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Bach Flower Remedies By Jane Thurnell-Read

Flower Remedies and Health By James Brunton

Introduction to Bach Flower Essences Part I - The Twelve Healers By Misty Cech

An Introduction to Bach Flower Essences Part II - The Seven Helpers By Misty Cech

Bach Flower Remedies By Jane Thurnell-Read

I have to thank my son’s bump on the head for some of my conviction about the benefit of Bach flower remedies. Jon was about a year old and had hit his head quite badly. The bump was swelling before my eyes, and I decided to try out the Bach rescue cream that I’d recently purchased. The bump was partly in his hair and partly on his forehead. I carefully put the cream on – it was difficult to get the cream close to the skin where his hair was. The next day the bruise on his forehead had gone completely, but the bruise in his hair was still there, although it was not as bad as I had expected it to be. This amazed me and made me determined to learn about these amazing remedies.

I bought and studied the little booklet that explained all about them - as a very busy mum I was happy to have something that wasn’t too big to read! I was also happy that the remedies weren’t drugs and could be used safely with even tiny babies. There are 38 different flower remedies for various psychological states, and I instantly could see how I could use them for myself, my family and my friends: larch is for someone who lacks self confidence, aspen is for generalised fears, impatiens for impatience, heather for those who want to be the centre of attention all the time, and scleranthus for the undecided.

The remedies were developed by Dr Edward Bach -pronounced ‘Batch’ - who lived in England from 1886-1936. He was trained as a doctor and worked as a pathologist and bacteriologist, but he felt that medicine was not getting to the root of the problem. He learnt about homeopathy, and developed various important homeopathic remedies, but he was still not satisfied, and this led him to develop the Bach flower remedies.

The remedies are based on flowering plants and trees, and are designed to correct inappropriate psychological states. This doesn’t mean that they’re not suitable for physical problems, because Bach believed that there was “a factor above the physical plane which in the ordinary course of life protects or renders susceptible any particular individual with regard to disease, of whatever nature it may be.” From Heal Thyself by Edward Bach. In other words, if you are dissatisfied or distressed, you are more likely to catch a cold or become chronically ill.

Bach found the remedies through intuition: sometimes he would hold a flower in his hand and experience in his body and mind what the remedy was capable of, and sometimes he experienced deep negative emotions and would go out into the countryside searching until he found the flower that would turn off these feelings. Bach also found that if he floated the flowers in a glass bowl containing spring water in the sunshine, this healing property of the flower passed into the water. For some plants that flowered early in the year, such as holly, Bach boiled the flowers and stems to overcome the problem of the lack of sunshine.

The remedies are normally taken in one of two ways:

* Putting two drops of the chosen remedy in a glass of water and sipping it frequently

* Putting two drops of several remedies in a bottle with water and/or brandy and taking 4 drops 4 times a day

There is one combination that Dr Bach found he used a lot, and he called this ‘rescue remedy’. This is a mixture of 5 of the 38 flower remedies (cherry plum, clematis, impatiens, rock rose and star of Bethlehem). It can be used for any emergency or stressful event. This is really helpful after a fall, or an argument, before visiting the dentist or taking an examination. The normal way of taking it is to put 4 drops in a glass of water and then to take small, frequent sips. You can also take it straight from the bottle in a real emergency. Many nurses I meet swear by it, and secretly and unofficially recommend it to their patients.

Rescue cream contains the same 5 remedies as the rescue remedy drops, but with the addition of crab apple and is useful for cuts and bruises, and for babies who fall and bang their heads!

The remedies are made using brandy, and this may be a problem for some people. An alternative way to take them is by dabbing them on the wrist, behind the ears and at the temples – this way the benefit of the remedies may be felt without imbibing alcohol.

The remedies do not interfere with any drugs, and can be taken with good effect by the terminally ill. Babies and pets seem to benefit often apparently instantly and miraculously, and many adults can tell you of amazing results for themselves and their children.

Jane Thurnell-Read is a writer and researcher on health, stress, alternative medicine, and happiness. Visit her web site http://www.healthandgoodness.com for tips and information on how to live a happier, healthier life no matter how busy you are.

Flower Remedies and Health By James Brunton

An example of a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that is truly complementary is the Bach Flower Remedies. That’s because you can use them with any other single or combination of therapies from conventional through the CAM spectrum.

You can use them alone or while you are being treated with other remedies. And they work on the basis that improving your emotions, to change them from negative to positive, will help the healing process from within.

They restore your mental balance to prevent disease starting in the first place or stimulating healing when you are ill.

It’s all to do with the real you. You are unique. No one else is exactly like you. You have your individual mix of genes and traits that make you react to stress and illness in a particular way.

You might fight a disease or you might give in to what you think is inevitable. You could become depressed and miserable, or carry on cheerfully.

Emotions are part of the health picture and you need to think about them in recovering from illness. And, these Flower Remedies are part of that. They don’t treat symptoms such as pain or high blood pressure. They look after personality, lifestyle and emotions.

Dr Edward Bach developed these remedies as a series of liquids extracted from plants. They are produced in dropper bottles and the extracts are in brandy to preserve their activity.

The first thing you need to do is decide on the kind of person you are. It’s important to be truthful here. Write down your traits, strengths and weaknesses. Use adjectives such as aggressive, agitated, capable, clever, daydreamer, energetic, frustrated, helpful, intolerant, jealous, negative, popular and so on.

You could get a close friend or relative to confirm your thoughts if you wish, just to make sure you are being truthful with yourself, but you don’t have to.

Then you survey the remedies to find out which are closest to your assessment of you. It may take one or several to make up your complex self. Ideally it should be fewer than six or seven. (In my case it was three.)

Follow the instructions for taking the liquids and look forward to improvements. Generally, they work quickly if you are treating a short-lived problem. But, they take longer if you are working on a chronic problem. If you’ve had it for months the remedies won’t work in only a few days.

As treatment progresses, you can adjust it to suit the way you feel, by adding or removing remedies.

The very popular Rescue Remedy range should have quick and dramatic results since it is meant to be used in emergency situations.

To make this system work for you need to be aware of what each remedy is used for. Then you can match your personality to the remedy or remedies and take it from there.

Flower Remedies are not meant to replace vital medical treatment, but you can use them in conjunction with treatment. There are similarities to homeopathy but the therapies are not the same.

Just like homeopathic remedies, you can give Flower Remedies to animals and even plants. Clearly, you can’t ask them how they feel but you can assess the stress they are in (just re-potted a plant) or the mood they are in (a sad dog), and treat them accordingly. You need to adjust the doses for the size of the animal or plant. A horse will need more than a cat. And, a plant can get its remedy by watering it or spraying its leaves.

It’s an enlightening process finding your personality (and recognising those of friends and family), and a simple matter to start treatment once you get the relevant Remedies.

James is a pharmacist with over 35 years experience. Get his booklets on CAM including Bach Flower Remedies at http://www.healthexplored.co.uk and subscribe to his newsletter and other health publications.

Introduction to Bach Flower Essences Part I - The Twelve Healers By Misty Cech\

What are Bach Flower Essences?

Pioneered by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930’s, a flower essence is a liquid preparation imprinted with the etheric pattern of a particular flower. Like a homeopathic remedy, the liquid – usually spring water with a little brandy added for preservation – contains little or no detectable chemical substance of the flower from which it was made. Instead, the liquid maintains the vibrational pattern of the flower. Well, what does this mean, exactly?

To understand flower essences (also called ‘flower remedies’), you can imagine that all things are made up of vibrating energies – modern physics and eastern mystics both confirm this – that there are no finite particles, but instead repeating, dynamic energy patterns. Material objects are made up of huge amounts of energy really, as Einstein had shown with E=mc2, where the amount of energy (E) is equal to the mass (m) of an object times the speed of light (c – a very big number) squared. Now picture a beautiful red rose – bright, colorful, vibrant – the Rose has a particular energetic pattern, one that is repeated in every other red Rose (though not exactly, but very close). There are energy frequencies that are particular to the red Rose that are different from all other flowers. The vibrations that make up a Rose are faster than many other flowers (Rose is considered a very high-vibration flower), and these vibrations are woven together in a particular way. Now imagine any other flower – a Geranium for example – it’s vibrational patterns are different from the red Rose – slightly slower perhaps, and woven together in a different way. It is these vibrational patterns of each flower that give them their particular characteristics – color, shape, smell, texture, and the like.

Now, somewhat like a sound from one source can make a material across the room vibrate with sound energy (as your eardrum may vibrate from the plucking of a guitar), flowers can cause water to vibrate with a different sort of energy. It’s not so much a sound, or even light (though this is closer), but ‘etheric’ energy – the very essence of the flower has a vibration that is imprinted upon the water in which it is placed. The water, being made up of vibrational energy itself, retains some of the vibration of the flower that was soaked in it. This etheric imprint is stored in the water, and can actually be transferred from the water at a later time to other objects (or beings) also made of vibrational energy.

So, what does all this mean to us?! Well, Dr. Edward Bach held the notion that the source illness or disease was emotional in nature. And when one ponders what emotions really are, one can conclude that each emotion is a particular energetic state of being. All emotions seem to have a particular energy – love, despair, anger, fear, appreciation – one can consider each of these a different energetic pattern. Dr. Bach considered negative energetic states, negative emotions, to be the source of disease in the body, a theory supported by much of the world’s healers. Dr. Bach also thought that these energetic states can be transformed, and that one of the transformational methods he discovered was the use of the vibrational patters of flowers – it was then that Flower Essence Therapy was born.

Through years of research and study, Dr. Bach developed a system of therapy using the vibrational patterns of flowers, imprinted into spring water, to transform the emotional vibrational patters of human beings. He showed through numerous case studies that flower essences, properly selected and applied, can be effective in treating the negative energies which underlie most disease states. Further, one need not have an illness or disease to realize the benefits of flower essences – flowers can be used to assist in transformation of any negative emotional state, be it temporary and transitive, or a more ingrained long-term pattern. (Flower essences do not transform positive states into negative ones, as flowers are not thought to contain negative energies themselves).

Dr. Bach’s 12-7-19 Categorization Method

Dr. Bach categorized the original 38 flower essences he discovered into 3 categories to assist in their application. The categories are the ’12 Healers’ which reflect and transform our essential nature, the ‘7 Helpers’ to assist with chronic conditions, and the ‘Second 19’ that relate to more immediate traumas or difficulties. Here we will consider the Twelve Healers and describe the properties of each essence. The Seven Helpers and the Second Nineteen will be considered in Parts II and III of this article.

The Twelve Healers were designated by Dr. Bach as the flower essences that help the individual transform the source of discord at the very core of their being. These twelve essences are meant to address the twelve archetypal groups of humanity; the twelve primary personalities as Dr. Bach saw them. Some have gone so far as to relate these to the twelve signs of the Zodiac (a reasonable relationship it seems), though it is unclear as to whether this relationship was drawn by Dr. Bach himself.

These twelve essences are an excellent starting point for any journey into flower essence healing, as it is often times our root ‘disharmony’ or karmic imbalance that is the source of much or perhaps all ‘dis-ease’ in our lives.

The Twelve Healers:

Impatiens – As the name of the flower implies, this essence addresses a tendency toward impatience; these individuals have difficulty with the flow of time. Their minds are often far ahead of the present moment, and with this they will deny themselves full immersion in the beauty around them. The individual needing Impatiens may be truly lonely, always being ahead of those subtle human exchanges which bring the richness to our collective human experience. Many find Impatiens to be a relatively ‘fast acting’ flower essence, feeling more at ease within minutes of essence use.

Gentian – Those in need of Gentian flower essence are too easily discouraged when setbacks occur. They may live with an omnipresent feeling that things are not going well, and may doubt the possibility of their own healing. Gentian can bring about a more positive outlook – perhaps with the feeling that one is ‘good enough’. When things do not go exactly as planned, instead of being overwhelmed and disheartened, one can see the lessons in the circumstance, perhaps rebounding with more wisdom and strength than before.

Mimulus – This essence is the core remedy for known fears in everyday life. Those needing this essence can be hypersensitive to common events which will elicit an out-of-proportion fear response. The fear may be found in the physical body centered in the solar plexus, which may churn with anxiety. Mimulus flower essence helps bring courage to these individuals, bringing the strength of the higher Self to the personality so that they may find joy and exuberance in their lives.

Clematis – The Clematis flower essence type is a dreamy one; there is insufficient interest in the immediate moment of daily life. The individual may have a strong inner life – the abilities to dream, visualize and imagine are well developed, but the manifestation into the physical world is not strong. Clematis can help bring a warmth to the bodily incarnation, such that the individual can channel their great gifts into the here and now.

Agrimony – The Agimony flower essence type tends to hide more deeply rooted pain or ailments behind a cheerful façade, both inwardly and outwardly. They may make light of their own suffering, or try to ignore it all together, when really there are patterns and feelings which need to be addressed for personal growth and healing. These individuals may have been raised in strict environments, which may not have allowed the expression of such troubles. Agrimony flower essence can help them find inner peace, by allowing the connection to true inner conditions, acceptance of these conditions, and subsequent transformation.

Chicory – Filled with self-pity, and the ‘nobody appreciates me’ attitude, the Chicory flower essence type squanders their light by demanding it from others. A guise of seemingly loving behavior can be used to manipulate others into feeding somewhat selfish needs. The Chicory essence is considered important for clearing loving energy pathways so they may be directed outward and given freely. May be particularly helpful with children who have a pattern of negative behavior for demanding attention.

Vervain – The lesson of Vervain flower essence is one of balance. The individual in need of Vervain may be extreme, over-bearing, and very strong – perhaps inflexible – in their ways. Though their energies are high, the single-minded efforts of the Vervain type can result in stress, when given situations where flexibility is required. This is where the mind-body connection can be lost; the mind can be so strongly committed to a particular action, it may no longer consider the long-term effects to the physical being. Vervain flower essence brings grounding and earthly balance, allowing these strong-willed individuals the flexibility necessary to manifest their great intentions and efforts.

Centaury - The flower essence for those who cannot say no. The Chicory essence type finds their reason for being in the service and acceptance of others. The result is no true value of self, and the spreading thin of personal energies. There is the recurrent theme of personal boundaries being overstepped, because the will to create and enforce those boundaries is weak. Chicory flower essence strengthens the value of one’s self, supporting the notion that one’s life in and of itself is of importance. The idea that one must truly be honoring and respectful to one’s self first, before others can be served, is reinforced – It is then that personal healing can finally be initiated as a powerful force.

Scleranthus – The personality in need of Scleranthus flower essence is marked by indecision, confusion and hesitation, often wavering between two choices. This inability to decide the best course of actions for one’s self can be physically and emotionally draining – this mental energy is used repeatedly examining a situation rather than manifesting the best choice. The world can be a difficult place for such individuals, as there are limitless possibilities in which to get lost, never really making headway. Scleranthus will help these individuals define themselves and their world, summoning the strength to form an inner resolve. This allows a great release of energy to be happy and manifest one’s chosen work.

Water Violet – This important flower essence is about the opening of the heart. Those in need of this essence may be functioning quite effectively in society and within their familial relationships, however, the deepest parts of these bonds are avoided. Whether due to childhood experiences, karma brought to this life from the past, or other situations, the individual has constructed a barrier preventing full integration with the human family. The true warmth of love and companionship should be utilized to further one’s growth – Water Violet flower essence supports this transformation.

Rock Rose – This is the flower essence for great fear. Unlike Mimulus, which is indicated more for a fear which manifests as being ‘timid’, Rock Rose addresses terror. It is often indicated in traumatic events (as a component of Rescue Remedy) or for specific instances where a reaction of overwhelming fear is inhibiting further growth or healing. If one has been diagnosed with a life threatening illness, for example, and one is overcome with the fear of death, this fear will inhibit any healing process that may take place. Rock Rose brings courage to those most in need.

Cerato – Cerato flower essence types do not trust their own hearts, minds or instincts; instead they seek the advice of others, and rely on this advice to direct their lives. This almost certainly creates an imbalance, for it is only by honestly listening to our own inner voice that we may walk the path to true physical and emotional wellness. While seeking advice is certainly important in most of life’s circumstances, the Cerato type uses this advice as a crutch. Cerato flower essence will encourage one to listen to one’s own inner wisdom and facilitate spiritual growth in this respect.

This concludes the summary of the ‘Twelve Healers’ – the flower essences Dr. Edward Bach considered key to transforming root personality imbalances. As a physician, Dr. Bach believed that one or more of these imbalances was to be found associated with the illness of each patient, and that if these imbalances were addressed, the conditions necessary for healing may successfully arise. Of course one does not necessarily need to be outwardly manifesting a state of dis-ease to find benefit in these flower essences; through bringing balance to any person, they may further their personal development and heighten their life’s experience.

In the next part of this article, we will look at the ‘Seven Helpers’ – Flower essences Dr. Bach considered useful in chronic states of illness.

Misty Rae Cech is a naturopath and yoga teacher residing in Boulder, Colorado. She is owner of the Ananda Apothecary, a dispensery of Essential Oils and Bach Flower Essences. Misty utilizes flower essence therapy with her clients, finding the essences a gentle yet effective way to give momentum to the healing process.

An Introduction to Bach Flower Essences Part II - The Seven Helpers By Misty Cech

The 12-7-19 Method of Bach Flower Classification

Dr. Edward Bach, developer of flower essence therapy, classified the original 38 essences he used in his practice according to the 12-7-19 method: the Twelve Healers, the Seven Helpers, and the Second Nineteen. In part I of this series, the Twelve Healer flower essences were reviewed, along with the underlying theory of flower essence therapy – here we’ll have a look at the rhymes and reasons of the Seven Helpers.

Dr. Bach prescribed one or more of the Seven Helper essences to patients who did not seem to be responding sufficiently to therapy with one of the Twelve Healers. The Twelve Healer flower essences – Impatiens, Gentian, Mimulus, Clematis, Agrimony, Chicory, Vervain, Centaury, Scleranthus, Water Violet, Rock Rose, and Cerato – were developed by Dr. Bach to address what he saw as the imbalances of the twelve archetypal personality types. It is through the vibrational transformation of these imbalances that healing of overlying disease states can, in many cases, be initiated. However, Dr. Bach found there were individuals that did not respond to flower essence therapy with the Twelve Healers; this lead him to the discovery of the Seven Helpers.

The purpose of the Seven Helpers is to address chronically ingrained negative vibrational patterns which may be obscuring the primary personality type. For example, Olive, one of the Seven Helper flower essences, is prescribed for states of exhaustion, where one has been worn out by the struggle of healing or other life event. In this case, it may be difficult to see what the primary personality type of the individual may be, as true fatigue does not let a whole lot else show through - this real weariness may mask other personality traits or patterns.

Or it may be that the chronic state simply prevents progress on the healing path that could otherwise take place. Again, using Olive essence as an example – An individual may clearly be in need of one of the Twelve Healers. Perhaps they live in fear and are in need of Mimulus, and clearing this fear would allow them to heal. However, their fatigue is so great as they do not have the strength to work with these issues – in this case, it may be helpful to use Olive along with Mimulus to offer a more complete support from the flower essence therapy.

The Seven Helper essences can certainly be administered individually as well, particularly if a specific flower essence is strongly indicated. Dr. Bach had also written that if an individual is not responding to other essences, Wild Oat (one of the Seven) may be used: “If ever a case does not respond to treatment, give either Holly or Wild Oat, and it will be obvious which of the other remedies may be required. In all cases where the patient is of the active, intense type, give Holly. In patients who are of the weak, despondent type, give Wild Oat.”

Beyond the original works of Dr. Bach, the Flower Essence Repertory from Flower Essence Services offers descriptions of these seven essences beyond what a physician may see. FES broadens the application of the flowers to include their use for those needing change that may or may not be related to a health condition. This is an important point, as one may have tendencies they may wish to transform, but are at no serious risk. This application of flower essence is encouraged, for any support for personal and ‘soul’ evolution is indeed invaluable. So within the following descriptions of the Seven Helper flower essences, a broad view will be maintained, so that the greatest audience may find a suitable essence.

As always with flower essence therapy, in cases of illness, treatment is not a substitute for proper professional care. It may be the case that an illness may have emotional roots, and that flowers can be of help, but one should not solely rely on self-prescription of flower essences as a cure.

And on to the descriptions…

The Seven Helpers:

Olive – As stated earlier, Olive flower essence is indicated where great fatigue has set in. An individual may be pale, worn out and / or exhausted after excessive worry, illness, grief or other struggle. The individual perhaps feels they do not have the strength to continue; that both their physical energy source has been spent. The Olive remedy allows one to tap into a new source of light, helping one see and feel a rejuvenation that comes from establishing (or re-establishing) a connection to a universal energy. This connection may provide the impetus needed for change in other areas, or may be transformative in and of itself through helping on realize that the etheric ‘spirit’ body and the physical body are inseparable.

Gorse – This flower essence is used where one has lost will due to discouragement, becoming hopeless and resigned to one’s condition. They have perhaps been giving too much energy to the negative possibilities, solidifying this outlook so no progress can be made. This remedy restores hope to such individuals, so they may be able to have a brighter outlook, perhaps more joy, when confronted with life’s challenges.

Oak – The remedy for those committed to over-striving, regardless if that striving is having a positive result. Those in need of the Oak flower essence have great determination and strength, which can be true assets. However, at times it is crucial to balance this force with subtlety and grace. The individual may have even become resigned to the inevitable failure of their endeavor or succumbing to an illness, yet they continue with their efforts. Oak helps restore a balance, allowing one the freedom of letting up or resting when that is in fact what is required. An important essence in today’s hard-striving world.

Vine – For those who see their way as the ‘right’ way or the only way, Vine essence allows an opening in one’s perception for other points of view. An individual in need of Vine may have a domineering personality, insisting that everyone else follow their lead, including health professionals. Such a point of view can lead to great stress when it is perceived do not share the same ideas, and that harm, or at least lack of healing, may come about. Vine essence may soften this selfish nature, assisting one to understand that other points of view may be entirely valid, and in fact, more complete than one’s own. This allows the individual to receive needed support, often a key component in any personal transformation.

Heather – The Heather type appear self-obsessed, talking continually about their own situations and problems. Such persons are in fact truly lonely and often in great emotional pain. They may feel an emptiness or hunger, which they feed from the attention of others. This flower essence helps one make a connection to the Higher Self, finding peace and solace in the unity of all being. This realization helps one overcome the loneliness and disconnection they may feel, drawing on emotional self-sufficiency and true shared relationship with others for assistance.

Rock Water – For those that are too hard on themselves. Being reflective and aware is one thing, to go so far as to limit one’s (and one’s friends and family) enjoyment of life is another. Flexibility and spontaneity are key components to the ‘life well lived’. Further, a rigidity in lifestyle can prevent one from finding joy, an important factor in healing from many illnesses. This essence is sometimes indicated for those beginning flower essence therapy or those who do not see results, as it may assist in opening the soul to the energies of the plant realm.

Wild Oat – Health and happiness are very much connected with one’s ability to find one’s true vocation. Wandering through life feeling a lack of purpose can lead to distressed states, with addictions or despondency being possible results. Wild Oat flower essence may help align one with their true calling, so that both the individual and the greater environment can benefit. When one finds this sense of meaning, there is a strong inner light that can shine forth, supporting one’s own health, and the health of those around them.

These are the Seven Helpers, as categorized per Dr. Edward Bach’s 12-7-19 flower essence method. It is said that with the Twelve Healers and the Seven Helpers, one can support transformation of many vibrational/emotional states. At the same time, it is important to keep one’s mind open to possibilities; there are a great number of researched flower essences available, one’s that may be even more precisely applied to a particular situation. The Healer and Helper essences are however, a fantastic place to start if one is seeking an effective collection of remedies, suitable for the needs of many beings.

Misty is a Naturopath in Boulder, Colorado. She is owner of Ananda Apothecary, a dispensery of Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils and Organic Flower Essences. Misty employs Bach Flower Essences and Remedies in her professional practice, finding them a gentle way to encourage her clients' healing.

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