyacinth for anguish and exposure to horror
• Green Cross Gentian for sustained courage and hope
• Borage and Bleeding Heart for grief
• Scarlett Monkeyflower for anger
• Red Chestnut, Mountain Pennyroyal and Scorpion Weed for guilt.

Acute Stress, Crisis, Trauma:

For help in the moment:

Five Flower Formula (FES):

This remedy has the exact same ingredients as Rescue Remedy—Cherry Plum, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose, and Star of Bethlehem—but with a much easier to use dropper, a lower price, and a much higher vibration. IT IS FREE OF XYLITOL, a sweeteing ingredient found in some Rescue Remedy products that is poisonous to dogs. This essence brings calmness and stability in any time of physical, emotional, mental or spiritual distress. During moments of fear, pain or panic, it brings us back to center, to knowing we will be OK. In a stressful or critical situation, taking a few drops can be soothing and stabilizing. This fourmula is well known for the support it provides in dire emergencies (there are many stories, for instance, of these essences stabilizing severely injured animals, helping them stay alive until medical intervention is available or begins to work). These emergency formulas are also useful for the less dramatic but still very uncomfortable stressful moments of life. It helps bring the body and mind back to calm.

For help in the moment AND on-going help after a traumatic event:

Post Traumatic Stress Formula:

For most people trauma is an infrequent or rare life event: war, fire, auto accident, assault, etc. For those who work in trauma worker roles (i.e. police, fire fighters, animal activists on the front lines, emergency medical technicians, animal control and shelter workers) exposure to the pain associated with traumatic crisis is part of everyday life. For many animal welfare workers trauma is a common, even daily event: sensing the emotional pain of animals who are abandoned by their people, performing euthanasia, seeing animals go "cage crazy" who've been kenneled too long, seeing and caring for animals who have been starved, abused, used in animal fights, wildlife harmed or killed by human impact, etc.

This essence can be taken at the time a traumatic situation occurs to soften the debilitating effects of natural, very strong emotional responses. It can also be taken to help release the effects of past trauma. Sometimes, the pain of a past trauma in our lives (related or unrelated to our animal work) can be re-triggered by another trauma occurring in the present. Symptoms of post traumatic stress can include recurrent nightmares, recurrent and intrusive distressing recollections of the trauma, flashback episodes, intense psychological distress at exposure to cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event, restricted range of feelings (i.e. blocking feelings), difficulty falling or staying asleep, irritability or outbursts of anger, difficulty concentrating, hyper vigilance and exaggerated startle response. This essence helps us cope with and heal the emotional and physical symptoms of exposure to trauma, and can begin to heal the effects of past trauma. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, taken by itself or in conjunction with Glassy Hyacinth. (from FES)

Glassy Hyacinth:

This essence has been used successfully to help both survivors and relief workers in war zones. For those who witness abhorrent cruelty, violence, depravity or carnage it restores strength and hope to the soul. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for shelter workers, for front line activists, for animal control officers and humane investigators who encounter cruelty and abuse first hand, for any witnessing of or hearing about treatment of animals which breaks out hearts. Because seeing such horror is so unnatural, it's normal to block our deepest feelings of response. But internalizing the horrific trauma of the job can only be short term, it is bound to come back later as more complicated post traumatic stress. There is no escaping the need to process emotional pain. Glassy Hyacinth helps us do so with gentleness. It restores our equilibrium, heals our hearts so we can continue our important work with inner peace. Effective taken by itself, with PTS Formula, or with Green Cross Gentian. (from FES)

Green Cross Gentian:

Whereas Glassy Hyacinth helps us through the shock of seeing or hearing traumatic events, Green Cross Gentian literally helps us come back, to stay on course and go the distance. It is so easy to become overwhelmed, full of despair and to lose hope when tragedy occurs--especially when it is on a large scale, continual, it could have been prevented, and or when it seems it may never end. Tragedies such as Katrina, the Exxon and BP oil spills, the barbaric slaughter and captivity of dolphins, whales and other animals, and other inhumane treatment of wildlife and companion animals that occurs everyday can at times  depress or immobilize any compassionate being. This essence brings us great courage, aligning our soul with the living soul of the earth, and re-enlightens our hope and ability to keep on serving, keep on helping and to not give up. This is a key essence for those who want to make the world a better place and want help to sustain their energies to serve despite setbacks and obstacles.  (from FES)

Star of Bethlehem:

One of the essences in Five Flower Formula, it is a deeply restorative remedy, bringing calm, soothing, healing qualities, comfort and reassurance from the spiritual world. Can be especially helpful when we feel in shock, or greatly overwhelmed. (from FES)

Grief:

Borage:

This essence helps us overcome feelings of depression and heavy-heartedness associated with the sadness and grief of separation or death. Borage brings courage and a sense of upliftment and buoyancy. Though depression from grief is a natural state, a natural cycle of emotional life, Borage helps us to not get stuck in the weight of it, but to move through it quickly. (from FES)

Bleeding Heart:

For any of us who know ourselves to feel grief at partings and separation, who feel it deeply, Bleeding Heart is balm to the soul. It helps us move through the pain more softly and quickly. It helps us remember, truly remember in our hearts that the loss is only of the physical connection, not the spiritual, and that the gifts of the spiritual connection with an animal we've loved remain in us, even when their physical form is gone. Especially helpful when an animal we've been attached to (fostered, rescued, just plain fell in love with) has died from euthanasia or other causes, or even when they've been adopted out (or wildlife released to the wild) and we miss them. Bleeding Heart helps us accept the change in form of a relationship, to let go, and release our attachment to the physical form. It helps us accept that they have died (or been placed, released, etc.) while still fully feeling the spiritual connection of love. (from FES)

Forget-Me-Not:

Deepens our awareness of our spiritual connection with those who have physically died and helps us develop telepathic communication with them. (from FES)

Love Lies Bleeding:

Helps us with profound feelings of melancholia and anguish, especially when the soul suffers privately and is cut off from others. It also helps us find transpersonal meaning from pain and suffering. (from FES)

Sagebrush:

When we are having trouble accepting death and tragedy, this essence helps us heal the pain and emptiness from any kind of loss. (from FES)

Chrysanthemum:

Helps us accept the transitory nature of earthly life and helps us heal any fears and avoidance of physical death. This could be especially helpful for someone who has fears of euthanizing and may soon be in that role. (from FES)

Guilt:

Mountain Pennyroyal and Pink Monkeyflower:

Deeper, and more profound perhaps, than guilt is shame. Guilt may be what we feel from our own inner questioning of right and wrong. Shame is more likely what we feel as a result of others' views of us, or concern of others' views of us. 

Mountain Pennyroyal gives us the clarity of mind to expel any guilt and shame directed at us. It gives us the strength to protect ourselves from the criticisms, negative thoughts and harsh judgments of others, to see them as someone else's thoughts and beliefs, rather than internalize them as our own. (from FES)

Pink Monkeyflower helps us heal the deep pain that shame can bring,, allowing us to recover from such shame, and to restore our own sense of worthiness regardless of others' opinions. (from FES) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for any workers who have felt a sense of shame associated with their work.

Scorpion Weed:

This essence brings healing to the heart of those who feel they may never be forgiven for things they have done. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for those involved in euthanasia and are haunted by beliefs that they have "sinned" or wonder if they are good enough to "go to heaven."It's one thing to believe that peaceful euthanasia for an animal is sometimes better for them than living out life in a cage or in the streets until there are enough homes for them all. It's an entirely different thing to actually perform euthanasia. To do so takes immeasurable moral courage and emotional fortitude. This essence helps you trust in your own essential goodness while living in the midst of such a moral dilemma, bringing you back to self understanding and self forgiveness.(from Desert Alchemy)

Red Chestnut:

Is very helpful when we feel obsessive fear or worry that we have not done enough, that it's our job to save the animals and that if we don't we've failed. It is also particularly helpful for those who feel they must "save them all" and feel guilty when they can't. Red Chestnut helps us let go of an over-exaggerated sense of obligation that goes beyond what any one person can do, or a drive to help others at the cost of ourselves. It helps us know when we've "done enough"—for that day, or for that animal. It helps us remember that it is OK for us to have a life for ourselves, beyond giving to animals or others. Red Chestnut can also deepen and restore our trust in a Divine source of support for the animals we love, helping us remember we are not their only source support. (from FES)

White Chestnut:

Is helpful in releasing anxious, repetitive thoughts such as "Oh my God, why didn't I. . .", or "If only I had done such and such." When you can't sleep, when you're so mentally wound up, agitated and worried with repetitive thoughts about an animal or some other issue that you may not have handled perfectly, White Chestnut can help you regain a calm, clear mind and sense of peace. Sometimes, we don't handle a situation as well as we could have. "Mistakes" are great fodder for learning, but not when we beat us ourselves up so much we feel only guilt. This essence helps us learn from a place of calm and clarity. (from FES)

Pine:

"Did I do the right thing in a certain situation?" "If only I would have. . ." If White Chestnut clears the mind from such repetitive thoughts, Pine clears the heart of self-deprecation and the emotional paralysis that guilt can create. It helps us move from being emotionally stuck in self blame, remorse or regret to a state of self-forgiveness and self-acceptance (from FES)

Anger:

Scarlett Monkeyflower:

Helps us express anger in appropriate ways, rather than stuffing it inside or exploding when we can no longer hold it in. There's so much legitimate anger in animal welfare work that has no appropriate direct avenue of expression to those with whom we're angry: To represent our organizations responsibly and to attempt to educate the public, we have to be nice to the person who brings in the puppy who's not house broken in two days and now wants another one, we have to be nice to people who haven't fed their starving horses, . . .we have to be nice in the face of irresponsible and sometimes harmful treatment of animals. The anger this naturally creates in us can eat us alive if untended. Scarlett Monkeyflower helps us accept the naturalness of our anger and opens us up to express it in healthy ways, releasing the pressure of holding it in and the shame of exploding. (from FES)

Hard Time Letting Go of Overworking, Being Overcommitted:

Red Chestnut:

Is very helpful when we feel obsessive fear or worry that we have not done enough, that it's our job to save the animals and if we don't we've failed. It is also particularly helpful for those who feel they must "save them all" and feel guilty when they can't. It helps us let go of an over-exaggerated sense of obligation that goes beyond what any one person can do, or a drive to help others at the cost of ourselves. It helps us know when we've "done enough"—for that day, or for that animal. It helps us remember that it is OK for us to have a life for ourselves, beyond giving to animals or others. It can also deepen and restore our trust in a Divine source of support for the animals we love, helping us remember we are not the only source of their support. (from FES)

Elm:

Sometimes our desire to help and serve others can result in feeling overwhelmed— when we end up with too many duties and responsibilities, or feeling unequal at times to completing all the tasks. This can be created by too high a work load, or from our own over-perfectionist or unrealistic goals. Elm helps us integrate our desire to serve with our own equally important need for balance. This essence can help us to shift our identities from hero or rescuer with limitless energy to our true human energy and its natural limitations. (from FES)

Centaury:

Brings inner strength to those who have trouble saying "No." Also brings a healthy recognition of our own needs even while serving others. Helps balance the ego forces of those who may consciously or unconsciously rely on pleasing others to receive self-validation. (from FES)

Jumping Cholla Cactus:

This essence is a great antidote for when we find ourselves rushing around feelings feeling frenzied, driving ourselves relentlessly to accomplish things, and becoming easily annoyed at people and events which stand in the way of us completing our many tasks. Sometimes keeping ourselves busy rushing about is easier than facing our feelings. This essence helps us slow down and create more harmony and balance in our lives. (from Desert Alchemy)

Helplessness, Frustration, Loss of Faith & Hope, Alienation:

Gentian:

This essence is specifically for when we feel helpless and discouraged after a setback or problem occurs. It helps us shift our mental perspective and see the long view when we start asking ourselves questions such as "does my work really make any difference?," "will things ever get better for the animals?" Gentian brings us perseverance and faith to continue despite apparent setbacks in circumstances or discouragement in our hearts. (from FES)

Green Cross Gentian:

Whereas Glassy Hyacinth helps us through the shock of seeing or hearing traumatic events, Green Cross Gentian literally helps us come back, to stay on course and go the distance. It is so easy to become overwhelmed, full of despair and to lose hope when tragedy occurs--especially when it is on a large scale, continual, it could have been prevented, and or when it seems it may never end. Tragedies such as Katrina, the Exxon and BP oil spills, the barbaric slaughter and captivity of dolphins, whales and other animals, and other inhumane treatment of wildlife and companion animals that occurs everyday can at times  depress or immobilize any compassionate being. This essence brings us great courage, aligning our soul with the living soul of the earth, and re-enlightens our hope and ability to keep on serving, keep on helping and to not give up. This is a key essence for those who want to make the world a better place and could use help to sustain their energies to serve despite setbacks and obstacles.  (from FES)

 

Penstemon:

Sometimes we are dealt unfair blows in life—on the job or personally. Sometimes we are legitimate victims of circumstance and it is a struggle to get beyond feeling sorry for ourselves. In the periods of pain and frustration this can bring, we need perseverance and great inner fortitude. Penstemon has enormous strengthening powers, enabling us to tap into reservoirs of courage and resilience. (from FES)

Cherry Plum:

Called the "let go and let God" essence, helps us surrender to the wisdom of our Higher Power when we feel we can no longer effect change on our own. (from FES)

Sweet Chestnut:

When we are at the breaking point of endurance, feeling strong despair and anguish, or suicidal, Sweet Chestnut brings us courage and faith to move through the "dark night of the soul" to trusting again in good and in spiritual guidance and protection. (from FES)

Shooting Star:

When we are feeling as if we live in a world or culture which doesn't understand, accept or acknowledge the deep love we have for animals, when we feel like we may not fit here, or have a place: Shooting Star helps us heal a profound feeling of alienation, especially not feeling at home on earth, nor a part of the human family. It can be especially helpful when we feel more a part of the animal kingdom than part of humanity. (from FES)

Feeling & Taking on the Pain of Others as Our Own; Emotional Vulnerability; Need for Emotional Protection:

Pink Yarrow:

This is a classic essence for emotional protection. For those of us who can be sponges for others' energy, who are naturally empathic or sensitive, it helps us create appropriate emotional boundaries with others. It allows us to feel authentic compassion and connection with others (animals and people) without dysfunctional merging with, or taking on their pain or other energy. (from FES)

Golden Yarrow:

This essence is not as much about taking on others' energy, as the Pink Yarrow is, but more about helping us not feel drained in the face of so much energy of others. Very sensitive souls at times may shy away from exposure to and intimacy with others because doing so often makes them feel as if they lose part of themselves in the process. Golden Yarrow helps us know that we can preserve the integrity of the Self, even when involved with others, that we don't have to isolate and withdraw to feel safely ourselves. If you avoid spending time with others because it leaves you drained and tired, this essence can help you. Likewise, if you can't avoid being around others on the job, and it drains you, this essence can help you. (from FES)

Red Chestnut:

Is very helpful when we feel obsessive fear or worry that we have not done enough, that it's our job to save the animals and that if we don't we've failed. It is also particularly helpful for those who feel they must "save them all" and feel guilty when they can't. Red Chestnut helps us let go of an over-exaggerated sense of obligation that goes beyond what any one person can do, or a drive to help others at the cost of ourselves. It helps us know when we've "done enough"—for that day, or for that animal. It helps us remember that it is OK for us to have a life for ourselves, beyond giving to animals or others. Red Chestnut can also deepen and restore our trust in a Divine source of support for the animals we love, helping us remember we are not the only source of their support. (from FES)

Anxiety, Overwhelm, Emotional Upheaval in General:
(also see Acute Stress, Crisis, Trauma)

Chamomile:

Helps us when we are emotionally upset, nervous or tense, especially when our tension is accompanied by stomach distress such as gas or vomiting. Helps us feel calm, serene and more emotionally balanced. (from FES)

Lavender:

Helps when we feel mentally or physically "wound up," keeping us up nights, or feeling we are absorbing more energy than we can process through the body. Helps tension that is accompanied by headaches, vision problems, or neck and shoulder tension. Lavender helps sedate and soothe, and moderates and regulates energy. (from FES)

Cherry Plum:

This essence brings strength and encouragement at times of extreme tension, fear, pressure or stress. It helps stabilize the mind when we're emotionally overwrought, helping us cope with challenge. Often called the "let go and let God" essence, it helps us re-connect with a Higher Power, or our Higher Self, surrendering to the knowledge that this level of help is always there. (from FES)

Numbing Oneself to Pain: Putting up walls to Avoid it. . . or Holding it in:

Dandelion:

When we are having difficulty expressing or releasing our feelings, Dandelion helps us release feelings of grief or pain that are stuck in the body. Especially helpful when we know our emotions are making us feel tense in the body. (from FES)

Fuchsia:

Helps us get in touch with feelings of pain which may be repressed, perhaps when we long to express our feelings but are afraid of being overwhelmed by them. This essence is especially helpful for those who cry easily or have psychosomatic symptoms, yet do not access their most authentic, deep seated emotional pain. (from FES)

Golden Ear Drops:

Helps us release tears of grief that may be held back. Can be especially helpful when a current crisis or loss is bringing up pain from past crises or losses. (from FES)

Yerba Santa:

Helps us build our capacity to express a full range of emotion, especially when emotional pain has been internalized or constricted in the heart and chest area. (from FES)

When Passionate Idealism Makes Us Overbearing:

Vervain:

Many of us devote a great deal of our life energy to the cause of helping animals. Sometimes, our great passion and enthusiasm to effect change can seem overbearing to others. Our intensity can turn off family, friends, peers and the very people we're trying to influence to change. Vervain can help us be more grounded and moderate in the expression of our ideals, resulting not only in greater acceptance of our message on the part of others, but also in less tension within ourselves. (from FES)

Fatigue, Burnout, Need for Rejuvenation:

Aloe Vera:

This essence is helpful for those who overuse their fiery, creative forces, becoming workaholics whose drive is so intense that they neglect their emotional and physical needs, draining themselves of vital energy needed from rest, food, and social contact. While will power can carry such persons quite far, eventually a point of exhaustion or burnout can occur. Aloe Vera brings back the qualities of renewal and rejuvenation. (from FES)

Olive:

Relieves physical symptoms of utter fatigue, exhaustion and weariness. Heightens awareness that the physical self is profoundly connected with higher states of soul-spiritual consciousness, providing renewal and restoration from within and without. (from FES)

Woven Spine Pineapple Cactus:

Helps when we feel completely overwhelmed, exhausted and burned out, tired at the root of our being, or so overburdened that we feel we can't go on. This essence revitalizes us at the core of our being, bringing courage, perseverance, self confidence and release of issues that may be blocking our life force. It shows us that we can always take one more breath and receive rejuvenation in this very moment. (from Desert Alchemy)