Bach's Flower Remedies
History
Bach remedies are named after their originator, an English physician,
Dr. Edward Bach (1880-1936). He discovered the healing properties of
different plants and the type of illnesses they can cure. Although an
orthodox doctor in his Harley Street practice, Dr Bach also had an
interest in homoeopathy. In 1930 he gave up his practice and moved to
Wales where he could continue to search for, and study healing plants.
He believed that dew on flowers was somehow impregnated with their
medicinal properties. Collecting the dew soon became a problem, as he
could not collect as much as he needed. After experimenting he found
that floating freshly picked flowers on clear spring water in sunlight
could produce the same result as dew. This enabled him to bottle and
sell his remedies. It is this method of production, which is still used
today.
How do They Work?
The principle behind Bach remedies is holistic. It is believed that
every illness occurs because of an inner imbalance. Dr Bach's theory
was that by working on this inner imbalance and healing a patient's
anxiety, depression, bitterness or resentment, then the physical
symptoms associated with the problem would disappear.
"Disease is in essence the result of conflict between soul and min-
so long as our souls and personalities are in harmony all is joy and
peace, happiness and health. It is when our personalities are led
astray from the path laid down by the soul, either by our own worldly
desires, or by the persuasion of others, that a conflict arises."
Dr. Edward Bach
Who Can They Help?
The remedies are chosen according to psychological and emotional
symptoms. They can also help physical ailments. It is said that
anyone can benefit from them and that they are safe providing
orthodox treatment is not ignored if it is necessary.
Using Bach Remedies
Dr Bach intended the remedies to be simple enough for anyone to use.
When choosing the remedies a patient should try to examine as honestly
as possible their mental and emotional state, their personality,
attitudes and behaviours. It is advised that the patient should not
use more than five remedies at a time. Finding the right remedies may
be difficult, the patient may wish to visit a therapist for advice, or
experiment with the remedies until they find those which help.
Bach remedies come in a concentrated form that must be diluted with
spring water. The concentrated remedies last indefinitely if kept in a
cool dark place. Once diluted they need to be used within about three
weeks. They can be bought from health food and natural medicine shops.
An Orthodox View
Psychotherapists believe the remedies are of use because they encourage
people to think about their mental and emotional state. Self-awareness
can help the healing process.
Chemical analysis of the remedies shows only spring water and alcohol,
therefore scientists cannot explain how the remedies work. In defence
of the remedies it could be said that scientific research may not yet
be sophisticated enough to measure their healing properties. Bach had
begun to explain and justify his remedies just before he dies. He had
claimed that they worked not because of their chemical composition but
because they worked in harmony with bodily vibrations. Some radionics
techniques show that there is a distinctive energy field around the
remedies.
From many personal accounts and case studies it can be testified that
these remedies can be effective.
Following is a list of the 38 available Bach Flower Remedies.
Agrimony - Those who hide worries behind a cheerful face
Aspen - Apprehension for no known reason
Beech - Critical and intolerant of others
Centaury - Weak willed; easily exploited or imposed upon.
Cerato- Those who doubt their own judgement, seek confirmation from
others
Cherry Plum - Tension, fear, uncontrolled or irrational thoughts
Chestnut bud- Refuses to learn by experience, continually repeats same
mistakes.
Chicory - Possessive (self-cantered), clinging, overprotective,
especially to loved ones
Clematis - Inattentive, dreamy, absent-minded, escapist.
Crab apple - The cleanser, for self-disgust, prudishness, or shame at
ailments
Elm - Feelings of inadequacy, over whelming responsibility
Genetian - Despondency
Gorse - Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, defeatism
Heather - Talkative (obsessed with own troubles and experiences).
Holly - Hatred, envy, jealousy, suspicion.
Honeysuckle - Living in the past, nostalgia, and homesickness.
Hornbeam - Monday morning feeling, mental fatigue, procrastination
Impatiens - Impatience, irritability.
Larch - lack of self-confidence, feelings of inferiority, fear of
failure
Mimilus- Fear of known things. Shyness, timidity
Mustard - Dark cloud that descends, feeling sad and low for no known
reason
Oak - Naturally strong/courageous, but no longer able to struggle
bravely against illness or adversity
Olive- Exhaustion, feeling drained of energy by long-standing problems
Pine - Guilt, blaming oneself even for the mistakes of others.
Always apologising
Red Chestnut - Obsessed by care and concern for others.
Rock Rose - suddenly alarmed, scared, panicky.
Rock water - Rigid-minded, self-denying
Scleranthus - For those with uncertainty/indecision/vacillation,
fluctuating moods.
Star of Bethlehem - For all the effects of serious news, or fright
following an accident, shock and grief.
Sweet chestnut - Utter dejection, bleak out-look, despair
Vervain - For those with over-enthusiasm, fanatical beliefs.
Vine - Dominating, inflexible, tyrannical, autocratic, and arrogant.
Usually good leaders.
Walnut - Assists in adjustment to transition or change, e.g. puberty,
menopause, divorce, new surroundings
Water violet - Proud, reserved, aloof; enjoys being alone.
White chestnut - Persistent unwanted thoughts.
Preoccupation with some worry or episode. Mental conflict.
Wild oat - Unsure of direction in life
Wild rose - Resignation, apathy
Willow - For those who are resentful, embittered, always thinking
'poor old me!'
Dr. Bach also combined five of the remedies - cherry plum, Clematis,
Impatiens, Rock rose and Star of Bethlehem - into an all-purpose
treatment he called Rescue Remedy. This can be used for shock, illness,
injury or trauma.
SOURCE(S)
Bach's Flower Remedies
by Anne Stone
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What a long, strange trip it's been...
Jerry Garcia {1942-95}
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Green Witch Garden
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