Flower Essences ~ Joanne Daughter of Flowers Part 1

Flower Medicine and Remedies

I was referred to Joanne Ameya Cohen by a magical sister who lives in the mountains of Topanga ~ Liliakoi Moon. I went to see Joanne some time ago when I was dealing with some heartbreak. Joanne is a woman’s wisdom guide who can help transform issues in your life.  Joanne treated me with some flower essences and even medicinal herbs to help balance my moods and emotions. I have been fascinated with flower medicine and creating allies with the native plants around us, and always have rescue remedy on hand for my children. Just like rescue remedy can help ease anxiety, so can a variety of other flowers.  Joanne is a beautiful, gentle, and knowledgable practitioner who teaches courses on essences as well as empowerment practices. I ran into Joanne a few months ago when I went to get a blessing from Amma the hugging saint. The line to see the avatar was too long for my children to stay in, but Joanne lovingly gave her place in line so my daughters could be blessed. That simple, generous act imprinted on my heart and made me see that there is so much light and goodness in the world When Joanne came to make some essences from my garden flowers, she also helped me assemble a moon basket which you will learn more about soon. The essence Joanne mixed for me was made with various flower remedies that help me with focusing, opening my heart, creating healthy boundaries and following my instinct. We also prepared a rose essence. Rose can help with calming the nervous system, giving direction, generosity, love, being fully present and more. Interview with Joanne Daughter of Flowers Below!

Coming soon… Joanne will teach us how to make flower essences and more on moon baskets.

For more all-natural remedies see The Local Rose.

1) How can plant essences help us through a transition?

I have yet to meet an issue that can’t be helped with Flower Essences. They can help to heal trauma (sexual, verbal, physical, birth etc), melt closures around our heart, help to forgive, release anger or guilt. Everyday we go through transitions… we are constantly being asked to shift from Fear to Love.
Flower Essences help to let go of societal and parental conditionings so that we can discover the truth of who we are. They work in subtle ways to create powerful transformation in our lives.
They can heal the past so that we find emotional freedom in the present. And they can support present day challenges too.
Everyday I am in awe of their capacity for healing.

2) What are three essences one should have on hand?

This is so challenging for me to pick 3! I think protection essences are really helpful for women. Yarrow is great, because it helps to maintain our own energetic fields and release any energies that don’t belong to us. I know that many women struggle with taking on other’s energies so this is a must have essence. Borage is another favorite because it is the herb for upliftment and gladness. It provides courage which is a quality I think we all need more of so that we can chase our desires! And then, I would have to say Motherwort, which is fantastic for creating boundaries. So many women say yes when they want to say no and then end up feeling depleted, overwhelmed, and irritated. Motherwort help to set up healthy and appropriate boundaries.
Honestly, there are so many essences that I think would be beneficial for a home apothecary!

3) Do you have a beauty ritual?

I guess my beauty rituals are what many women do – sleep well, meditate in the morning, eat organic, laugh….
I love coating my body with sesame oil before a shower. And I love after my shower putting violet, frankincense, or geranium essential oils over my heart and third eye.
In my bathroom, I have a handpainted sign that says “I am Beautiful.” I look in my mirror and read this over and over.
My biggest beauty ritual is adorning my hair with at least one flower or more on most days. This reminds me that I am a daughter of the Earth and that the plants and flowers have so much to teach me.

4) If you could have a superpower what would it be?

To eradicate suffering. There is so much killing and injustice happening in the world. So many people without access to quality food, water, and healthcare. I wish I could make it all go away for them and end what seems like unnecessary suffering.

5) Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

My dream is to be a Mother. To be teaching Women’s Wisdom retreats and online programs. To be deepening everyday into my spiritual practice. To fall more in love with myself and my partner. To have lots of time with friends and family. To have a designated Red Tent in my backyard that I wander into at the onset of my Moon and have 1-2 days to dream and rest in that sacred space. To spend time with the plants and trees, learning more of their medicines. To dance and fully experience my wild and sacred self.

6) What are a few things women can do to feel a deeper connection to the earth?

The simplest and easiest for most women is to plant our bare feet on the Earth.
Go for a walk. Find a tree that calls to you. Sit with her. Introduce yourself. Touch her. See if you hear her speak.
Put your hands in soil. Feel what that does in your body!