Bach Flower Remedies
Clematis

Clematis vitalba

Clematis is a woody perennial growing stems as long as 30m which hang from trees like jungle vines. The pinnate leaves are pointed (15-20 cm) in opposite pairs on long twisting stalks that serve to entwine branches and provide support since there are no tendrils. Although totally unrelated the white or black bryony could be mistaken for clematis since they also straggle through the hedges, but even a cursory examination will point out the distinction: their leaves are single, the flowers are ranged along a stem and they both form red berries. The creamy white flowers of clematis are four-petalled (or more properly, sepalled) with numerous very prominent stamens that give a tufted appearance. In autumn the wispy seed heads form the characteristic 'Old Man's Beard'.

Flowering Period

Clematis flowers from July through to September.

Preparation

Clematis is prepared by the sun method. Pick the separate flowers by the stalk from several different plants in a place where clematis is growing strongly. Care should be taken to choose flowers in perfect bloom: this will be apparent by the scent and the pollen on the stamens.

Uses

Daydreaming, mental escapism.

People of the Clematis type appear to be in a world of their own. In conversation you might suddenly realize they are not listening to what you have to say - their minds have wandered and become absorbed by some fantasy adventure or pleasant thoughts of some wished-for future happening. They tend to be drowsy individuals who can fall asleep almost anywhere and at any time. They may find it difficult to concentrate, perhaps reading the same page of a book again and again because their minds drift, so that they awake to find themselves thinking of something else entirely. This is also the remedy indicated for the numb, bemused state of mind which precipitates or follows a fainting attack.

In animals the same indications apply. You may notice that your companion is unusually (or maybe usually) distant. For example, there may be a vacant look in the eyes, which seem to be staring at nothing. Animals who seem to sleep all the time or have trouble paying attention or those who seem, for whatever reason, to live more in a dream than in the present -all these might benefit from Clematis.

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