Last class a question came up about flower essences from poisenous plants. So, even though there seems to be no chemicals involved in the process of making flower essences, poisenous plants can still be "strange" to take as a flower essence. For example, here is a story of the former medicine maker at Berkley Herbal Center, who past away a few years ago (I am sure David knew him). He took Datura flower essence - made like a normal flower essence - and he experienced a psychoactive effect. He felt spaced out for a longer period of time. Flower Essences from poisenous plants are made in a different way to be safe. I learned this from Amanda Narin, who teaches about flower essences at Berkeley Herbal Center and is a former class mate and friend of mine. The bowl of water, which you fill with the "poisenous" flowers to infuse in the sun, is placed into another (bigger) bowl with just water. This "double boiler" is sitting in the sun until it is finished. What you use is only the water which did not touch the flowers, which is the water from the bigger bowl. This way you have the energy of the flowers, but nothing else which might have an unwanted effect. Hope this helps.

Thanks Kirsten, this was my question and I just saw your response. I appreciate your thoughts! Donna