Difference between revisions of "Bach Flower Remedies"

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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.

• For Those Who Have Fear :
  • Rock Rose: Helps when you experience fears, such as terror or fright that makes you feel frozen and unable to move or think clear.
  • Mimulus: Helps when you feel fear, the type of fear that you can put a name on such as fear of dogs, spiders, being alone, losing a job, illness etc. Also, fear of speaking freely of it to others or shyness.
  • Cherry Plum: For those who fear losing control of their thoughts and actions and doing things they know are bad for them or which they consider wrong. Teaches trust in one’s spontaneous wisdom and the courage to follow one’s path.
  • Aspen: Helps when you feel fearful without knowing why. The fear is vague and unexplainable and may haunt you day or night.
  • Red Chestnut: Helps when you find it difficult not to be anxious for other people, you are afraid that some unfortunate things may happen to your loved ones.
• For Those Who Suffer Uncertainty
  • Cerato: Helps trust your own judgment in decision-making.
  • Scleranthus: Helps when you have a hard time choosing between two things, such as Mexican or Chinese food, you simply can not decide which restaurant to go to.
  • Gentian: Helps when you get discouraged and depressed when things go wrong or when you are faced with even small delays or difficulty.
  • Gorse: Helps when you feel great hopelessness, and have given up belief that more can be done.
  • Hornbeam: Helps when you feel that you do not have sufficient amount of strength mentally or physically to carry the burden that life has placed on you.
  • Wild Oat: Helps when you are at a crossroad in life and are uncertain as to which direction to choose.
• Insufficient interest in present circumstances
  • Clematis: For those who find their lives unhappy and withdraw into fantasy worlds. They are ungrounded and indifferent to the details of everyday life. Teaches one to establish a bridge between the physical world and the world of ideas and may foster great creativity. Is also used to bring clarity and alertness to the present moment.
  • Honeysuckle: Helps you to let go of past experiences or events. Your thoughts are in the past rather in the present.
  • Wild Rose: Helps you to take responsibility for your own life and take a lively interest in life, work and the world in general.
  • Olive: Helps you regain energy, vitality and interest in life.
  • White Chestnut: Helps when your mind is cluttered with thoughts usually arguments, ideas, thoughts which you do not wish to have in your mind.
  • Mustard: Helps when you feel suddenly depressed without any reason. It feels like a cold dark cloud that destroys normal happiness and cheerfulness.
  • Chestnut Bud: Helps when you from making the same mistake over and over again. You do not take full advantage of observation and experiences and therefore it takes longer for you to learn a lesson.
• Loneliness
  • Water Violet: Helps you get a warmer relationship with other people. You love being alone, but often find yourself lonely.
  • Impatiens: For those who act and think quickly, and have no patience for what they see as the slowness of others. They often prefer to work alone. Teaches empathy and understanding of and patience with others. It is found to be fast-acting in alleviating an impatient attitude and lowering stress.
  • Heather: Helps when you are unhappy being alone for any length of time, you are always seeking the companionship and find it necessary to discuss your affairs with others, no matter who it may be.
• Over-sensitivity to influences and ideas
  • Agrimony: Helps you to communicate your real feelings and worries. You are the cheerful, humorous type that gets distressed by argument or quarrel. You often hide your feelings behind humor and you use alcohol or drugs in excess to stimulate yourself.
  • Centaury: Helps when you find it hard to say no, and therefore easily get imposed on. You often find yourself serving others, neglecting your own particulate mission in life.
  • Walnut: Helps you break free from old ties and at times of major life changes. It helps you move forward and make necessary changes in order to be happy. Walnut gives consistency and protection from outside influences.
  • Holly: Helps when you suffer from angry thoughts such as jealousy, envy, revenge and/or suspicion.
• Despondency or Despair
  • Larch: Helps you to regain self-esteem and confidence in yourself.
  • Pine: Helps when you feel guilt and self-reproach, often for other people’s mistakes or just anything that goes wrong. You are never content with your effort and results.
  • Elm: Helps when your responsibilities overwhelm you. You feel depressed and exhausted and may lose self-esteem.
  • Sweet Chestnut: Helps you at moments when the anguish is too great and seem to be unbearable. Your mind or body feels as if it has tolerated the uttermost limit of its endurance. It feels as there is nothing but destruction and annihilation left to face.
  • Star of Bethlehem: Helps when you experience trauma, serious news, loss of someone dear, the fright following an accident etc. The distress and unhappiness feels unbearable.
  • Willow: Helps when you have suffered adversity or misfortune and find it difficult to accept. You feel sorry for yourself and are grumble and sulky.
  • Oak: Helps when your inner strength wanes, usually because you are an over-achiever and will overwork and ignore your tiredness.
  • Crab Apple: Helps when you feel that there is something not quite clean about yourself. You may need to wash hands often, find things dirty without any reason, you may find yourself ugly although others find you very attractive. This is the cleansing Essence.
• Over-care for welfare of others
  • Chicory: Helps you to be less critical, opinionated and argumentative. You always find something about others that you believe should be put right.
  • Vervain: For strong-willed people who hold strong views. They put unnecessary effort into everything they undertake, your mind race ahead of events, you may suffer from lack of sleep due to an overactive mind.
  • Vine: Helps you respect other people’s views and ideas, you tend to try to persuade other people to do things your way.
  • Beech: Helps you be less critical toward other people and accept them as they are.
  • Rock Water: Helps when you expect too much of yourself.

Five Flower Essence

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. Most typically it is used to help with the mental levels of pain, suffering, and confusion which surround any crisis or emergency. It can be helpful for those who are assisting in a crisis or emergency, as well as those who are actually experiencing the distress or pain.

• Rock Rose - Helianthemum nummularium : Rock Rose is used for extreme conditions of terror or fear. Its role within the Five-Flower Formula is to bring stabilization and calm, particularly by helping to anchor light, or an inner force of sun-radiance, which typically darkens during extreme states of fear or panic.
• Clematis - Clematis vitalba : This plant exudes a quality of dreamy, floaty "other-worldliness", and is indicated for amorphous states of awareness which are lacking in clarity and fully awake consciousness. In the Five-Flower Formula, Clematis helps to draw one's consciousness back into the body and into present time during episodes of extreme stress, when one tends to lose connection with the physical body.
• Impatiens - Impatiens glandulifera : As its old folk name of Impatiens suggests, this flower essence is used to balance and soothe those who suffer from intense irritability, impulsivity, or hastiness. The Impatiens flower helps us to "breathe with" time, rather than to fight it. Thus we can understand its important role in the Five-Flower Formula, when extreme crisis or emergency often distorts our ability to remain calm and to flow with outer events.
• Cherry Plum - Prunus cerasifera : Cherry Plum is beneficial for states of extreme tension and fear of losing control. This over-straining and tightening of one's "psychic grip" on reality creates incredible stress. Like the pure white flowers themselves, the Cherry Plum brings a sense of inner peace and stillness to the Five Flower Formula, allowing us to ease the contraction felt in body and mind during times of panic and emergency.
• Star Of Bethlehem - Ornithogalum umbellatum : This is a significant remedy for various states of shock or trauma, which have distorted or diminished one's more radiant inner forces. In the Five-Flower Formula, the Star of Bethlehem helps us to regain deep composure, allowing us to learn from and master the situation at hand. Beyond the immediate recovery from shock and trauma, the Star of Bethlehem also points us to a deeper sense of acceptance and understanding of our experience.

Rest Essence

Is a combination essences developed exclusively by Healingherbs Ltd. Use Exam Essence in times of challenge and Rest Essence when you need to relax and unwind. ‘Rest’ encourages you to relax, unwind after a stressful day and helps secure a good night’s sleep. A dilute and ready to use formulation made from Healing Herb’s Bach flower remedy stock:

• Agrimony
• Cherry Plum
• Impatiens
• Vervain
• Walnut
• White Chestnut.

Exam Essence

EXAM is formulated to focus the mind and help concentration; calm nerves and provide confidence to establish the task ahead. with Healingherbs Bach flower remedies:

• Clematis
• Elm
• Gentian
• Larch
• White Chestnut

References

• http://www.bachflower.com/
• http://www.bachcentre.com/
• http://www.healingherbs.co.uk/