Bach flower remedies
Suitable cases
Because these remedies are not prescribed for any physical complaint, (their aim being to deal with causative factors), they are recommended for people with underlying emotional problems which may be found to relate to physical symptoms.
Bach's flower remedies
Dr Bach divided his 38 remedies into seven groups to cover all the known negative states of mind. Each flower is used to treat a different state of mind as listed below.
Group Name |
Flower Remedy |
Negative Aspect Treated |
| DESPONDENCY AND DESPAIR | Crab Apple |
Feeling unclean in mind and body, self-dislike |
Elm |
Temporary feeling of being overwhelmed by responsiblity | |
Larch |
Lack of confidence, anticipation and fear of failure preventing action, inferiority. | |
Oak |
Despondency through lack of progress, plodding and struggling agianst all odds | |
Pine |
Feelings of guilt, self-reproachfullness, feeling unworthy, taking the blame for other people's mistakes | |
Star of Bethlehem |
All forms of shock and sorrow - physical, mental and emotional | |
Sweet Chestnut |
Extreme anguish and desolation (not suicidal) | |
Willow |
Resentment and bitterness | |
FEAR |
Aspen |
Fear of the unknown, anxiety and apprehension |
Cherry Plum |
Fear of nental collapse and uncontrolled temper | |
Mimulus |
Fear of known things, shyness | |
Red Chestnut |
Excessive fear or anxiety and apprehension | |
Rock Rose |
Terror, extreme fear or panic | |
LACK OF INTEREST IN THE PRESENT |
Clematis |
Daydreaming and indifference, inattention and escapism |
Honeysuckle |
Living in the past and holding on to it, homesickness | |
Wild Rose |
Resignation and apathy | |
LONELINESS |
Heather |
Feeling too concerned for yourself, dislike of being alone, being a poor listener |
Impatiens |
Impatience and irritability | |
Water Violet |
Pride, reservedness, enjoying being alone, feeling superior or aloof | |
OVER-CARE FOR THE WELFARE OF OTHERS |
Beech |
Intolerance, arrogance and being critical of others |
Chestnut Bud |
Being slow to learn life's lessons, continually repeating same mistakes | |
Chicory |
Possessiveness, self-pity, craving attention | |
Mustard |
Deep depression, gloom and melancholia all for no apparent reason | |
Olive |
Exhaustion following stress and suffering mental fatigue | |
Rock Water |
Self-denial, self-repression and martyrdom in pursuit of an ideal | |
Vervain |
Over-enthusiasm causing strain and tension, stress, being highly strung and incensed by injustices | |
Vine |
Feeling of domination, being inflexible, ruthlessness and craving power | |
White Chestnut |
Persistant, unwanted worrying thoughts, mental arguments | |
OVER-SENSITIVITY |
Agrimony |
Anxiety and mental torment hidden behind a brave face |
Centaury |
Weak will, overanxious to please, "doormat" tendency, easily exploited | |
Holly |
Jealousy, hatred and suspicion | |
Walnut |
Major changes in life (for example, puberty and menopause) over-sensitivity to strong outside influences | |
UNCERTAINTY |
Clematis |
Self-distrust, foolishness, repeated seeking of advice |
Gentian |
Depression from a known cause, doubt o and pessimism | |
Gorse |
Hopelessness and despair | |
Hornbeam |
Doubt of own strength to cope, tiredness and the "Monday morning feeling" | |
Scleranthus |
Indecision, procrastination and imbalance | |
Wild Oat |
Dissatisfaction and lack of direction |