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Star of Bethlehem

Ornitholagum umbellatum

Star of Bethlehem is a perennial bulb of the lily family. When in flower it has a stem and leaves of about 10-15cm. The leaves are slender and pointed, growing from the bulb, dark green with a white central vein. The flowers are held in an umbel-a head of between six and ten separately stemmed flowers-each flower (30mm across) having six petals. These are bright white with a dark green stripe on the back; this is due to their dual function as sepals forming a green bud before opening. Within the six petals is a central coronet of six stamens, very pronounced, raised on white stalks surrounding a central dome. The flowers are displayed to gain maximum light and open fully only in bright sunshine. The plant is easily recognized though some of its relatives might mislead: ramsons, wild garlic, for instance has a broad leaf and a flower head of plain white stars, while others have a distinctly different structure.

Flowering Period

Star of Bethlehem flowers from April to June.

Preparation

Star of Bethlehem is prepared by the boiling method. Find a place where the plant is prolific and pick the flower heads complete. The flowers should be open so a bright, clear morning is required.

Uses

Shock.

Dr Bach described Star of Bethlehem as 'the comforter of pains and sorrows'. This is the remedy to give to those who are suffering the effects of a shocking event or accident, and to those who have received distressing news.

Any animal who has suffered shock or distress can be given Star of Bethlehem. It is one of the ingredients of Rescue Remedy which is often more readily to hand in times of crisis and may therefore be used instead. Ongoing distress, however, such as that which surrounds grief, would be more suitably assisted by the independent use of Star of Bethlehem.

Star of Bethlehem is not just for shocks that have just happened, either. Many people find it is of great benefit to animals that have suffered shocks and trauma and mistreatment in the past. For this reason many animal shelters and rescue homes use this remedy (or Rescue Remedy) on a daily basis.

The 38 Bach Flower Remedies

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