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Bach Flower Remedies Explained

Bach flower remedies is a holistic system of healing and maintaining health. Developed by Dr. Edward Bach and introduced in the 1930s, the use of Bach flower remedies is based on the premise that mental attitude plays a vital role in health. Dr. Bach believed that negative emotions could block the body's natural ability to heal. He found that certain flower essences could stimulate the natural healing process, which led to the development of Bach flower remedies.

  1. Negative Emotions

    • Dr. Bach believed that flower essences could clear the negative emotions that prevent the body from healing itself. He identified 38 negative states of mind and created a remedy for each of them. He then organized the remedies into seven groups corresponding to certain emotional states. The flower remedies were derived from plants by steeping in the sun or boiling the flowers in water to extract their essences.

    The Seven Groups

    • The seven groups each contain remedies to help balance emotional states within that particular category. The seven groups are Fear, Uncertainty, Insufficient Interest in Present Circumstances, Loneliness, Over-Sensitivity, Despair and Over-Concern. For example, those suffering from various types of fear are treated with the flower essences in that category, which include: Aspen, Cherry Plum, Mimulus, Red Chestnut and Rock Rose.

    Remedies and Usage

    • The 38 remedies are used to balance different states of mind. For instance, Clematis can help bring focus to the inattentive and absent-minded, whereas Cherry Plum can help balance the emotions of those who are temperamental. Aspen is beneficial for those who suffer from feelings of dread and anxiety. For a full list of the remedies, visit bachflower.com (see Resources).

    How They Work

    • Bach flower remedies balance the emotions, thereby removing the blocks that inhibit the body's natural ability to heal itself. It is still unclear how the flower remedies work, although it is possible that the essences may trigger a release of chemicals in the brain, thereby affecting the emotions and, consequently, the physical body.

    Dosage

    • The flower essences may be taken internally straight from the bottle or by mixing a few drops in a glass of water. The essence may also be placed behind the ears or on the inside of the wrists. The usual dosage is 2 to 4drops four times per day. The flower remedies are safe for anyone of any age.

    Pets

    • Bach flower remedies can also be given to pets. Chicory is good for animals that are overly territorial, while Crab Apple can help with excessive grooming problems. Honeysuckle can help pets adjust to a new home, whereas Star of Bethlehem is excellent for animals that have been mistreated. Flower essences can be placed on the animal's tongue or mixed in the water bowl.

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