Bach Flower Remedies
What are Bach Flower Remedies and how were they developed?
The Bach Flower Remedies were developed in England in the 1930s by Dr. Edward Bach. Dr Bach’s healing career at first followed a conventional path and he was a wonderful physician, bacteriologist, immunologist and pathologist. He developed an interest in homeopathy and left behind the more orthodox medicine of his time to ultimately bring to us the vibrational healing energy of the Bach Flower Remedies.
A deeply spiritual man, Dr. Bach came to the understanding that to truly heal his patients it was first necessary to address their emotional states to bring body, mind and spirit into balance. Leaving behind his London practice, he headed into the English countryside to seek among the flowers and trees of the fields the healing properties his patients required. Allowing his intuition to guide him he discovered the flowers, blossoms and rock water which brought comfort and balance to negative emotions.
Today most of the plants for the mother tinctures of the Bach Flower Remedies are gathered and prepared largely as they were in the days of Dr. Bach in the area of Mount Vernon, England. A dedicated group continues the work, and the house and garden (in the photos above) are held in trust for ever so that the work of Dr. Bach will continue.
What can Bach Flower Remedies offer us?
Bach Flower Remedies help us cope with life’s challenges and help to promote healing from within. They facilitate emotional balance. They are simple, safe, and can be mixed to meet your individual needs. They can be used with all people and animals. They can be taken with you wherever you go and used any time.
I was first introduced to the Bach Flower Remedies in 1995, taking Rescue Remedy to help me with my fear of flying. I was surprised and delighted by the emotional comfort obtained with just a few drops from a little bottle of flower essences. I began to read about the Bach Flower Remedies, to use them in other situations and to recommend them to others. I have since taken two Bach Flower Courses and enjoy mixing remedies for clients and watching the changes these “magical little potions” can bring about!
How do Bach Flower Remedies work?
Dr Bach categorized the emotions he sought to treat under seven headings and identified which particular plants would assist in balancing different types of the emotional states. In a consultation the practitioner spends time helping you to identify your areas of emotional concern and helps you to understand and address the source.
Please note, this complementary therapy does not take the place of the care you receive from a licensed health care professional. Remedies are not meant to replace prescribed medications.
For fear - Rock Rose, Mimulus, Cherry Plum, Aspen, and Red Chestnut.
For uncertainty -Cerato, Scleranthus, Gentian, Gorse, Hornbeam and Wild Oat.
For insufficient interest in present circumstances - Clematis, Honeysuckle, Wild Rose, Olive, White Chestnut, Mustard, Chestnut Bud.
For loneliness - Water Violet, Impatiens, Heather.
For over-sensitivity to the influence and ideas of others - Agrimony, Centaury, Walnut, Holly.
For despondency and despair - Larch, Pine, Elm, Sweet Chestnut, Star of Bethlem, Willow, Oak, Crab Apple.
For over-care for the welfare of others - Chicory, Vervain, Vine, Beech, Rock Water.
In addition, Dr. Bach created a special combination, Rescue Remedy, from five of the essences. It is used for all emergencies, and whenever there is panic, shock or immediate stress relief is needed.
“Our work is steadfastly to adhere to the simplicity and purity of this method of healing.” Dr Edward Bach, 1936
Dr. Edward Bach
(1886-1936)
The home and gardens of Dr. Bach
