Introduction
A highly
popular form of complementary medicine are the Bach Flower Remedies. These were
devised by physician Dr Edward Bach in the 1930's. They are supposed to work on
a vibratory level - working on people's emotions and mood through their energetic
qualities. This article will look into greater depth at this form of
complementary medicine.There are plenty of books on Bach Flower remedies, as well as some informative websites. Some references to these are given at the bottom of the article.
Who was Edward Bach?
According
to The Bach Flower Remedies by Nora Weeks and Victor Bullen, p.4, Dr
Edward Bach was '...born in Moseley, Warwickshire in 1886, trained and qualified
at University College Hospital, London, gaining the Diploma of Public Health at
Cambridge in 1914. He then practised as consultant, bacteriologist and
homeopath for over sixteen years in London.
It was
during his medical training that he first came to the conclusion that sickness
and disease were not primarily due to physical causes, but to some deeper
disharmony within the sufferer himself. That distress of mind, such as fear,
worry, over-anxiety, impatience, so depletes the vitality of the individual
that the body loses its natural resistance to disease and is then an easy prey
to any infection, any form of illness.'
Though a spiritualist I know believes that the knowledge of the healing
qualities of what later became known as the 'Bach flower remedies' came to Bach
from the flowers themselves when he tuned into their energy, that explanation
for how the Bach Flower remedies came to be does not seem to be in any books
I've so far come across. However, the only reference for this concept is in Wikipedia
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Bach): 'Rather than being based on
medical research, using the scientific method, Bach's flower remedies were
intuitively derived and based on his perceived psychic connections to the
plants. If he felt a negative emotion, he would hold his hand over
different plants, and if one alleviated the emotion, he would ascribe the power
to heal that emotional problem to that plant. He believed that early morning sunlight
passing through dew-drops on flower petals transferred the healing power of the
flower onto the water, so he would collect the dew drops from the plants and
preserve the dew with an equal amount of brandy to produce a mother tincture
which would be further diluted before use. Later, he found that the amount of
dew he could collect was not sufficient, so he would suspend flowers in spring
water and allow the sun's rays to pass through them.'
Interestingly,
according to p.91 of Harvey's The New Encyclopedia of Flower Remedies,
'Julian Barnard and his then wife Martine also prepared a range of remedies
according to the dictates of Dr Edward Bach at their home on the edge of the
largest area of national park in Britain (Hertfordshire).' They originally set
up the Healingherbs company.
Making the Remedies
There are
two methods for making the Bach Flower remedies. Though it takes time and
commitment, it is possible for a layperson to create their own Bach flower
remedies, following instructions. However, particular remedies are made with a
particular method.
The Sun
Method - this involves picking the flowers (spiritualists will first ask the
plant or tree's permission to be picked)*, putting them into a glass bowl
filled with spring water, leaving in the sun for four or five hours, then the
flower is removed (and at this point, spiritualists will thank for the spirit
of the flower for its permission to be used for the remedy)*, before pouring
the water - which now has the essence of the flower in it - into, according to The
Healing Herbs of Edward Bach by Julian & Martine Barnard, p.20 '...a
clean, empty bottle...' with 'an equal volume of brandy' to the volume of
flower remedy water. It is commonly recommended that a dark-coloured glass
bottle be used, in order to prevent sunlight from perhaps damaging the flower
remedy inside.
For interest, an additional method for extracting the spiritual essence of the flower to be made into a flower remedy is the crystal method (see below).
The
Crystal Method - with the extent of the development of new, innovative flower
remedies, alternative ideas for how to extract the essence of the flower have
been developed. One of these methods is uses crystals (with a point). Although
not a method pioneered by Bach, it is a method used for other flower remedies.
It is like the Sun Method, except, instead, it involves a crystal point
(typically a quartz crystal, though not necessarily) placed by the plant with
the flower, next to a glass bowl of water. In this way, the flower or plant
part does NOT need to be picked, but, instead, the crystal extracts some of the
essence of the flower, and puts this into the water in the glass bowl.
In Clare G. Harvey's The New Encylopedia of Flower Remedies (2007), there
are numerous intriguing flower remedies which have been created using crystals
to extract the essence of the flower to make the flower remedy. Because they do
not form any of Bach's original flower essences, they are given a different
name to be called by, and are not the same remedies as those that fall under
the Bach Flower remedies.
For
example, the White Light Essences are a completely different kettle of
fish to the flower remedies discovered by Edward Bach. The White Light
Essences consist of different essences that consist of a more spiritual
element. One remedy is called the Devic Essence, whilst another is
termed the Fire Essence.
The Boiling Method - Pick the flower early in the morning and place in a saucepan filled with three-quarters water. Leave this to simmer for half an hour before turning off and leaving to cool. It is advised to use an enamel saucepan rather than an aluminium one. After that, take out the flower - ideally with a twig - then fill a clean glass bottle (which has brown glass) half with the mixture and half with brandy.
*Asking
permission to pick the flower (or leaf or twig) is part of the typical
procedure as developed by Bach. Giving thanks to the spirit of the flower is
also part of the package of the procedure before disposing of the
no-longer-needed plant part.
The 'Mother tincture'
The
'mother tincture' is a term commonly used in homeopathy books when describing
the process of making homeopathic remedies. In these, the medicine - which
might be, for example, from the hazel tree - is made. This original mixture is
termed the "mother tincture" and, from this, an extract is taken.
This extract is then diluted, perhaps preserved, then used. In this way, the
mother tincture can last a very long time, because a small sample is taken from
it and subsequently diluted and used as a homeopathic medicine.
The same idea is used for making Bach flower remedies. However, it is not
something that is elaborated in all the books on Bach flower remedies. Like
with homeopathic medicine, a mother tincture is made and, also like with
homeopathic medicine, a sample is taken and diluted. Note, however, that whilst
the sample taken from the mother tincture is diluted, it is not diluted as much
as with making homeopathic medicines. Indeed, with homeopathic medicine, an
extract might be taken and diluted, then it might be diluted again, and again,
and again. This is not the case with making Bach flower remedies.
The Bach Flower Remedies
There are
38 Bach Flower remedies. These are also available in combinations, the most
famous of which is the combination called Rescue Remedy.
In order
to determine what Bach flower is appropriate for a patient, dowsing or muscle
testing may be used.
The Bach
Flowers are divided into three groups: Twelve Healers, Seven Helpers and Second
Nineteen. According to Healingherbs pocket subscriber:
- The Twelve Healers consist of Agrimony, Centuary, Cerato, Chicory, Clematis, Gentian, Impatiens, Mimulus, Rock Rose, Scleranthus, Vervain and Water Violet.
- The Seven Helpers consist of Gorse, Heather, Oak, Olive, Rock Water, Vine and Wild Oat.
- The Second Nineteen consist of Aspen, Beech, Crab Apple, Chestnut Bud, Cherry Plum, Elm, Holly, Honeysuckle, Hornbeam, Larch, Mustard, Pine, Red Chestnut, Star of Bethlehem, Sweet Chestnut, Walnut, White Chestnut, Wild Rose and Willow.
Although
it is recommended to find out which flower remedy best suits an individual -
through dowsing or muscle-testing - generally speaking, a process of 'matching
up' is employed. Each Bach Flower remedy has 'positive traits' and 'negative
traits'. The positive traits are those that the flower remedy can instil into
the individual upon treatment, whilst the negative traits are the
characteristics exhibited by the individual during, or as a consequence of, or
supplement to, their illness.
Whilst
the Bach Flower remedies are not supposed to, or claimed to, heal serious
illnesses such as cancer, the Bach Flower remedies are intended to treat the
more psychological or emotional conditions such as shock, depression or
sadness. In the case of serious illness, they may be seen as helpful with
dealing with the negative emotional issues brought about by the illness - for example
depression. For whilst such emotions are natural to feel when one is seriously
ill, they may not be helpful and may, in fact, pose a major hindrance to their
body's natural healing process. In other words, the negative emotion may
contribute to the progression to the illness. In theory, therefore, the Bach
flower remedies may be seen as contributing the body's natural healing
process.
1.
Agrimony -
The key words for use of this
remedy, according to Dictionary of the Bach Flower Remedies by T.W. Hyne
Jones, p.6 are: 'Mental torture behind "brave face".' This remedy may
be seen to benefit people who are hiding themselves behind a façade, whilst
they are suffering from some torment or other in secret.
Furthermore,
the negative traits of this remedy are: 'Carefreeness masks mental torture - a
turbulent state of mind. Seeks excitement, the consequences of which can be
dangerous and may bring harm. Restlessness at night. Caused by churning
thoughts. [...] Dislikes being alone - may seek companionship in order to
escape from and forget worries. Under stress, can resort to alcohol or drugs in
order to dull mental torture.'
The
positive traits, meanwhile, are: 'Cheerful, carefree, a fine sense of humour,
without pretence. A good companion. Can laugh at his own worries. In illness,
makes light of discomfort, even pain. Distressed by quarrels and arguments.
Peace loving. A peacemaker. A genuine optimist.'
2.
Aspen
'For
irrational, vague, inexplicable fears of unknown origin; sudden apprehension,
fear of unseen power or force, of sleeping and dreams; headaches, sweating,
trembling, sudden faintness, sleep walking/talking, fatigue and anxiety. Brings
a sense of trust that we are safe and protected.' -p.92 of Clare G. Harvey's The
New Encylopedia of Flower Remedies. (Note: Though in some books the
positive and negative traits associated with a remedy are cited, in other
books, such as Harvey's, a general description or overview about the remedy is
given, not touching on the positive/negative characteristics at all.)
3. Beech
This is
suited to people who are overly critical, who may have pain in the upper chest
area, who may lack tolerance or sympathy.
4.
Centaury
For
people who have a tendency to try and please others, who may be quieter and
more timid, yet anxious to please.
5. Cerato
According
to http://www.bachcentre.com/centre/remedies.htm, Cerato is for those who have a
'lack of trust in one's own decisions'.
6. Cherry
Plum
According
to http://www.bachcentre.com/centre/38/cherrypl.htm Cherry Plum is '...one of the
remedies that Dr Bach grouped together under the heading Fear. The
Cherry Plum fear is very specific: it is the fear that one is going to lose
control of oneself and do something dreadful, such as injuring others or
harming oneself. Fears of going mad and of acting irrationally are Cherry Plum
states.
Cherry
Plum is also the remedy for a loss of control that has already taken place,
because of the frantic fear and dread associated with such situations. Think of
the fear a small child feels in the grip of a screaming, irrational tantrum:
this too is a Cherry Plum state.'
And,
furthermore (according to Dr Bach's description): is for when the 'Fear of the
mind [is] being over-strained, of reason giving way, of doing fearful and
dreaded things, not wished and known wrong, yet there comes the thought and
impulse to do them.'
7.
Chestnut Bud
http://www.healingherbs.co.uk/essences/essence/chestnut-bud#.VY_aGmNUbMY says (regarding the emotional
state the remedy is said to benefit): 'Those who fail to learn by experience
and go on repeating the same mistakes again and again. They may be impatient
and always thinking ahead and so fail to see what is happening, failing to base
their actions upon past experience. They may be careless, clumsy, slow in
learning, inattentive and as children even unresponsive to learning.
Additionally,
the "Indication"* says it is 'For those who do not take full
advantage of observation and experience, and who take a longer time than others
to learn the lessons of daily life. Whereas one experience would be enough for
some, such people find it necessary to have more, sometimes several, before the
lesson is learnt. Therefore, to their regret, they find themselves having to
make the same error on different occasions when once would have been enough, or
observation of others could have spared them even that one fault.
*This
refers to when a person exhibits the characteristics as listed in the quote;
the indication provides the information needed for making a decision as to
whether an individual should take the flower remedy. Again, not all books or
websites list the "indication", though it is much the same idea as
the "positive and negative traits" listed earlier.
8.
Chicory
The
website http://www.bachflower.org/chicory.htm states that: 'The negative
Chicory state produces a need to control, to be the focus of attention, and to
be continuously assured of the family's love.
These are
the children who cry incessantly if left to their own resources, and who use
every tool from bribery to flattery, to extreme eagerness to "help,"
to falling ill in order to achieve the attention they crave.
In adults
the need for the energy balance achieved from this Bach flower remedy
shows up as a kind of possessive, extreme mother love. The negative Chicory
personality will try to control and arrange every activity for her family and
those in her circle of friends. She's always there to "put things
right" when others don't meet her standards of performance. Her pleasure
seems to come from commenting, criticizing, and demanding.'
In other
words, the chicory Bach Flower remedy is suited to people who are excessively
demanding.
The
positive side of the Chicory state is: 'As Bach Flower Remedies begin to work
in the Chicory personality, fear of loss will dissipate and the ability to love
oneself will grow.
Once
brought into balance through Bach flower therapies, the Chicory
personality has the potential for great inner strength and a strong ability to
love unconditionally.
In the
positive state, the chicory personality becomes the "eternal mother,"
spreading wings of kindness, warmth, and security - and providing shelter for
others selflessly, with no expectation of reward.'
Again,
what is meant by the term 'Chicory personality' is the type of personality who
would benefit from taking the Chicory Bach flower remedy. It describes the
types of character or emotional tendencies which Chicory can deal with, as well
as the type of personality the flower remedy can bring about in the person
being treated.
9.
Clematis
Healingherbs
pocket subscriber says: '[Negative state] dreamers, drowsy, absent-minded[.] [Effect] brings
down to earth[.]
10. Crab
Apple
Healingherbs
pocket subscriber says: '[Negative state] feeling uncertain, self-disgust, small things out of
proportion[.] [Effect] the cleansing remedy[.]'
11. Elm
This
remedy is said to be best for the person who feels as if they are inadequate,
who may feel as if they have excess responsibility, though in reality they are
usually reasonably capable.
12.
Gentian
Treats
people who are pessimistic; sceptical, who may easily become discouraged at the
slightest setback or problem, who may suffer from depression caused by some
unknown factor.
13. Gorse
14.
For people who talk excessively; who may bore others who listen to them speak,
yet are people who do not listen to others. They also like to inform other
people about their various issues or problems.
15. Holly
http://www.bachcentre.com/centre/remedies.htm says: 'Hatred, envy and
jealousy'.
16.
Honeysuckle
17.
Hornbeam
The
Healing Herbs of Edward Bach by Julian & Martine Barnard, p.88, says the
indication is: 'For those who feel that they have not sufficient strength,
mentally or physically, to carry the burden of life placed upon them; the
affairs of every day seem too much for them to accomplish, though they
generally succeed in fufiling their task.'
18.
Impatiens
Not
surprisingly, the Bach Flower remedy Impatiens is used to treat impatience, as
well as irritability.
19. Larch
P.108 of The
Hamlyn Encyclopaedia to Complementary Health by Nikki Bradford says: 'For
those with ability but no confidence. They need to believe in themselves and
not miss opportunities because of self-doubt and feelings of inferiority.'
Furthermore,
the remedy: '...makes them bold enough to take the plunge. Encourages
determination, even when they have experienced some setbacks.'
20.
Mimulus
According
to The Bach Remedies Repertory by F.J. Wheeler, MRCS, LRCP, p.28,
the recommended remedy for the fear of death is Mimulus, as well as Rock Rose.
21.
Mustard
Suited
for a person experiencing immense gloom, perhaps depression. They may be
unaware of anything that has triggered this feeling. But it may cause them to
feel down, disheartened and depressed. This feeling may come and go quickly and
without warning.
22. Oak
For
people who seem as if they can continue on and on without a rest. They may not
feel the weight of the world's woes on their shoulders and feel as they can
continue despite perceived set-backs no matter what. They may also sense that
they can continue forwards, regardless of anything that may stand in their way.
23. Olive
For
people who become tired or strained easily. They are the people who will be the
first to give up when the going gets tough. They may desire to finish the task
at hand as soon as the task becomes more difficult and they believe that they
can't finish it, or cannot go through with anymore.
24. Pine
For those
who blame others' problems or mistakes on themselves, even though those were
really the fault of other people. They may easily suffer from guilt and blame
themselves unnecessarily.
25. Red
Chestnut
People
who are excessively mothering towards others, especially close friends or
family, who may go to the extent of bending over backwards to please and serve
other people may benefit from this Bach flower remedy.
26. Rock
Rose
For
people of nervous, easily-panicked types who may seem to other to be on the
look-out for danger, perhaps seeming as if they are constantly on the run from
an unseen threat.
27. Rock
Water
Suited
for "workaholics" - those who may work too much, or get caught up in
matter more easily than they should. They may seem inflexible in their ways or
thinking.
28.
Scleranthus
For those
whose moods fluctuate; they may seem as if they lack direction; they may feel
as if they can't make their mind up.
29. Star
of Bethlehem
This is recommended for people
who are suffering from the effects of shock, bereavement, trauma or bad news.
It may be considered by some to be the ideal remedy to have in the first aid
kit. However, others would argue to just have a bottle of Rescue Remedy (see
below) as part of the first aid kit, amongst all the other things that might be
needed to help with an emergency, because Star of Bethlehem is one of the
remedies contained in it.
30. Sweet
Chestnut
For those
who feel as if they just want to give up. They feel as if they cannot stand
anything any more.
31.
Vervain
For
people who are excessively enthusiastic, who are simply 'trying too hard';
people who might be considered to be fanatical or deeply annoyed by unfair
situations or dilemmas.
32. Vine
The New
Encylopedia of Flower Remedies,p.94, says: 'For self-assured, proud, dominating,
bossy people who use authority to gain power; leaders who are of great value in
emergencies but who can be ruthless in pursuing their goals; tyrants and dictators;
those prone to back problems and high blood-pressure. Brings flexibility,
allowing us to put our skills and abilities to the general good while letting
others develop their own potential.'
33.
Walnut
Helps
someone who is trying to become acclimatised to change which may be brought
about through things such as a change in circumstances or surroundings, or who
are trying to adjust after puberty, who may readily do as they are told, who
are overly willing to carry out the wishes of others.
34. Water
Violet
According
to Dictionary of the Bach Flower Remedies by T.W. Hyne Jones, this
remedy is for moods such as being 'Detached' (p.31); 'Helpful, but maintains
discreet distance' (p.47); 'Philosophical generally, by nature' (71),
'Remoteness through desire for private solitude; (p.81). (There is a wealth of
other states the remedy is supposed to help with besides these.)
35. White
Chestnut
The
Hamlyn Encyclopaedia to Complementary Health by Nikki Bradford p.109 tells us this remedy is
'For those who are dithering at a crossroads in life. They are discontented
with their career or lifestyle are may want to do something more fulfilling,
but do not know where to look. The remedy clears the confusion and helps
to make them decisive and clear-headed.'
36. Wild
Oat
For
people who don't know which direction to take in life; they may be indecisive
as to which career path to take - a situation which White Chestnut can
also help with. This remedy can, like White Chestnut, help with
decisiveness.
37. Wild
Rose
For
people who may find it easier to stay or remain in their current situation;
people who do not feel as if they should try and change the situation they find
themselves in. They are people who would rather sit on the sofa and put their
feet up rather than trying to solve issues in the world around them. They'd
prefer to put their head in the sand and not take action.
38.
Willow
This is
for those who feel as if life is treating them unfairly. They may feel as if
others, or society in general, "pick" on them. They feel angry and
resentful as a result.
Rescue Remedy ... to the rescue!
Rescue
remedy is extremely well known in the alternative medicine circles. According
to p.92 of Amy's Journal by Lauren Brooke (see the Heartland books
below, under 'Heartland'): 'Rescue Remedy is one of the most useful Bach Flower
Remedies. It's brilliant in an emergency. It is made up of five remedies - Rose
for panic, Cherry Plum for loss of self-control, Impatiens for tension,
Clematis for faintness and Star of Bethlehem for trauma. If a person or horse
has had an accident, it is great for helping deal with shock. You should take
four drops every twenty minutes for an hour.'
What do the remedies taste like?
The
remedies are preserved with brandy - which works to preserve Bach's tradition
for making them. The remedies themselves are tasteless, though what flavour
they do have is due to the brandy that has been added in order to ensure that
they last longer.
Dosage
Some
people advise to take a couple to a few drops of a remedy twice a day under the
tongue. Although the bottle should say the recommended dosage on its label, the
dosage thought to be best can vary, depending on the person asked. It is best
to do the dosage recommended either on the label or as advised by the medical
professional.
Reader's Digest's Natural Remedies (1995), p.22 states that: 'A normal
dosage is 2 drops of a remedy combined with 30 ml (1 fl oz) of water, 4 drops
of the resulting mixture are taken orally four times a day. However, for
short-term problems, 2 drops of each remedy can be added to a glass of water to
be sipped throughout the day.'
The Heartland books
In Lauren
Brooke's series of children's books called Heartland, the horses are
treated with Western Orthodox medicine which is administered by the farm's vet,
yet supplemented by the family's application of their knowledge of
complementary therapies. Alongside aromatherapy, herbal remedies, Linda
Tellington Jones' T-Touch, acupressure, Monty Roberts' Join-Up technique
of natural horsemanship, the Bach Flowers are also used to treat the remedial
horses.
Though the series is fictional, it is nonetheless informative regarding
complementary medicine and countless references of the treatments are made
throughout the series of 25 books. However, Amy's Journal provides an
excellent overview regarding the main treatments used in the story, including
the Bach Flower remedies (on pp. 91 - 92).
References
The Bach
Flower Remedies by Weeks,
Nora and Bullen, Victor
The
Medical Discoveries of Edward Bach Physician by Weeks, Nora
The
Healing Herbs of Edward Bach by Barnard, Julian & Martine
Clare G.
Harvey's The New Encylopedia of Flower Remedies (2007)
Healingherbs
pocket subscriber
Dictionary
of the Bach Flower Remedies by Jones, T.W. Hyne
The
Hamlyn Encyclopaedia to Complementary Health by Bradford, Nikk
The Bach
Remedies Repertory by Wheeler, F.J. MRCS, LRCP,
Amy's
Journal by
Brooke, Lauren
Natural
Remedies (1995) - by Digest,
Reader's
The Bach
Remedies Repertory by F.J.
Wheeler, MRCS, LRCP
