Bach Flower Remedies

Prepared from the flowers of wild plants, bushes, and trees, the Bach Flower Remedies do not directly treat physical disease, but help stabilize the emotional and psychological stresses reflecting the root cause. The stress factors include such things as fear, loneliness, worry, jealousy, and insecurity. Carried to the extreme, these emotions lower the body's natural resistance to disease. By assisting the integration of emotional, psychological, and physiological patterns, the remedies produce a soothing, calming effect, thereby allowing the body to heal itself.

These flower remedies are simple to use, and relatively inexpensive; moreover, they have reportedly been shown to be consistently effective when chosen correctly.

All thirty-eight of the Bach Flower Remedies have been included in the Supplement to the Eighth Edition of the Homoeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States, and are officially recognized as homoeopathic medications.

Most widely known of all the Bach remedies is the Rescue Remedy, a combination of five of the Bach flowers. Rescue Remedy is the emergency first aid remedy. It is extremely useful in many situations and generally works very quickly.

Though Rescue Remedy is called for in diverse circumstances, it is not a panacea or a replacement for orthodox medical care. It is used during minor stressful periods to develop emotional and psychological equilibrium, and during crisis situations, to ease emotional and psychological stress before and during emergency medical treatment. Many medical doctors, homoeopaths, other physicians and health care professionals throughout the world, carry the Rescue Remedy in their emergency kits or on their person for use in such circumstances.

Since 1936, the thirty-eight flower remedies discovered by Dr. Bach have been used to restore emotional and psychological equilibrium to individuals during periods of both mild and intense stress. Within his system, Bach classified the following seven major emotional and psychological states:

• FEAR
• UNCERTAINTY
• INSUFFICIENT INTEREST IN PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES
• LONELINESS
• OVERSENSITIVE TO INFLUENCES AND IDEAS
• DESPONDENCY OR DESPAIR
• OVERCARE FOR THE WELFARE OF OTHERS

Within every classification, he described their variations.
The following is a brief summary of all the thirty-eight Bach Flower Remedies and their uses. These are listed within their appropriate categories. This list is not intended as a definitive explanation of all the Bach remedies and their uses.

FEAR

• Rock Rose (Helianthemum nummularium) for extreme terror, panic, hysteria, fright, and nightmares.
• Mimulus (Mimulus guttatus) for known fears; for example, fear of heights, pain, darkness, poverty, death, being alone, of other people, etc. Also for timidity and shyness.
• Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera) for fear of losing mental and physical control; inclination to uncontrollable rages and impulses, with fear of causing harm to oneself or others, for example suicidal tendencies or losing one's temper.
• Aspen (Populus tremula) for vague fears and anxieties of unknown origin, a sense of foreboding, apprehension, or impending disaster.
• Red Chestnut (Aesculus carnea) for excessive fear or over concern for others-especially loved ones, for example; over concern during their illness, automobile trips, etc., always anticipating that something unfortunate may happen to them.

UNCERTAINTY

• Cerato (Ceratostigma willmottianum) for those who doubt their own ability to judge and make decisions. They are constantly seeking others advice and are often misguided.
• Scleranthus (Scleranthus annuus) for those who are indecisive, being unable to decide between two choices, first one seeming right then the other. They may also be subject to energy or mood swings.
• Gentian (Gentianella amarella) for those easily discouraged, in whom even small delays may cause hesitation, despondency and self-doubt.
• Gorse (Ulex europaeus) for feelings of despair, hopelessness, and futility.
• Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) for that Monday-morning feeling of not being able to face the day; for tiredness and a tendency towards procrastination; for those who feel that some part of their bodies or minds need strengthening.
• Wild Oat (Bromus ramosus) for those dissatisfied in their current career or life style, their difficulty however, is in determining exactly what career to follow.

INSUFFICIENT INTEREST IN PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES

• Clematis (Clematis vitalba) for those who tend toward escapism living more in the future than in the present; for lack of concentration, daydreaming, lack of interest in present circumstances, and spaciness.
• Honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium) for those dwelling too much in the past, reminiscing about the "good old days;" nostalgia, and homesickness.
• Wild Rose (Rosa canina) for those who are apathetic and have resigned themselves to their circumstances, making little effort to improve things or to find joy.
• Olive (Olea europaea) for total mental and physical exhaustion and weariness; for sapped vitality from a long illness or personal ordeal.
• White Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) for persistent, unwanted thoughts, mental arguments, or preoccupation with some worry or episode.
• Mustard (Sinapis arvensis) for deep gloom that comes on for no apparent reason, bringing sudden melancholy and heavy sadness.
• Chestnut Bud (Aesculus hippocastanum) for those who fail to learn from experience, continually repeating the same patterns and mistakes.

LONELINESS

• Water Violet (Hottonia palustris) for those whose preference is to be alone; seemingly aloof, proud, reserved, self-reliant, sometimes 'superior' in attitude. Capable and reliable they will advise, but not get 'personally' involved in others affairs.
• Impatiens (Impatiens glandulifera) for those quick in thought and action but often impatient, especially with those who are slower than they; for those who show irritability through lack of patience.
• Heather (Calluna vulgaris) for those talkative persons who constantly seek the companionship of anyone who will listen to their troubles. They are self-absorbed, generally poor listeners, and have difficulty being alone for any length of time.

OVERSENSITIVE TO INFLUENCES AND IDEAS

• Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) for those not wishing to burden others with their troubles, covering up their suffering with a cheerful facade; they often seek escape from pain and worry through the use of medications or alcohol.
• Centaury (Centaurium umbellatum) for those who have difficulty in saying no, often becoming subservient in their desire to serve others; anxious to please they can be easily exploited, neglecting their own interests.
• Walnut (Juglans regia) for stabilizing emotions during periods of transition, such as teething, puberty, adolescence, and menopause; for breaking past links and adjusting to new beginnings, such as new jobs, adjusting to new residence, cultures, or even relationships.
• Holly (Ilex aquifolium) for negative feelings such as envy, jealousy, suspicion, revenge, and hatred; for all states showing a need for more love.

DESPONDENCY OR DESPAIR

• Larch (Larix decidua) for those who, despite being capable, lack self-confidence. Anticipating failure, they often do not make a real effort to succeed.
• Pine (Pinus sylvestris) for those not satisfied with their own efforts, who are self-reproachful and suffer much from guilt and the faults they attach to themselves, feeling they should or could have done better. They are often quick to blame themselves for the mistakes of others.
• Elm (Ulmus procera) for those who over extend themselves and become overwhelmed and burdened by their responsibilities.
• Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa) for those who feel they have reached the limits of their endurance; for dark despair, when the anguish seems to be unbearable.
• Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) for mental and emotional stress during and following such traumatic experiences as grief, loss and accidents.
• Willow (Salix vitellina) for those who have suffered from some misfortune or circumstance they feel was unjust or unfair. As a result, they become resentful and bitter toward others.
• Oak (Quercus robur) for those who despite illness and adversity never give up. They are brave and determined to overcome all obstacles in order to reach their intended goal.
• Crab Apple (Malus pumila) for feelings of shame, uncleanliness, or fear of contamination; for poor self-image, particularly as it relates to parts of or growths on the body. Will assist in detoxification and the cleansing of wounds, both internal and external.

OVERCARE FOR THE WELFARE OF OTHERS

• Chicory (Cichorium intybus) for those who are overfull of care and possessive of those close to them; they can be demanding and self-pitying, with a need for others to conform to their ideals.
• Vervain (Verbena officinalis) for those who have strong opinions, always teaching and philosophizing. They are easily incensed by injustices, and when taken to the extreme can be overenthusiastic, argumentative, and overbearing.
• Vine (Vitis vinifera) for those who are strong-willed leaders in their own right. However, when carried to extremes, they can become autocratic, dictatorial, ruthless, and dominating.
• Beech (Fagus sylvatica) for those who, while desiring perfection, easily find fault with people and things. Critical and intolerant at times, they may fail to see the good within others, overreacting to small annoyances or other people's idiosyncrasies.
• Rock Water (Aqua petra) for those who are strict and rigid with themselves in their daily living. They are hard masters to themselves, struggling toward some ideal or to set an example for others. This would include strict adherence to a life style or to religious, personal, or social disciplines.

Preparing flower essences

When Dr Bach set out to make an essence he prepared himself beforehand so that he was in a receptive and harmonious state. Then he was able to work with the healing forces of nature that were to be brought into focus in the remedy. Making a flower remedy calls for our best endeavor in all respects whatever way we choose to approach the process for ourselves. The more we strive to understand what is involved the better we shall be able to see what exactly is appropriate. Having found, on a previous occasion, a place where the plants or trees grow particularly well, we should choose a fine day for making the remedy and have everything ready. Secateurs and scissors may be required or another chosen cutting implement. Whether the remedy is made by the sun method or whether it is a 'boiler', the jugs, bottles, water and brandy must all be prepared before we start.

The Flowers

It is important to choose a location where these are growing naturally. Whenever possible they should be in the wild, in a place where they are not interfered with by animals or people, and where the earth forces are strong and unpolluted by motorways, power stations and the like. It is apparent that many of the remedy trees and plants no longer grow in the same clear and healthy conditions that existed in Bach's time. There are physical and metaphysical forces that have weakened and distorted the land and the flowers. Where the natural balance has been maintained there the remedy will be strongest. With those trees and shrubs that are likely to have been planted, such as Red Chestnut, Walnut or Cerato we can find a place where the estate, farm or garden is sensitively cared for. When preparing a remedy use only those flowers that are in perfect bloom and select from several different plants or trees at the same location. Make doubly sure that this is the correct flower.

Equipment

A jug and funnel will be needed, the glass bowl or saucepan (according to which method is being used) and a bottle for storing the essence. These all need to be completely clean. They should be sterilized by boiling for twenty minutes in a large saucepan, wiped dry and wrapped in a clean cloth. A bottle of the purest water available is required (not distilled water) and a quantity of pure brandy to preserve the essence. Filter papers will be needed to strain the essences prepared by boiling.

Sun Method

Start making the essence before nine o'clock in the morning on a clear, bright, sunny day when there are no clouds in the sky. Take a thin glass bowl about 300ml or half pint size (not the oven-proof type) and fill it with pure water, preferably from a local spring. Pick the blooms from the plant and float them immediately on to the water. It may help if someone holds the bowl beneath the flower stems; alternatively carry the flowers on a broad leaf to avoid any contact with the hand. Cover the surface of the bowl and then top up the water if necessary. Leave it in the sunshine alongside the remedy plants for three to four hours, or less if the blooms show signs of hiding. If the sun becomes clouded during this time the remedy should be abandoned. Avoid letting shadows fall across the bowl, whether your own or from plants and grasses. When they have given up their healing strength the flowers should be lifted out from the bowl using a twig of the plant rather than fingers. The essence is then poured into a clean, empty bottle so that an equal volume of brandy may be added as a preservative. It may be easiest to use the brandy bottle itself since it should be sterile, mixing the brandy half and half with the essence. It is up to you how much essence you choose to keep. When the remedy has been prepared you will sense the vitality and see that the water has been subtly changed.

Boiling Method

Make the remedy on a bright day, picking the flowers before nine o'clock in the morning. Take a clean enamel saucepan (aluminum should be avoided, stainless steel could be used but enamel is best), and three-quarters fill it with the flowers and stems. These need to be about 15cm long depending on the width of the pan. Put the lid on and take the saucepan home without delay. Then cover the flowers and twigs with two pints (1.13 liters) of pure water and put the saucepan on to boil, without the lid on. Simmer for thirty minutes using a twig of the plant to press the contents down if necessary. When the time is up, replace the lid and put the pan outside to cool. When it is cold the essence should be filtered. It may be helpful to remove the twigs first, again using a piece of the plant and not fingers. After filtering pour the essence into a bottle half and half with brandy. The boiling method prepares a large volume of essence and not all of it need be kept. It is interesting to taste a glassful on its own. The saucepan must be thoroughly cleaned and then boiled, along with the other utensils, and stored for future use.

Essence: Stock: Medicine

When the essence is prepared and bottled it should be labeled. Provided it is kept free from physical and metaphysical interference it will retain its potency. Stock may be prepared by putting two drops of essence into a small (30ml) bottle filled with pure brandy. From such stock a chosen combination of remedies may be made up to medicine strength by placing two drops of each stock into a small bottle of water and brandy. Dosage is then four drops of this four times a day. Alternatively the two drops of stock may be put into a glass of water and sipped.
It is worth remembering that one small bowl of essence prepared by the sun method will supply enough of the remedy stock for thousands of people. The sum is revealing: a small glass bowl containing 300ml (half a pint) will contain approximately 3,600 drops. With the brandy this will make 7,200 drops of the essence. It takes two drops of this essence to potentize a 30ml stock bottle of brandy. So the essence will prepare about 3,600 bottles of stock. Each 30ml bottle of stock can prepare 180 bottles of medicine strength remedy. So we could obtain more than half a million bottles at the treatment strength (each bottle being sufficient for one person for three weeks) from the one rather small bowl of essence. This is really low cost medicine.

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