On a busy Saturday evening, I headed to Bengaluru’s newest cultural venue, Foxtrot – House of Subculture, for a workshop on Jheram Bose’s debut book Phool Proof and Flower Therapy. The former beauty editor at Harper’s Bazaar and head of brand for beauty giant Bose has always been a dreamer and an observer. After taking a break from her career, she turned to flowers as a source of solace and solace from chronic breathing problems. She spent a year learning the art of honoring and recognizing soft energies with the help of Bach Flower Healing Therapy and Aromatherapy. She tells us more in this exclusive conversation.
Excerpt from interview
What inspired you to write about unusual topics?
It all started with a casual conversation with Garveen Chadha of Penguin Random House last May. We talked about writing a book about beauty and healing. I thought about several themes and finally realized that flowers are at the root of all the healing therapies I practice, including Bach Flower Remedies, Indian Flower Essences, Floral Essential Oils, and Chakra Healing. Ta. Chakras are often symbolized as lotus flowers, so I decided to write a book about flowers and their meaning in everyday life.
How did flowers help you overcome chronic breathing problems?
Bach Flower Remedies played a huge role in curing my asthma. I realized that the cause of my illness was my emotions. There was nothing I didn’t like, but I wasn’t happy with the work I was doing. I just felt like it wasn’t my calling. Bach Flower Therapy helped me identify my problem and the remedies helped me make the decision to quit my job. With the help of yoga and aromatherapy, I was able to slowly overcome my illness.
Bach flower remedies heal emotions. Dr. Edward Buck, the founder of this healing system, believed that all illnesses had emotional roots. Dealing with the emotions also removes the physical symptoms. Aromatherapy works by scenting and applying oils. For example, lavender oil can heal cuts, burns, and bruises, and can also relieve menstrual pain when applied to the stomach.
“Phool Proof” is about growing and learning within the mysteries of the flower family. Please tell me how you deciphered some of these mysteries.
Flowers are so generous and welcoming, they can literally expand your world if you stop, smell, and pay attention.
What kind of research was done for this book?
My research has included in-depth discussions about different flowers with experts from around the world, learning about Ayurvedic traditions, and understanding cross-cultural values and myths about flowers and their healing processes. I did.
What was your initial reaction to this book?
Initial response was good. I have received messages from several readers saying that they will continue reading this book and believe that it will become a companion of sorts.
What challenges did you face while writing this book?
The hardest part of writing this book was battling depression and anxiety. I accepted the situation and turned poison into medicine. The book itself was like a healing process that helped me come out of the darkest phase of my life.
What are your future plans?
I’m thinking of some ideas. I have both fiction and non-fiction in mind. I want to explore and experience poetry.
