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Read this article to get information about Bach Flower Remedies or Essences, right from its founder to the Bach Flower Center.
What are Bach Remedies?
Bach Flower Remedies or Essences as they are sometimes called are dilutions of flower material in a 50:50 solution of water and brandy used primarily for restore the balance between mind and body. The concept of these remedies and the credit of their development go to Dr. Edward Bach, an English physician and homeopath.
Edward Bach, the father of Bach Flower Remedies
Dr. Edward Bach M.D., B.S., D.P.H (1886-1936) was a British physician, bacteriologist, pathologist and Homeopath. Born in an English village in 1886, Edward Bach enrolled in Birmingham University at the age of twenty; he studied medicine at the University College Hospital, London and obtained a Diploma of Public Health (DPH) at Cambridge. Later he became a House Surgeon and a casualty medical officer at University College Hospital; he was in charge of 400 beds during World War I. Spending hours in hospital wards, he "saw how the process of healing was often painful, sometimes almost more painful than the disease itself, and this served to strengthen in him his conviction that true healing should be gentle, painless and benign." In 1919, he worked at the London Homeopathic Hospital, where he was influenced by the work of Samuel Hahnemann and practiced homeopathy.
It seems Dr. Bach had decided to study all known methods of cure, but while practicing, in turn, as a pathologist, bacteriologist, and homeopath, he never relinquished his aim of finding pure remedies to replace the complicated form of treatment which, for all their scientific validity, could offer no certainty of cure.
In 1930, at the age of 43, he gave up his lucrative Harley Street practice and left London, determined to devote the rest of his life to the new system of medicine that he was sure could be found in nature. One early morning in May, 1930, his biographer relates, as Bach "was walking through a field upon which the dew still lay heavy, the thought flashed into his mind that each dewdrop must contain some of the properties of the plant upon which it rested; for the heat of the sun, acting through the fluid, would serve to draw out these properties until each drop was magnetised with power." The thought-flash had come to a physician amply qualified to make practical use of the principle involved.
He spent the spring and summer discovering and preparing new flower remedies - which include no part of the plant but simply what Bach claimed to be the pattern of energy of the flower. In the winter he treated patients free of charge. One by one he found the remedies he wanted, each aimed at a particular mental state or emotion. He found that when he treated the personalities and feelings of his patients their unhappiness and physical distress would be alleviated as the natural healing potential in their bodies was unblocked and allowed to work once more.
In 1934, he moved to Mount Vernon in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, Oxfordshire. It was in the lanes and fields round about that he found the remaining 19 remedies that he needed to complete the series. He would suffer the emotional state that he needed to cure and then try various plants and flowers until he found the one single plant that could help him. In this way, through great personal suffering and sacrifice, he completed his life's work.
In 1917 Bach had a malignant tumor removed from his spleen. It was predicted that he had only three months left to live, but instead he recovered. He died peacefully in his sleep on November 27, 1936, only seven years after starting his search for new medicines. He was only 50 years old, but he had left behind him several lifetime's experience and effort, and a system of medicine that is now used all over the world.
His home during the latter part of his life at Mount Vernon, located in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, Oxfordshire is now known as The Dr Edward Bach Centre and is open to visitors and offers help to the public in the form of education, publications and referrals to practitioners.
Discovery of Bach Remedies
Dr. Bach believed that, "Disease is in essence the result of conflict between the Soul and Mind and will never be eradicated except by spiritual and mental effort". This conflict, according to Bach, leads to negative moods and energy blocking, which causes a lack of "harmony," thus leading to physical diseases. Bach's flower remedies were intuitively derived and based on his perceived psychic connections to the plants. If Bach 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. In this way, through great personal suffering and sacrifice, he completed his life's work.
Preparation and Administration
According to Dr. Bach early morning sunlight passing through dew-drops on flower petals transferred the healing power of the flower onto the water, so he collected the dew drops from the plants and preserved 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 collected was not always sufficient, so he changed his method and started suspending flowers in spring water which would allow the sun's rays to pass through them. If this was impractical due to lack of sunlight or other reasons, he advised to boil the flowers.
The result of this process was termed as "MOTHER TINCTURE", which was further diluted before use. To this brandy, apple cider vinegar or vegetable glycerin is added as a preservative in 50:50 ratios.
Bach Flower Remedies can be taken directly or mixed with food, tea, coffee, cool drinks, juices etc. For short-term moods and problems two drops of each selected remedy is taken in a glass of water and sipped as often as required until relief is obtained.
Benefits of Bach Remedies
The Bach Flower Remedies gently restore the balance between mind and body by casting out negative emotions, such as, fear, worry, hatred and indecision which interfere with the equilibrium of the being as a whole. In this way theyallow peace and happiness to return to the sufferer so that the body is free to heal itself. Other than these some special characteristics of Bach remedies include:
- These flower essences are completely safe, non-toxic, non-addictive, and may be used in conjunction with any other medical or holistic treatment.
- They are not harmful; this is a gentle system and at worse does no harm.
- Bach Flower Remedies are extremely helpful during pregnancy and labor. They restore peace of mind when the mother feels fearful, tired, overwhelmed, and impatient during pregnancy.
- Bach remedies are extremely helpful for all childhood emotions, such as, shyness, tantrums, fear, nightmares and low self-esteem.
- The use of Bach remedies is also very successful in calming hyperactive dogs, fearful cats, newly arrived puppies and many other pet emotions.
Bach Remedies and Homeopathy
There has been quite a discussion about the relationship of Bach Flower Remedies and Homeopathy; whether their principles are similar or they are different. The chief similarity between Bach remedies and Homeopathic remedies is that in both no physical part of the plant remains in the remedy, the remedies "contain the energy or imprint of the plants from which they were made".
Regarding their principles we find that in contrary to the preparation of Bach remedies, Homeopathy requires more than dilution. It requires potentizing the remedy by means of working in specific rhythmic methods.
Secondly Bach Remedies do not work on Law of Similia which is an integral part of Homeopathy.
The Bach remedies, unlike homeopathic remedies, are all derived from non-toxic substances, with the idea that a "positive energy" can redirect or neutralize "negative energy.
Another point to consider is that the Bach remedies have not undergone "thorough drug proving" like homeopathic remedies.
Also, Bach remedies are prescribed on mental / emotional symptoms of the person without reference to the physical symptoms, modalities etc., while these form a decisive part in homeopathy.
Bach Centre, Oxfordshire
The Dr Edward Bach Centre, Mount Vernon, located in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, Oxfordshire, and commonly known as the Bach Centre or Mount Vernon, was the home and working place of Bach during the latter years of his life. Here he performed research into the 38 flower remedies that still bear his name. Dr Bach taught his assistants Nora Weeks and Victor Bullen how to make remedies and all about the plants that should be used.
Nora and Victor taught John Ramsell, who in turn trained his daughter Judy Ramsell Howard. Judy is the current Managing Director of the Centre, and she and her husband Keith between them have fifty years' experience of making remedies.
The Centre has always been involved in making mother tinctures, and that continues today, even though we are no longer directly involved in the commercialisation of remedies.
List of Bach Flower Remedies and their Indications
"... the thirty-eight herbs heal gently and surely, and as there are no poisonous plants amongst them there is no fear of ill effects from overdoses or incorrect prescriptions."
- Nora Weeks, The Medical Discoveries of Edward Bach, Physician
| S.No |
Name of Remedy |
Suited to |
| 1. |
Agrimony |
"The jovial, cheerful, humorous people who love peace and are distressed by argument or quarrel, to avoid which they will agree to give up much. Though generally they have troubles and are tormented and restless and worried in mind or in body, they hide their cares behind their humor and jesting and are considered very good friends to know. They often take alcohol or drugs in excess, to stimulate them and help themselves bear their trials with cheerfulness." |
| 2. |
Aspen |
People with vague unknown fears, for which there can be given no explanation, no reason. It is a terror that something awful is going to happen even though it is unclear what exactly. These vague inexplicable fears may haunt by night or day. Sufferers may often be afraid to tell their trouble to others. |
| 3. |
Beech |
For those who feel the need to see more good and beauty in all that surrounds them. And, although much appears to be wrong, to have the ability to see the good growing within. So as to be able to be more tolerant, lenient and understanding of the different way each individual and all things are working to their own perfection |
| 4. |
Centaury |
Kind, quiet, gentle people who are over-anxious to serve others. They overtax their strength in their endeavors. Their wish so grows upon them that they become more servants than willing helpers. Their good nature leads them to do more than their own share of work, and in so doing they may neglect their own particular mission in life |
| 5. |
Cerato |
Those who have not sufficient confidence in themselves to make their own decisions. They constantly seek advice from others, and are often misguided |
| 6. |
Cherry Plum |
People with fear of mind being over-strained, of reason giving away, of doing fearful and dreaded things, not wished and known wrong, yet there comes the thought and impulse to do them |
| 7. |
Chestnut Bud |
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 |
| 8. |
Chicory |
Those who are very mindful of the needs of others they tend to be over-full of care for children, relatives, friends, always finding something that should be put right. They are continually correcting what they consider wrong, and enjoy doing so. They desire that those for whom they care should be near them |
| 9. |
Clematis |
Those who are dreamy, drowsy, not fully awake, no great interest in life. Quiet people, not really happy in their present circumstances, living more in the future than in the present; living in hopes of happier times when their ideals may come true. In illness some make little or no effort to get well, and in certain cases may even look forward to death, in the hope of better times; or maybe, meeting again some beloved one whom they have lost |
| 10. |
Crab Apple |
This is the remedy of cleansing. For those who feel as if they have something not quite clean about themselves. Often it is something of apparently little importance: in others there may be more serious disease which is almost disregarded compared to the one thing on which they concentrate. In both types they are anxious to be free from the one particular thing which is greatest in their minds and which seems so essential to them that it should be cured. They become despondent if treatment fails. Being a cleanser, this remedy purifies wounds if the patient has reason to believe that some poison has entered which must be drawn out |
| 11. |
Elm |
Those who are doing good work, are following the calling of their life and who hope to do something of importance, and this often for the benefit of humanity. At times there may be periods of depression when they feel that the task they have undertaken is too difficult, and not within the power of a human being |
| 12. |
Gentian |
Those who are easily discouraged. They may be progressing well in illness or in the affairs of their daily life, but any small delay or hindrance to progress causes doubt and soon disheartens them |
| 13. |
Gorse |
People with very great hopelessness, they have given up belief that more can be done for them. Under persuasion or to please others they may try different treatments, at the same time assuring those around that there is so little hope of relief |
| 14. |
Heather |
Those who are always seeking the companionship of anyone who may be available, as they find it necessary to discuss their own affairs with others, no matter who it may be. They are very unhappy if they have to be alone for any length of time. |
| 15. |
Holly |
For those who are sometimes attacked by thoughts of such kind as jealousy, envy, revenge, suspicion. For the different forms of vexation. Within themselves they may suffer much, often when there is no real cause for their unhappiness. |
| 16. |
Honeysuckle |
Those who live much in the past, perhaps a time of great happiness, or memories of a lost friend, or ambitions which have not come true. They do not expect further happiness such as they have had |
| 17. |
Hornbeam |
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 fulfilling their task. For those who believe that some part, of mind or body, needs to be strengthened before they can easily fulfill their work |
| 18. |
Impatiens |
Those who are quick in thought and action and who wish all things to be done without hesitation or delay. When ill they are anxious for a hasty recovery. They find it very difficult to be patient with people who are slow as they consider it wrong and a waste of time, and they will Endeavour to make such people quicker in all ways. They often prefer to work and think alone, so that they can do everything at their own speed." |
| 19. |
Larch |
For those who do not consider themselves as good or capable as those around them, who expect failure, who feel that they will never be a success, an so do not venture or make a strong enough attempt to succeed |
| 20 |
Mimulus |
People with fear of worldly things, illness, pain, accidents, poverty, of dark, of being alone, of misfortune. The fears of everyday life. These people quietly and secretly bear their dread; they do not freely speak of it to others. |
| 21 |
Mustard |
Those who are liable to times of gloom or even despair, as though a cold dark cloud overshadowed them and hid the light and the joy of life. It may not be possible to give any reason or explanation for such attacks. Under these conditions it is almost impossible to appear happy or cheerful. |
| 22 |
Oak |
For those who are struggling and fighting strongly to get well, or in connection with the affairs of their daily life. They will go on trying one thing after another, though their case may seem hopeless. They will fight on. They are discontented with themselves if illness interferes with their duties or helping others. They are brave people, fighting against great difficulties, without loss of hope or effort. |
| 23 |
Olive |
Those who have suffered much mentally or physically and are so exhausted and weary that they feel they have no more strength to make any effort. Daily life is hard work for them, without pleasure. |
| 24 |
Pine |
For those who find it difficult not to be anxious for other people. Often they have ceased to worry about themselves, but for those of whom they are fond they may suffer much, frequently anticipating that some unfortunate thing may happen to them |
| 25 |
Red Chestnut |
For those who find it difficult not to be anxious for other people. Often they have ceased to worry about themselves, but for those of whom they are fond they may suffer much, frequently anticipating that some unfortunate thing may happen to them |
| 26 |
Rock Rose |
The rescue remedy. The remedy of emergency for cases where there even appears no hope. In accident or sudden illness, or when the patient is very frightened or terrified or if the condition is serious enough to cause great fear to those around. If the patient is not conscious the lips may be moistened with the remedy. |
| 27 |
Rock Water |
Those who are very strict in their way of living; they deny themselves many of the joys and pleasures of life because they consider it might interfere with their work. They are hard masters to themselves. They wish to be well and strong and active, and will do anything which they believe will keep them so. They hope to be examples which will appeal to others who may then follow their ideas and be better as a result |
| 28 |
Scleranthus |
Those who suffer much from being unable to decide between two things, first one seeming right then the other. They are usually quiet people, and bear their difficulty alone, as they are not inclined to discuss it with others. |
| 29 |
Star of Bethlehem |
For those in great distress under conditions which for a time produce great unhappiness. The shock of serious news, the loss of some one dear, the fright following an accident, and such like. For those who for a time refuse to be consoled this remedy brings comfort. |
| 30 |
Sweet Chestnut |
For those moments which happen to some people when the anguish is so great as to seem to be unbearable. When the mind or body feels as if it had borne to the uttermost limit of its endurance, and that now it must give way. When it seems there is nothing but destruction and annihilation left to face. |
| 31 |
Vervain |
Those with fixed principles and ideas, which they are confident are right, and which they very rarely change. They have a great wish to convert all around them to their own views of life. They are strong of will and have much courage when they are convinced of those things that they wish to teach. In illness they struggle on long after many would have given up their duties. |
| 32 |
Vine |
Very capable people, certain of their own ability, confident of success. Being so assured, they think that it would be for the benefit of others if they could be persuaded to do things as they themselves do, or as they are certain is right. Even in illness they will direct their attendants. They may be of great value in emergency. |
| 33 |
Walnut |
For those who have definite ideals and ambitions in life and are fulfilling them, but on rare occasions are tempted to be led away from their own ideas, aims and work by the enthusiasm, convictions or strong opinions of others. The remedy gives constancy and protection from outside influences. |
| 34 |
Water Violet |
For those who in health or illness like to be alone. Very quiet people, who move about without noise, speak little, and then gently. Very independent, capable and self-reliant. Almost free of the opinions of others. They are aloof, leave people alone and go their own way. Often clever and talented. Their peace and calmness is a blessing to those around them. |
| 35 |
White Chestnut |
For those who cannot prevent thoughts, ideas, arguments which they do not desire from entering their minds. Usually at such times when the interest of the moment is not strong enough to keep the mind full. Thoughts which worry and will remain, or if for a time thrown out, will return. They seem to circle round and round and cause mental torture. The presence of such unpleasant thoughts drives out peace and interferes with being able to think only of the work or pleasure of the day. |
| 36 |
Wild Oat |
Those who have ambitions to do something of prominence in life, who wish to have much experience, and to enjoy all that which is possible for them, to take life to the full. Their difficulty is to determine what occupation to follow; as although their ambitions are strong, they have no calling which appeals to them above all others. This may cause delay and dissatisfaction. |
| 37 |
Wild Rose |
Those who without apparently sufficient reason become resigned to all that happens, and just glide through life, take it as it is, without any effort to improve things and find some joy. They have surrendered to the struggle of life without complaint. |
| 38 |
Willow |
For people who feel resentful and bitter about the way their lives have gone. For those who have suffered adversity or misfortune and find these difficult to accept, without complaint or resentment, as they judge life much by the success which it brings. They feel that they have not deserved so great a trial, that it was unjust, and they become embittered. They often take less interest and less activity in those things of life which they had previously enjoyed. |
Other than the above, two combinations of Dr. Bach have been found to be very effective:
Rescue Remedy: Rescue Remedy is a combination containing an equal amount each of Rock rose, Impatiens, Clematis, Star of Bethlehem and Cherry Plum remedies. It is used to treat stress, anxiety, and panic attacks, especially in emergencies. Rescue Remedy Cream, contains the same five Remedies as Rescue Remedy with added Crab Apple. The cream is applied externally in response to minor skin problems such as itches, cuts, stings, pimples and burns.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bach_flower_remedies
http://www.bachcentre.com/
www.edwardbach.org
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