Introduction –
Bach flower remedies are dilutions of the flowers of various plants developed by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930s. It was intended to relieve ill health by influencing underlying emotional stress. They consist of 38 specially prepared remedies derived from the flowers of plants. Dr. Bach’s theory was that if you work on a patient’s anxiety, depression, bitterness or resentment the physical symptoms associated with the problems will disappear.
Dr. Edward Bach gave his name to a process whereby personality disorders were healed by the use of water ‘impregnated’ by the powers of the flowers.
The remedies consist of a very small quantity of the flowers in an equal solution of ethanol and water. The remedies do not have a characteristic odour or taste of the flower because they are completely diluted. Bach flower remedies are considered to be ‘vibrational medicines’ because more than a single molecule would remain as a result of the extreme dilution process.
The origin of Bach Flower Remedies –
Dr. Edward Bach believed that illness is the result of disharmony between mind and body. Symptoms of a disease are the external expression of negative emotional states. In 1928 he began work on his own remedies made from flowers.
Dr. Edward Bach found that by holding his hand over a flowering plant he would experience in himself the properties of the plant as he became extremely sensitive to his intuitive faculty. In other words, if he was worried, holding his hand over plants enabled him to find which one would be appropriate to treat worry and its symptoms.
Eventually Dr. Bach isolated 38 wild flowers from which he prepared remedies which could be used in this way. But he insisted that they must be prepared by the method he had evolved. This meant ‘placing the flower heads on the surface of water, in a plain glass bowl, in full sunlight, for three hours’, before bottling.
Dr. Edward Bach claimed that his remedies worked, not because of their chemical composition, but because they had ‘the power to elevate our vibrations, and thus draw down spiritual power, which cleanses mind and body and thus heals’.
The Philosophy of Bach Flower Remedies –
Dr. Bach knew that the human being is more than a physical body. The human being incorporates a body of life energy, a body of sensitivity and feelings, and a spiritual body. Flower essences are energetic imprints of the life force of plants. The flower essences are intended ‘not directly to the physical complaint but rather according to the sufferer’s state of mind, according to his moods of fear, worry, anger or depression’. An inharmonious state of mind will not only hinder the recovery to health and retard convalescence, but also be the primary cause of sickness and disease. Dr Bach believed that the flower essences interact with the internal mind thereby helping people with their physical ailment by addressing the emotional responses to their ailments.
There are 38 original Bach remedies plus ‘Rescue Remedy TM’ (First Aid, Five flower remedy), each prescribed for certain mental and emotional problems. They form a complete therapeutic system. Every variety of human emotional imbalance can be treated using these 38 Bach remedies.
The 38 Bach Flower Remedies –
The 38 plants are classified in three categories:
Dr. Bach categorized the original 38 flower remedies he discovered into 3 categories to assist in their application. The categories are the ‘12 Healers’ which reflect and transform our essential nature, the ‘7 Helpers’ to assist with chronic conditions, and the ‘Second 19’ that relate to more immediate traumas or difficulties.
The ‘Twelve Healers’ were designated by Dr. Bach as the flower remedies that help the individual transform the source of disharmony at the very core of their existence. These twelve essences are meant to address the twelve classic groups of humanity; the twelve primary personalities as Dr. Bach saw them. The twelve signs of the Zodiac have been tried to be related with these twelve healers; though it is unclear as to whether this relationship was drawn by Dr. Bach himself.
These twelve essences are an excellent starting point for any journey into flower essence healing, as it is often times our root ‘disharmony’ or karmic imbalance that is the source of much or perhaps all ‘dis-eases’ in our lives.
The purpose of the ‘Seven Helpers’ is to address chronically engraved negative vibrational patterns in you which may be obscuring your primary personality type. For example, Gorse, one of the Seven Helper flower essences, is prescribed for states of hopelessness and despair, where one has given up the struggle of healing his long term illness. In this case, it may be difficult to see what the primary personality type of the individual may be, as true despair does not let a whole lot else show through – this real hopelessness may mask other personality traits or patterns.
Or it may be that the chronic state simply prevents progress on the healing path that could otherwise take place. Taking Vine essence as an example – An individual may clearly be in need of one of the Twelve Healers. Perhaps they live in fear and are in need of Mimulus, and clearing this fear would allow them to heal. However, their desire to dominate is so great that they do not have the will to work with these issues – in this case, it may be helpful to use Vine along with Mimulus to offer a more complete support from the flower essence therapy.
The Seven Helper remedies can certainly be administered individually as well, particularly if a specific flower remedy is strongly indicated. Dr. Bach had also written that if an individual is not responding to other essences, Wild Oat (one of the Seven) may be used: “If ever a case does not respond to treatment, give either Holly or Wild Oat, and it will be obvious which of the other remedies may be required. In all cases where the patient is of the active, intense type, give Holly. In patients who are of the weak, despondent type, give Wild Oat.”
The ‘Twelve Healers’: Agrimony, Centaury, Cerato, Chicory, Clematis, Gentian, Impatiens, Mimulus, Rock Rose, Scleranthus, Vervain, Water Violet.
The ‘Seven Helpers’: Gorse, Heather, Oak, Olive, Rock Water, Vine, Wild Oat.
The ‘Second 19’: Aspen, Beech, Cherry Plum, Chestnut Bud, Crab Apple, Elm, Holly, Honeysuckle, Hornbeam, Larch, Mustard, Pine, Red Chestnut, Star of Bethlehem, Sweet Chestnut, Walnut, White Chestnut, Wild Rose, Willow.
How to identify your flower essence?
Identifying the Bach Flower Remedies that will be the most beneficial, either for you or someone else, is a simple process of self-reflection and observation. Remember that no matter what the issue, you are simply looking for the remedies that will help you bring greater balance to how you think and feel.
You should first start by looking at how you react to the issue or situation that you would like support with, then review your general reaction to the events and situations of your life, to identify any general trends or patterns in the way that you think and feel. For example, perhaps certain people, situations or events trigger a fearful reaction, or possibly guilt, anger or a lack of confidence. Some people face the world with feelings of hopelessness, doubt or judgement, while others struggle to find balance in their relationships with those around them.
Based on this core personality issue, you can choose your Bach flower remedy from the 38 essences put across by Dr. Edward Bach.
“Seek the outstanding mental conflict in the person, give him the remedy that will overcome that conflict and all the hope and encouragement you can, then the virtue within him will, itself do all the rest.” – Dr. Edward Bach
Utility Of Bach Flower Remedies –
Disease is caused by obstruction of the free flowing vital force throughout the four levels of existence: Spiritual, Emotional, Mental/Intellectual and Physical. If this obstruction is allowed to continue, then disease can progress into all levels. So to truly restore harmony, treatment will need to occur on each level. The cause of the illness must be treated, not just symptoms. As Dr. Edward Bach has rightly said, “Treat the patient’s personality, not his disease”, the main crux of the cause of disease in any individual is the derangement of his personality and inner emotional sphere and hence in order to treat the individual, his emotional core should be at peace and in harmony.
Dr. Edward Bach describes the flower essences to be the true soul healers and has stated that, “They are able, like beautiful music, or any gloriously uplifting thing which gives us inspiration, to raise our very natures, and bring us nearer to our Souls: and by that very act bring us peace and relieve our sufferings.”
Bach flower remedies help to give clarity to one’s life, as well as courage, strength and commitment to follow and pursue one’s goals and dreams. They help develop a higher level of intuition, self esteem, spirituality, creativity and fun. The more you use these remedies, the more you are likely to experience greater awareness and happiness in your life.
The effect of these remedies has been described as similar to that of meditation, in that they enable the person to access the wisdom of the Higher Self. They help release negative beliefs that are stuck in the subconscious mind and allow the positive qualities, such as love, joy, faith, courage etc to enter into your presence and surroundings. When this happens, the negative beliefs and thoughts are dissolved, balance is restored and true healing occurs.
Bach Flower Remedies work on subtle levels. They gently help to release the blocked energies held within our body, mind and emotions. Harmony and balance in our body with the mind and soul can thus be attained with the help of these vibrational remedies.
Bach Flower Remedies can be taken by anyone, safely and without fear of side effects, overdosing or addiction. While they are not intended to replace medical treatment where necessary, they can be used in coordination with, and to complement, any other form of medicine. Since flower remedies work on a higher vibrational frequency they will not interfere with other forms of treatment. Animals and plants will also benefit greatly. No harm comes from choosing the wrong remedy as it will cancel itself out if not needed.
“And may we ever have gratitude in hearts that the great Creator in all His glory has placed the herbs in the field for our healing.” – Dr. Edward Bach
In brief about each Bach flower remedy –
- Aspen – Inexplicable, vague and groundless fear.
- Cherry Plum – Fear of losing one’s mind. Fear of being insane.
- Red chestnut – Excessive concern and irrational fear for others. Anxiety3+ for others.
- Mimulus – Specific fears that can be named.
- Rock rose – Extreme acute state of fear. Panic attacks.
- Heather – Self centered, constantly needs attention.
- Impatiens – Impatient, excessive reaction, irritability.
- Water violet – Feeling of superiority and pride.
- Beech – Increased understanding of beauty and perfection. Wants to integrate such high standards to life of others.
- Chicory – Possessive attitude, demanding support from others. Interfering and manipulative.
- Rock Water – Strict and rigid views. Hard on themselves.
- Vervain – Over enthusiastic, wants to carry others along.
- Vine – Dominating, inflexible, striving for power.
- Gentian – Skeptical, doubting, pessimistic, easily discouraged.
- Gorse – Despair, “Oh! What’s the use?” attitude. Doesn’t want to try again.
- Horn beam – Temp/permanent mental exhaustion. Tired, mental block, lack of energy.
- Scleranthus – Erratic, indecisive, imbalance, fluctuation of moods.
- Wild oat – Dissatisfaction as one’s mission in life is not found.
- Cerato – Indecisive with distrust in one’s own judgement. Needs approval of others.
- Clematis – DAY DREAMER. Little attention to present.
- Chestnut bud – Repeats same mistakes again and again. Slow to learn from life.
- Honey suckle – Longing for past. Regrets over past. Not living in present.
- White chestnut – Unwanted thoughts keep coming in mind. Constant mental chatter.
- Olive – Mental exhaustion temporary or prolonged.
- Wild rose – Apathy, lack of interest and ambition. Accepts the fate.
- Mustard – Periods of melancholy suddenly appear and disappear, for no apparent cause.
- Argimony – Attempts to conceal torturing though and inner restlessness behind a facade cheerfulness and freedom from care.
- Centaury – Weak willed over reaction to wishes of others, can’t say no.
- Holly – Easily vexed state due to jealousy and envy at all levels.
- Walnut – Difficulties in adjusting transient periods of life. Wants to resist powerful influences and follow one’s own true ambition.
- Crab apple – Over emphasis on principle of purity for soul, spirit and body.
- Elm – Temporary feeling of inadequacy, overwhelmed by responsibilities.
- Larch – Lack of self confidence, inferiority complex.
- Oak – Over dutiful, fighter, exhausted and brought to his knees. Overwork –> depression.
- Pine – Self reproach. Guilt feeling.
- Star of Bethlehem – Sad, following a bad news or shocking event.
- Sweet chestnut – Feeling of absolute dejection, thinks one has reached the limit of endurance.
- Willow – Unspoken resentment, bitterness.
