COMMON QUESTIONS

I can't taste the flower essences, how do I know they are in there?

Flower essences do not have a flavour. When you buy dosage bottles of flower essences such as Bach Rescue Remedy™ or Australian Bush Flower Essences™ what you are tasting is the alcohol that they use as a preservative. Our flower essences do not have any alcohol; instead we use sophisticated and gentler methods to ensure sterility.

We buy our essences from a very experienced company that gives us a certified data sheet for each collection showing the plants used, the location and the conditions.

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Some people have allergic reactions to wildflowers, is there a chance this might happen to me?

It is highly unlikely (almost impossible) that you would have any allergic reaction to any of the Balance products. Flower essences capture the vibrational energies of the flower. There is almost no trace of any actual plant material left in a flower essence. The flower essence is added in small homeopathic dosages to our water. If you have any concerns then you can test any sensitivity by using a dose bottle of Rescue Remedy™ or an Australian Bush Flower Essence™ or seek advice from a naturopath or physician.

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Is this high quality water? Where do you get it and how is it different from other water in terms of quality?

The water is extremely pure. You can tell that by it's taste. It is collected from a spring on the edge of a large National Park four hours west of Sydney. The spring is away from any major roads or housing developments. The water comes to the surface under its own pressure. That is, unlike most bottled spring water, it is not pumped to the surface. It is then pasteurised for sterility rather than ozonated. This processing helps preserve the clean, natural taste and is gentler on the water.

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What are flower essences exactly?

Flower essences are plant-based remedies that are used to help emotionally balance a person. They have been used in various formats for centuries by different cultures but have been popularised since 1930 by Dr Edward Bach who developed the Bach Remedies (including Rescue Remedy™). The Bach remedies use English flowers. We are using Australian wildflowers that many consider to have stronger and more potent properties.

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What percentage of the flower essences do we get in the water?

We accurately dose the flower essences into our spring water in quantities that are consistent with the dosage and dilutions recommended throughout the industry by other flower essences producers. Only very small amounts of flower essences are needed to achieve the benefits.

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Where do you get the flowers from and what is done with them before they are mixed with the water? How are they infused into the water?

The flowers come from all over Australia including some remote parts of the outback. The flowers are taken from healthy plants that grow in a beautiful wild setting on private land (We do not accept wildflowers from public lands, as it is illegal). The plants must have a good position and be healthy and have 'character'. The flowers are selected by taking a combination of new, mature and old blooms. They are collected using twigs from the plant so as not to contaminate with human touch. They are gently placed in a bowl of pure spring water for an extended period of time in bright sunlight. The preparer often uses this time to meditate over the essence. The flowers are gently removed using twigs and the water is passed through a basic filter into the collecting container before we use a gentle and proprietary sterilisation process. This processing results in our concentrate or 'mother tincture'.

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Is there any alcohol mixed with the essences?

No. So it is safe to administer to children and those who abstain from alcohol, or those who do not wish to have the taste or smell of alcohol on their breath.

Why isn't there a water for men?

Balance for the Mind™ is designed for both men and women primarily for focus and concentration. Balance for Women™ has all the same flower essences as Water for the Mind™ with an additional two that are specific to women. We may well use some specific essences that benefit men in the future and produce a very specific water for men. Flower essences work by removing blockages that can cause a build up of emotional tension and stress. Many men tend to be less sensitive to a product that helps with emotional tension. As men become more open to such products and a market develops, we will look to cater for it.

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How can the power of essences be substantiated?

The simplest way is to try drinking the water for a period of time and see if you and others notice a calmer more 'balanced' person. Like many homeopathic remedies, most of the scientific evidence to date is anecdotal and based on case studies (of which there are massive volumes). Flower Essences are taught to Naturopaths in degree courses and are considered a mainstream element of complimentary medicine.

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How do I know this is not just marketing?

Flower essences have been known for centuries to promote a calming and well-being effect. They are used throughout the world. If you walk into any organic or health food store and many pharmacies you will see dosage bottles of flower essences. Flower essences are designed to be taken under the tongue or added to a glass of water. All we, at Balance Water Company, are doing is taking these essences (without the alcohol as a preservative) and giving it to you in one easy form factor using the best spring water we can find and keeping the price within the range of a premium water. So in a sense, you are getting the functional benefits of the flower essences for the same price as just a regular bottle of spring water imported from Fiji or France or Italy etc.

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How much should I drink a day?

The Balance range can be drunk as your main bottled water. Therefore you should drink it until you don't feel thirsty. Many people recommend drinking 2-3L of water a day for the skin, brain and other organs.

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Can I drink too much?

Only if you drink too much water, which is difficult unless you have a specific medical condition or are under the influence of drugs. If you drink a great deal of water, check with your doctor that you are not diluting your sodium levels. However, the body is typically self-regulating and once your bladder fills you urinate and so you stay hydrated and balanced. You cannot take too much flower essence as the body also self regulates it.

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How much should I drink when I am travelling?

It depends on your mode of transportation. If you are flying then we all know how dehydrating pressurised cabins are and you should be drinking as much water as you can without spending the whole flight visiting the bathroom. The best time to drink Water for Travelling™ is 2-3hrs before your flight. We have been told by so many of our customers who fly regularly that they avoid much of the effects of jet lag by drinking 2L of Balance well before the flight. If you are driving a car, the Water for Travelling™ will keep you alert and focused. You should drink enough that is practical to avoid stopping to pee every 10min.

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Does the Water for Travel help with circulation?

No.

Will the water make me feel drowsy?

No.

Does the water contain fluoride?

No, it uses spring water. But you raise an interesting point. Some people have expressed concern that they may be missing out on fluorinated water. Most people still get fluoride from the water in their tea or coffee. Fluorinated water is an interesting argument. Fluoride in the water means that every organ in the body is exposed to it. Using a fluoride toothpaste twice a day means that you are applying fluoride directly to the area that you wish to effect, not to the brain and liver etc.. The biggest danger for a child's teeth is not missing out on the fluoride from tap water but the dangers of drinking 'sports drinks' which stick to their teeth and contain a high amount of sugar. Also, juices which are high in sugar and acidity, and vitamin and nutrient waters and sodas that contain high levels of sugar. Ask an informed dentist.

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I believe the Australian Aboriginals have been using the flowers for centuries, is this so?

The Australian Indigenous people have used flower essences but not in the way we now use them. They tended to eat the whole flower or drink the dew that had accumulated on the petals. They had and know of certain flowers that help them when feeling 'down or 'moody'. Aboriginal use of various flowers changes with the tribe, their location and the season.

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What is the history of wildflower essences in this country?

Flower Essences in Australia were pioneered and categorised by Ian White. Ian's company Australian Bush Flower Essences, has the largest range of essences and information and materials on Australian Flower Essences.

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Are Australian wildflower essences the same as Bach flower remedies?

They are both flower essences and they both work on the similar emotional conditions. Because of the nature of the isolated and unique environment that the prolific Australian wildflowers bloom in, they are generally regarded to be stronger and more varied in their effects.

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Where can I buy the water?

Please see the "Where to Buy" section of this web site.

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Can I buy it in bulk?

Yes. Use our online ordering system to have Balance delivered to your home or office. Alternatively you can order by the case for delivery today from Kemeny's on 13 88 81.

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How much is the water? And how does it price in comparison with other still bottled water?

The 500ml recommended retail price is $2.95AUD

The 1L recommended retail price is $4.250AUD

These prices will vary from establishment to establishment. You should find that the prices in most places are comparable with premium imported spring waters.

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Can I get it cheaper if I buy in bulk?

Yes. Use our online ordering system to have Balance delivered to your home or office. Opt for regular deliveries and you'll receive extra discount.

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Can I have the water delivered to my home or office?

Yes, you can order by the case for home delivery from Kemeny's (see web site for ordering details or call 13 88 81). Balance will also be offering a direct delivery service starting in September 07

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What size are the bottles?

400mL (Water for Children™ only), 500mL and 1L

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Who are the Directors of Balance Water Company?

Peter Maher, Martin Chalk and Kieran Holmes

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What is the Company Profile?

Balance Water Company was founded in Sydney, Australia in February 2005. It is the world's first company to release non-flavoured functional waters that are designed to affect a person's emotional wellbeing. The company is producing four water products currently, with more on the way. The four products are Water for the Mind™, Water for Women™, Water for Travelling™ and Water for Children™. Balance Water Company Pty Ltd is an Australian firm. It was founded by Peter Maher and Martin Chalk who were principals of Harrison Burnet Pty Ltd (a Sydney based intellectual property firm). Peter Maher has 15 years of beverage experience and has worked with Lion Nathan and Mars in various senior capacities in Australia, Asia and the United States. Martin Chalk has a background in Virology and Biochemistry and has spent 15 years working in London, Paris and New York.

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What else does the company do?

We are entirely focused on providing the best functional water you can buy.

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What are the company's future plans?

Lots. Watch this space. Most importantly we want feedback from people on our current products. We have put a great deal of time, cost and effort into ensuring our products are of an extremely high quality.

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I love your Tote Bags, can I buy one?

They can be purchased via our web site for $25 plus delivery. The proceeds are donated to NACCHO (National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health), who we have been associated with since our inception.

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Can I buy your water when I am overseas?

Yes - in Japan and launching in the United States in October 07. When leaving Australia you can buy it at the airport (Newslink) - after security and  before you get on the plane.

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I am a retailer and I want to stock your product. Who are your distributors?

Call us.

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Is there any other water like this currently on sale?

No. These are all world firsts.

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Is your company socially responsible and philanthropic

Yes. Last year Balance donated water to over 48 charities. That's close to one a week. We also donate water to organizations such as The Bush Fire Brigade, The Red Cross, The Anzac Day Parade and others. However, our two main charities are NACCHO (National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health - www.naccho.org.au) and we are the official water of the NBCC (National Breast Cancer Centre - www.nbcc.org.au) of Australia. Both of these organizations receive money from the sale of our product.

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Are your products compliant with Free Trade

Yes. All of our product components are sourced and made in Australia. Even the hand picked flowers use highly skilled people on greater than award wages.

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Are your products Carbon Neutral?

All of our waters use local components. In Australia, the bottles, the labels, the lids, the water and, of course, the flowers. None of these components are shipped from China or anywhere else for that matter. We only ship product within Australia the shortest possible distances and have regional distribution centres. We don't even use electricity to pump the water from the ground, it rises naturally. As we move into international markets, we have a very clever and environmentally sound and groundbreaking method. More on that soon.

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Can I drink Balance if I am pregnant?

Yes. Balance can be drunk safely throughout an entire pregnancy. You are drinking the purest spring water. It is safer and cleaner than tap water (check your local water supply web site - typically there are 38 toxic chemicals that are added to tap water to sterilise it, stop pipes rusting, etc.). There are no pollens or floral material left in Balance by the time it is bottled. The water is totally non-allergenic. Flower essences are vibrationally-altered water. They have been taken safely by pregnant women for decades. Many naturopaths recommend them as a safe natural alternative to pharmaceuticals for morning sickness, tension and stress. If you have any concerns or are having a difficult pregnancy, consult a good doctor.

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