Bach Flower Remedies

Bach Flower Remedies are powerful yet gentle healing tools that can catalyse the resolution of deep emotional imbal­ances, as can homeopathy. Where they differ from homeopathy is firstly that being a complete system of only 38 remedies and one combination there is far less choice than faces the homeopath, even for an acute prescription. Second, there seems to be no possibility of a “proving” – that is an adverse effect of creating the medicine picture in a patient by taking a homeopathic medicine day in day out for a period of time – Bach remedies are not potentised sequentially by succussion, merely by the sun or by boiling, and then a one step dilution to stock essence, and one further to treat­ment bottle. Aggravations can occur, but they are rare and short-lived. Third, Bach remedies do not appear to have direct effects on the physical body or physical symptoms, as can homeopathy. Instead, they work through the “men­tals and emotionals” – the more subtle aspects of a remedy picture. Bach categorised his remedies into the Twelve Healers, the Seven Helpers and the Second Nineteen.

Special Precautions of Bach Flower Remedies

If you're a recovering alcoholic or otherwise wish to avoid alcohol, you should be aware that Bach remedies contain diluted brandy. Individuals with emotional problems or serious medical conditions may be harmed if they substitute Bach flower remedies for conventional medical treatment or proven psychological approaches.

Health Benefits and uses of Bach Flower Remedies are

The Twelve Healers

The Twelve Healers are the type essences. They describe your essential nature or “remedy type” - for example how we behave when ill, what we are like under pressure, what qualities we admire or dislike in others. Essence descriptions will show you the relationship between your true nature and the core characteristics of the individual essence. The ‘Key Words’ are general headings which the Bach flower remedies treat. The ‘Themes’ are areas of the personality the remedies help to develop. ‘Use for’ referrers to areas of imbalance the remedies correct.

• Agrimony-(agrimonia eupatoria). Key Word: Truth. Themes:Honesty, authentic humor, openness. Use For: masked emotions/inner pain, escapism via addiction
• Centaury-(centaurium erythaea). Key Word: Dignity; Themes:boundaries, self esteem, self reliance Use for: weak personality, being taken advantage, trouble saying “No”
• Cerato-(ceratostigma willmottiana). Key Word: Instinct/knowledge; Themes: trusting self, connection with higher self, discernment; Use for discretion, being easily influenced
• Chicory-(chicorium intybus). Key Word: Love. Themes:fulfillment, radiant love, unconditional love; Use for possessiveness, heart ache, manipulative behavior
• Clematis-(clematis vitalba). Key Word: Integration. Themes: grounded present; Use for daydreaming, unable to manifest and ground
• Gentian-(gentiana amarella) Key Word:Hope. Themes: faith and trust in a positive outcome; Use for doubt, pessimism, despair
• Impatiens-(impatiens grandulifera). Key Word: Compassion. Themes: patience, tolerance, harmonious relationship with time; Use for: irritability, developing tolerance, patience
• Mimulus-(mimulus guttatus). Key Word: Fearlessness. Themes: confidence, bravery, security; Use for: fear of known things, timidity, shyness
• Rock Rose-(helianthemum nulmularium). Key Word: Assurance. Themes: calm strength, emotional steadiness; Use for: panic, stuck emotions of terror
• Scleranthus-(scleranthus annus). Key Word: Decisive. Themes: stability, balance, decisiveness, making a decision; Use for: indecisiveness, mood swings, trust in making decisions
• Vervain-(verbena officinalis). Key Word: Passion. Themes: enthusiasm, dynamic optimism; Use for: overly stressed, type A, high strung, righteous indignation
• Water Violet-(hottonia palustris). Key Word: Unity. Themes: gracefulness, quite, integration with group; Use for: feelings of loneliness, pride, isolation, superiority

The Seven Helpers

The Seven Helpers are the essences to be selected for long term emotional states like hopelessness or lack of direction. These are the support essences, most often used in combination with a Bach flower from the Twelve Healers.

• Olive – As stated earlier, Olive flower essence is indicated where great fatigue has set in. An individual may be pale, worn out and / or exhausted after excessive worry, illness, grief or other struggle. The individual perhaps feels they do not have the strength to continue; that both their physical energy source has been spent. The Olive remedy allows one to tap into a new source of light, helping one see and feel a rejuvenation that comes from establishing (or re-establishing) a connection to a universal energy. This connection may provide the impetus needed for change in other areas, or may be transformative in and of itself through helping on realize that the etheric ‘spirit’ body and the physical body are inseparable.
• Gorse – This flower essence is used where one has lost will due to discouragement, becoming hopeless and resigned to one’s condition. They have perhaps been giving too much energy to the negative possibilities, solidifying this outlook so no progress can be made. This remedy restores hope to such individuals, so they may be able to have a brighter outlook, perhaps more joy, when confronted with life’s challenges.
• Oak – The remedy for those committed to over-striving, regardless if that striving is having a positive result. Those in need of the Oak flower essence have great determination and strength, which can be true assets. However, at times it is crucial to balance this force with subtlety and grace. The individual may have even become resigned to the inevitable failure of their endeavor or succumbing to an illness, yet they continue with their efforts. Oak helps restore a balance, allowing one the freedom of letting up or resting when that is in fact what is required. An important essence in today’s hard-striving world.
• Vine – For those who see their way as the ‘right’ way or the only way, Vine essence allows an opening in one’s perception for other points of view. An individual in need of Vine may have a domineering personality, insisting that everyone else follow their lead, including health professionals. Such a point of view can lead to great stress when it is perceived do not share the same ideas, and that harm, or at least lack of healing, may come about. Vine essence may soften this selfish nature, assisting one to understand that other points of view may be entirely valid, and in fact, more complete than one’s own. This allows the individual to receive needed support, often a key component in any personal transformation.
• Heather – The Heather type appear self-obsessed, talking continually about their own situations and problems. Such persons are in fact truly lonely and often in great emotional pain. They may feel an emptiness or hunger, which they feed from the attention of others. This flower essence helps one make a connection to the Higher Self, finding peace and solace in the unity of all being. This realization helps one overcome the loneliness and disconnection they may feel, drawing on emotional self-sufficiency and true shared relationship with others for assistance.
• Rock Water – For those that are too hard on themselves. Being reflective and aware is one thing, to go so far as to limit one’s (and one’s friends and family) enjoyment of life is another. Flexibility and spontaneity are key components to the ‘life well lived’. Further, a rigidity in lifestyle can prevent one from finding joy, an important factor in healing from many illnesses. This essence is sometimes indicated for those beginning flower essence therapy or those who do not see results, as it may assist in opening the soul to the energies of the plant realm.
• Wild Oat – Health and happiness are very much connected with one’s ability to find one’s true vocation. Wandering through life feeling a lack of purpose can lead to distressed states, with addictions or despondency being possible results. Wild Oat flower essence may help align one with their true calling, so that both the individual and the greater environment can benefit. When one finds this sense of meaning, there is a strong inner light that can shine forth, supporting one’s own health, and the health of those around them.

The Second Nineteen

The Second Nineteen are the essences to be selected for emotional responses. They help us to develop greater inner strength and fortitude and bring out our best qualities. These (which complete the set of 38 Bach Remedies) relate to emotional states that result from life’s knocks and challenges. They include Holly, for jeal­ousy, envy, revenge, suspicion and greed (in full negative), bringing the quality of love, and Pine which brings self-esteem, relieving a feeling of guilt and self-blame.

• Aspen (Populus tremula) : Unreasoning fears
• Beech (Fagus sylvatica) : Critical
• Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera) : Loss of control
• Chestnut Bud (Aesculus hippocastanum) : Unable to learn from mistakes
• Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris) : Feeling unclean
• Elm (Ulmus procera) Overwhelmed
• Holly (Ilex aquifolium) Hatred and anger
• Honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium) Living in the past
• Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) Mental or physical tiredness
• Larch (Larix decidua) Loss of confidence
• Mustard (Sinapis arvensis) Depression
• Pine (Pinus sylvestris) Self-blame
• Red Chestnut (Aesculus carnea) Imagining the worst
• Star of Bethlehem (Ornitholagum umbellatum) Needing comfort from shock
• Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa) Utter desolation
• Walnut (Juglans regia) Unsettled during life change
• White Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) Mental congestion
• Wild Rose (Rosa canina) Apathy
• Willow (Salix vitellina) Resentment and self-pity

The Seven Emotional Groups

Dr Bach grouped the 38 flower remedies into seven emotional groups based around feelings such as loneliness, despair or uncertainty. Looking within each group, detailed essence properties will allow you to choose the right essence for your emotional response.

Five Flower, Exam and Rest

5 Flower ® Essence is the original combination essence. Dr Bach named this combination “rescue remedy” and it can be used in any kind of emergency or when we need immediate emotional help. Use it before or after moments of difficulty or any kind of upset. 5 flower® essence is the first point of call in times of change or transformation.

Exam Essence and Rest Essence are combination essences developed exclusively by Healingherbs Ltd. Use Exam Essence in times of challenge and Rest Essence when you need to relax and unwind.