Bach Flower Essences
Flower essences were developed by the English bacteriologist and physician Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936). The principle behind the Bach flower remedies is that emotional problems underlie most physical ailments, and if the emotions are brought into balance, the physical disease will be resolved. The remedies can be used for acute illnesses, stress, addictions and a wide variety of emotional issues.
Dr. Bach developed thirty-eight different flower essence remedies, each targeted toward a particular emotional state. He also developed the “Rescue Remedy,” which is popularly used for emergencies, shock or trauma. It contains a mixture of five different remedies: Cherry Plum, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose and Star of Bethlehem.
Dr. Bach divided his flower essences into three categories: The Seven Helpers, The Twelve Healers, and The Second Nineteen. The Second Nineteen were developed later, and Dr.Bach considered them to have a more spiritual effect.
The Seven Helpers Flower Essences
* Gorse- for those who have lost hope and believe they can never recover
* Heather- for those who are obsessed with their own or other people’s problems
* Olive- for physical and emotional exhaustion
* Oak- for those in need of inner strength and fortitude
* Rock Water- the only remedy not derived from flowers, Rock Water is for those who are rigid, inflexible and self-denying
* Vine- for those who are domineering and controlling
* Wild Oat- for those who feel lost and don’t know what direction to take in life
The Twelve Healers Flower Essences
* Agrimony- for lack of inner peace, keeping feelings of torment hidden behind a cheerful façade
* Centaury- for the weak-willed who can’t say no
* Cerato- for lack of self-confidence or self-reliance
* Chicory- for excessive worry over loved ones, possessiveness, being manipulative, desiring to be the center of attention
* Clematis- grounding, helps those who are dreamy to focus
* Gentian- for depression, being easily discouraged or disappointed by difficulties
* Impatiens- for those who are impatient, irritable, easily angered and unforgiving
* Mimulus- for fearfulness and shyness
* Rock Rose- for panic, hysteria and extreme despair
* Scleranthus- for doubt and indecision
* Vervain- for those who are intense and overbearing
* Water Violet- for those who are overly aloof and reserved
The Second Nineteen Flower Essences
* Aspen- for irrational fear of the unknown, paranoia, nightmares
* Beech- for those who are critical and intolerant due to insecurity
* Cherry Plum- for feelings of desperation and lack of self-control
* Chestnut Bud- for wisdom and the ability to learn from one’s mistakes so they are not repeated
* Crab Apple- relieves self-loathing or feeling unclean; promotes self-acceptance
* Elm- for the feeling that one’s tasks are overwhelming and impossible to accomplish
* Holly- promotes love, compassion and forgiveness; helps to eliminate negative feelings of envy, jealousy and revenge
* Honeysuckle- for those who are too attached to the past and cannot let go and move forward
* Hornbeam- for procrastination or a feeling of weariness that is preventing getting one’s work done
* Larch- for lack of self-confidence, self-doubt or feeling like a failure
* Mustard- for depression or feelings of despondency for no reason
* Pine- for guilt, remorse and self-blame, promotes self-acceptance
* Red Chestnut- for excessive worrying and imagining misfortune befalling others
* Star of Bethlehem- for shock or trauma, comforts and consoles
* Sweet Chestnut- for extreme anguish, suicidal thoughts or severe grief
* Walnut- protects from external negative influences; allows those who are influenced by others to make their own decisions
* White Chestnut- relieves obsessive, repetitive thoughts
* Wild Rose- restores vitality and enthusiasm to those who are apathetic or lack interest in life
* Willow- for bitterness, resentment, grudges and blaming others
Safety of Flower Essences
Flower essences can be given to children and animals, have no known side effects or contraindications, and are considered to be safe, but it is recommended to consult with your health care provider before using them.
Sources:
Bach Flower Therapy http://bachtherapy.org/TheRemedies.htm
The Bach Centre http://bachcentre.com/index.html
