Bach Flower Remedies
Larch

Larix decidua

Larch is a characteristic tree of 30 m or more. Larch has a straight, tapering trunk with rough bark, the branches grow out at right angles from the trunk and droop in a curve, the tips pointing upwards. Leaves are in tufts of green needles. Flowers of both sexes are found on the same tree: females are red, males yellow. Egg-shaped cones remain on the branches from previous years. Many varieties of larch can be found. The Japanese larch L. kaempferi has only yellow flowers while the hybrid Dunkeld larch L. x eurolepis, which was developed to resist disease is more slender with twigs that are grey rather than straw yellow. It is a variable form with flowers ranging from purple to cream tinged in red. Dahurian, American and Western larch are also grown. But the Common Larch L. decidua, which Bach chose, is still the most usual form of mature tree outside of forestry areas.

Flowering Period

Larch flowers in late March and April.

Preparation

Larch is prepared by the boiling method. Twigs are picked from as many different trees as possible. Both male and female flowers are collected, with young leaves, on twigs about 15 cm long, so as to fit the saucepan.

Uses

Lack of self-confidence.

Larch is the remedy for people who do not believe they have the ability to do things. Because of this they hold back and miss out on much of what life has to offer. For example, they may not apply for a job because they do not think they will get it. They may not learn to drive because they believe they are bound to fail the driving test. In a classroom situation children of the Larch type would not volunteer the answer to a question because they are sure they will be wrong and look foolish. Larch people are self-conscious and retreat from anything which presents a challenge, even though they may (and probably do) have what it takes to succeed.

Larch animals also lack self-confidence and avoid situations where they might have to perform. Larch animals that are presented at shows may be subdued prior to the event, for example, or shy away when it is their turn, or walk into the arena head down and tail between the legs. Refusing relatively simple jumps may be a horse's way of dealing with lack of self-esteem - better to refuse to jump than to jump badly.

Another situation where the remedy might be helpful is when a cat is obliged to integrate into an existing feline social structure, and may feel daunted and unsure of itself because of this. And for the same reason animals that have been rescued from bad homes might also need this remedy to help them regain their confidence.

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