6 Flower Remedies for Supporting An Empowered Journey Through Perimenopause

Hot, drenched skin stirs me from sleep. 3am wake-up call. In the shadows, thoughts churn uncontrollably. Tossing and turning, drifting off ever so lightly, only to be awakened again by the next trifle. I silently slink out of bed to face the day. My morning routine is the same--qigong, journaling, meditation and yoga--just three hours earlier than usual. Sitting in darkness, waiting for the sun to rise, I wonder about my “symptoms.” Typically, I turn to books for answers to physical challenges, but this is different. I perceive what’s happening as a piece of a much bigger puzzle and I crave the wisdom of my great-grandmothers yet feel bereft of their guidance. 

Nearly ten years ago my journey of perimenopause began. Today, I’ve gone eleven consecutive months without bleeding. I understand that when a full thirteen Moons have passed, I will officially enter the gates of menopause. I reflect on the ways in which I’m discovering empowerment through this tremendous transformation--how my life-force energy, now held within, allows my passions, inspirations, and creative energies to intensify and find new outlets for emergence. I lean into my newfound wisdom that recognizes the initiation of menopause as symbolic of a woman’s manifestation of ultimate power. Why then, I wonder, is such a regal time of life barely whispered about and largely misunderstood? 

The first phase of metamorphosis I noticed in my early forties, was that of irregular periods. Initially, too often, then gradually further apart. Sometimes heavy, sometimes barely a drop, intense cramps or no cramps at all—the one certainty--irregular was my new normal. Within these inconsistent rhythms I found opportunities to explore practices that felt fresh and inspiring. I made a commitment to myself to do what felt most nourishing rather than my outdated mode of doing what I felt I should or must. My wavering lifeblood was giving way to a greater sense of freedom to explore my authenticity, without feeling confined by the narrow standards of ageing. Through the tumult of transition, I learned how to recognize and honor my needs in each moment and to flow with the ever-changing tides of life. 

“How’s perimenopause treating you?”

When I was in my late forties, I began asking this question to women of a similar age, whether they were friends, family, colleagues or strangers in line at the grocery store. I did this intentionally, as I knew that it was edgy, and would catalyze a spark of awareness. Some women would get startled and wondered how I “knew.” But most, just began to casually talk about the various symptoms they experienced. They all wanted to understand what was happening, to know how they could ease their challenges, and develop more empowerment through this mature stage of life. Although each woman’s transformation is unique, one thing we all have in common is being thrown into the chasm of change, without an instruction manual and being able to openly share with other women, was comforting, as well as strengthening.

As I reach the end of this leg of my journey, I recognize the many gems gathered along the path, as I learn to embrace and navigate new adventures. The energy of perimenopause has catalyzed me to find the nourishment I need to continue to grow into full bloom. I welcome this potent cycle of life, to develop my gifts of wisdom and embody the grace of age.

Flower Remedies for an Empowered Transition

Flower remedies are subtle energy medicines in the form of liquid extracts. Taken internally they are known to transform emotional challenges and instill a sense of balance within. I’ve worked with their magic and witnessed their efficacy for over three decades and I’m grateful for their gentle, yet potent support through perimenopause. The dosage is two drops of a single remedy or four drops of a combination of flowers, four times a day. 

Walnut

The keynote of this flower is change. It’s my remedy of choice when I’m having difficulty with any transition, great or small. It supports me in feeling at ease with new rhythms, so that I can relax into the excitement of the dance. Another feature is that of protection from external influences. Perimenopause can certainly leave one feeling more sensitive to others’ energies and Walnut offer a boundary of felt safety.

White Chestnut

When thoughts keep popping up and I’ve no way to stop the mental activity, White Chestnut is the flower ally of choice. The result is a calm, peaceful mind. From this place of inner tranquility, I’m able to relax into the present moment, which allows me to engage creative, productive ideas rather than being stuck in the loops of angst and worry. 

Crab Apple

The challenges addressed by Crab Apple are those of self-loathing on the physical level. As feelings of disgust for perceived imperfections creep up, I reach for this powerful cleansing remedy. Renewal washes over me, as I connect with the deeper essence of self-acceptance. From here I can allow myself to embrace a greater sense of self-love, as I welcome the perfection of my body, just as it is.

Cerato

To be able to trust in my powers of inner knowing is the foundation for developing ongoing deeper self-awareness. The remedy of Cerato is the intuitive ally for strengthening the ability to follow what I know to be true and to align myself with integrity in all my doings.

Larch

Creativity is a core human birthright, yet at times I might get caught questioning my abilities or the importance of the gifts I have to share. Larch contributes to a sense of enhanced confidence, as it supports me in embracing my inherent value. As self-doubt falls away under the cool shade of this encouraging tree flower, I become better able to emerge with more authenticity in all my endeavors and to feel a deeper connection to my artistic sources.

Beech

With hormonal flux, comes sporadic moments of irritability. As I notice my patience running low, I reach for Beech. The soothing stability offered is like a balm for the soul. I feel calmer and less reactive in my interactions, which makes it easier to live in a state of flow. This kinder, gentler way is more empathetic and allows me to display true wisdom during this mature stage of life.

Dina Saalisi

Dina Saalisi is an author, speaker, and educator whose life's work is healing, a path she began early and walks with remarkable openness. Her journey started as a way to meet her own childhood wounds, and over the years she has learned to take down the walls built around a tender heart, one stone at a time, and to tend what she found behind them.

Along the way she studied with many teachers and explored a wide range of spiritual and holistic practices. The teacher who shaped her most, though, keeps no office hours and asks no tuition: Nature. Always present, endlessly patient, and deeply nourishing, the natural world sits at the heart of everything Dina teaches, including her work with flower therapy.

From her studio in downtown St. Helena, California, Dina leads courses on holistic healing and reconnecting with the living world. She speaks at events throughout Napa Valley, across California, and beyond, reminding audiences that the valley's finest harvest may be the one that feeds the soul.

Find her courses, writing, and podcast at dinasaalisi.com.