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CHERRY PLUM (Prunus cerasifera)
Key: confidence.
Also called the myrobalan plum, it is a semi-wild little tree originally from eastern Europe and Central Asia. It is the earliest white blossom to appear in the hedgerows and can be distinguished from blackthorn as the flowers are usually more sparse and delicate with a touch of green from the young leaf-shoots. Cherry plum flowers in February or early March and can grow to be an open-crowned spreading tree of 25 ft. (7.5 m). A purple-leaved variety, “Pissardii”, is commonly planted in gardens. This is a natural sport that arose in the Shah of Persia’s gardens in the late 19th century and was sent to France. It has pinkish flowers.
The essence of cherry plum helps to remove fears and anxiety by uncovering the wisdom and ultimate security of the inner self. Tensions that are locked into the muscle system relating to such fears and mental attitude can be eased.
The Central meridian (Conception Vessel) strengthens to improve self-confidence. This combats shyness and brings about a space to develop a fuller personal potential.
The throat chakra is energised and enabled to make practical use of subtle perceptions, intuition, inspiration and so on. Communication and artistic blocks are eased. At the same time the crown chakra becomes clearer allowing more healing, universal energies to merge and harmonise with the localised identity of the self at a safe rate and pace. The sense of time and space is relaxed so that the present comes into better focus and can be honestly experienced as it is.
As well as this connection with stabilising universal energies cherry plum also allows a better connection with others at an emotional, feeling level. This helps to balance the emotions and suggests that cherry plum would be useful for those who are affected by strong emotional swings.
Mentally this tree essence brings a deep peace and serenity, quietening the heart and mind and allowing the inner self to come through.
Comment: Cherry plum was one of Edward Bach’s flower remedies indicated for those with dammed-up anger that overflows into violent rage at the slightest provocation, or for those who feared that dramatic and destructive release. The qualities described here emphasise the ability to relax and allow energy to flow, thus avoiding the dangerous build-up.