The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Impatiens
The Power of Flowers: Flower Essences

ORIGINS

Impatiens is a very large genus of between 800 and 1,000 species of flowering plants of the balsam family widely cultivated for their colorful flowers. Handle this plant and you’ll see where it gets its name—the ripe seedpods burst open when touched. Impatiens is one of Bach’s original flower remedies.

HISTORY/LORE

Impatiens were discovered growing in eastern Africa and are believed to have originated in Zanzibar, an island off the coast of present-day Tanzania. The British physician and naturalist John Kirk introduced impatiens to the Western world in 1896.

USES

Bach categorized impatiens under “loneliness” and wrote that this flower essence is helpful to “those who are quick in thought and action and who wish all things to be done without hesitation or delay. When ill they are anxious for a hasty recovery. They find it very difficult to be patient with people who are slow as they consider it wrong and a waste of time, and they will endeavour to make such people quicker in all ways. They often prefer to work and think alone, so that they can do everything at their own speed.” This flower essence helps us relax, slow down, and understand that things take time. It also encourages us to be more accepting when dealing with others.