Bach Flower Remedies

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 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Bach

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

http://www.bachcentre.com/centre/remedies.htm

http://www.bachcentre.com/centre/38/cherrypl.htm

http://www.healingherbs.co.uk/essences/essence/chestnut-bud#.VY_aGmNUbMY

http://www.bachflower.org/chicory.htm

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