Flower Essences
Introduction To Flower Essences
There is no true healing unless there is a change in outlook, peace of mind,
and inner happiness. Dr. Edward Bach, 1934
Edward Bach, medical doctor, bacteriologist, and homeopathic physician,
dedicated his life to discovering a system of healing which would go beyond
the diagnosis and treatment of physical symptoms to address the emotional
and mental roots of disease. He came to realize that when people were
treated on the basis of distinctive personality characteristics, rather than
according to their disease, true healing could occur. Convinced that he
would discover what he sought in nature, he began to explore the fields and
forests of England in search of remedies which would be effective, pure, and
inexpensive.
One day, the sight of dewdrops glistening on flower petals inspired him with
the idea that the heat of the sun, acting through the dew, must draw out the
healing essence of each flower Through the development of a method for
extracting this essence and self-experimentation with the resulting essences
he isolated flowers which addressed a broad range of psychological
conditions. These became known as the Bach Flower Remedies.
How They Heal
Dr. Bach believed that the source of all illness is conflict between one's
higher self, which wishes to realize its full potential, and the personality
(or ego) which may obstruct this realization through limiting beliefs and
actions. This obstruction expresses itself through blockages which prevent
the wishes of the higher self from being heard, as illustrated in this case
history.
Susan deeply wishes to do volunteer work at a local animal shelter in order
to deepen her bonds with animals and to be of service to them. Her mother,
bored and lonely, demands all of Susan's free time. Susan, feeling obliged
to meet her mother's needs, blocks the energy of the impulses which come
from her higher self. She thus both prevents herself from using this energy
for her personal growth and uses additional energy in trying to avoid
recognition of her feelings of frustration and dissatisfaction.
The Bach Flower Remedy Centuary is for those who (in Bach's words) "become
more servants than willing helpers," thus neglecting their own purpose in
being. Willow would be helpful if Susan feels resentful; Pine could
alleviate guilt about living her own life; while Chicory would be useful in
helping Susan's mother let go of her daughter.
Because each remedy has the same energy as that of the desire the higher
self wishes to fulfill it is able to make direct contact with this energy,
strengthening the higher self to dissolve the energy blockages.
Which Ones Are For You?
A useful way to begin is to make a list of the feelings or issues which
worry you most. For example:
1. Whenever I think of starting something new I get discouraged.
2. I worry about my children all the time
3. I'm trying to lose weight, but the urge to raid the refrigerator
overcomes me all the time.
Keep your list to no more than five items (preferably three). Then read the
descriptions in the next section to see which most closely correspond to
your issues. You may find that you need to refine the problem. For example,
the problem, "Whenever I think of starting something new I get discouraged"
may have several emotional sources.
If someone doesn't feel competent enough to start the project the
appropriate remedy would be Larch.
For the feeling that one is already overwhelmed with work, Elm would be
appropriate.
If one is simply afraid to try something new Mimulus would be ideal for the
fear.
The remedies for the other two problems posed would be 2. Red Chestnut, and
3. Cherry Plum.
An important thing to remember as you read the descriptions of the flower
remedies in the next section is that a condition need not be one which is
habitual. For example, maybe you used to have more self-confidence, but
lately it seems to be missing. Flower essences work for both longstanding
and temporary states.
We recommend choosing Bach Flower Remedies for general issues. For example,
Hornbeam is recommended for the general issue of being reluctant to face a
new day. If, however, your reluctance is based on resistance to something
specific--you need to make some dreaded phone calls or take a career step
which frightens you we recommend Tansy.
Similarly, if you are generally critical of others Beech is a good choice.
We recommend the FES remedy Filaree for those who are critical in a picky
way or over small things (although "small" isn't an objective word).
However, we aren't the ultimate authorities. If a description of a flower
essence feels intuitively right to you choose it.
Because flower essences are non-addictive and physically harmless they are
an ideal form of self-treatment for you, your children, even your pets. You
may find that your explorations yield you more vivid dreams, a deepened
sense of intuition, and greater excitement about being alive. Enjoy these
gifts of the flowers.
Bach Flower Remedy Descriptions
Agrimony:
For those who hide their troubles from themselves and others,
making light of inner difficulties and rarely burdening others with them.
They avoid arguments and confrontations. They will avoid being alone, and
may use alcohol, drugs, food, or work to escape their pain. Teaches honesty
about feelings and the ability to express them.
Aspen:
For those who have vague but troubling fears and anxieties which
suddenly arise for no apparent reasons. These may be in the form of
nightmares or apprehensions; they may also be related to religious or
spiritual beliefs. Gives courage in exploring the unknown.
Beech:
For intolerance of others and the readiness to find fault. Teaches
one to be able to accept and look beyond differences.
Centaury:
For those who always try to please others and find it difficult to
say no to them, even when they are being exploited. Teaches the strength to
follow one's own path in life.
Cerato:
For those who don't trust the wisdom of their own judgment and
always need to ask the advice and opinions of others, even when such advice
is misguided. Teaches one to trust in one's inner guidance.
Cherry Plum:
For those who fear losing control of their thoughts and actions
and doing things they know are bad for them or which they consider wrong.
Teaches trust in one's spontaneous wisdom and the courage to follow one's
path.
Chestnut Bud:
For those who repeat the same mistakes over and over again,
never learning from past experience. Teaches one to be a good learner and to
pay attention to the present.
Chicory:
For those who are over-involved with and possessive of family and
close friends and impose their own standards on those they love. Teaches
unconditional love.
Clematis:
For those who find their lives unhappy and withdraw into fantasy
worlds. They are ungrounded and indifferent to the details of everyday life.
Teaches one to establish a bridge between the physical world and the world
of ideas; may foster great creativity.
Crab Apple:
For feelings of shame, uncleanliness, or a poor self-image. This
remedy teaches acceptance of the body and the environment, and is also used
as a physical cleanser.
Elm:
Used when one feels overwhelmed or overburdened by responsibilities,
for feeling that a task is just too difficult to accomplish. Teaches
composure and the ability to see problems in an appropriate perspective.
Gentian:
For feelings of discouragement and doubt which may be caused by
even small obstacles. The cause of depression is always known. Teaches
confidence about the ability to overcome problems.
Gorse:
For feelings of hopelessness and despair. For those who give up in
the belief that nothing more can be done: often in the case of chronic
illness. Teaches that confidence in a solution or cure is one of the
components of healing, and imparts such confidence.
Heather:
For those who have a need to constantly talk about themselves and
their problems, who hate being alone. Teaches the ability to listen
sensitively to others.
Holly:
For those who are troubled by feelings of envy and hatred because
they feel they don't get enough love. Teaches one to be truly loving.
Honeysuckle:
For those who dwell too much in the past, on lost loved ones,
or on ambitions which were never realized. Often they never expect happiness
again. Teaches the ability to live joyfully in the present.
Hornbeam
: For the feeling (often experienced upon waking) that one doesn't
have the strength to get through the normal activities of the day. Teaches
mental liveliness and alertness, an enthusiasm for life.
Impatiens:
For those who act and think quickly, and have no patience for
what they see as the slowness of others. They often prefer to work alone.
Teaches empathy and understanding of and patience with others.
Larch:
For lack of self-confidence and the anticipation of failure. Often
they make no attempt to succeed. Teaches self-confidence and the
determination to take on challenges.
Mimulus:
For known fears: of the dark, heights, disease, death, poverty,
etc. Teaches courage and an understanding of other people's fears.
Mustard:
For depression of unknown cause, a sudden gloom which descends upon
one for no apparent reason. Teaches inner stability, cheerfulness, and
serenity.
Oak:
For those who never give up, regardless of difficulties. This remedy
gives such people joy in their endeavors, and teaches them to take a break
from time to time.
Olive:
For mental and physical exhaustion, caused by illness or personal
ordeals. This remedy assists in giving strength and vitality.
Pine:
For those who are never satisfied with themselves and blame themselves
for not doing better. For people who suffer from guilt and will even blame
themselves for others' mistakes. Teaches self-acceptance and the replacement
of guilt with regret.
Red Chestnut:
For those who worry constantly about the well-being of those
they love and anticipate terrible things happening to them. Teaches the
ability to radiate positive thoughts to people even when they're in trouble.
emergency situations and for any situation in which one feels terrified.
Rock Rose:
For situations in which one experiences panic or terror.
Rock Water:
For those who are excessively hard on themselves, who adopt
repressive, rigid personal regimes, and deny themselves pleasure. Teaches
open-mindedness and inner flexibility.
Scleranthus:
For those who are often torn between two choices and can't
decide between them; also for mood swings. Teaches concentration, inner
balance, and flexibility.
Star of Bethlehem:
For trauma and shock, whether experienced recently or in
the past. Teaches the ability to recover from traumas and to integrate them
into the present life.
Sweet Chestnut:
For extreme anguish, the feeling that one has reached the
limits of one's endurance. Teaches one to believe that change is possible,
to trust oneself and the benevolence of the universe.
Vervain:
For those who need to convince others of the rightness of their own
beliefs and whose overenthusiasm may sabotage their good intentions. Teaches
one the ability to see other viewpoints and imparts a genuine enthusiasm
which inspires others.
Vine:
For those who insist that others do things their way, the "boss" or
"dictator" personality. Teaches one that genuine leadership means
encouraging the leadership qualities in others.
Walnut:
For those who are easily influenced by outside circumstances and may
be detoured from the positive changes they want to make in their lives. This
remedy eases all transitions.
Water Violet:
For those who are independent, loners, sometimes proud and
aloof. This remedy teaches them to interact with others without sacrificing
their independence.
White Chestnut:
For unwanted thoughts and worries which seem to endlessly
recur and which can cause insomnia. Teaches a balanced state of mind and the
ability to use one's thoughts constructively.
Wild Oat:
For people who want to accomplish something in their lives, but
who have no clear sense of purpose. They feel dissatisfied and uncertain.
Teaches focus and direction.
Wild Rose:
For resignation and apathy, for those who make no effort to find
joy in their lives. Teaches enthusiasm and the ability to make life
meaningful.
Willow:
For resentment, and the feeling that life is unfair; one may also
resent the cheerfulness of others. Teaches one to take responsibility for
one's own life.
Rescue Remedy Five FLower Formula
Contains Rock Rose, Cherry Plum, Clematis, Impatiens, and
Star of Bethlehem. This is good both for emergency situations, shock, and
stress. Helps to stabilize the emotions.
All remedies 5.95 per bottle. 7.5 ml,0.25 fl oz. FES
Information Page
Main Page