Bach flower remedies

The term 'Flower Remedy' refers to the products developed by Dr Edward Bach, a London bacteriologist and homoeopath. 'Flower Essences' are products devised by various people following on from Dr Bach's work.

Dr Bach became disillusioned with the side effects of drug therapies and turned his research to the healing power of nature. He believed that illness was a result of mental or emotional balance and that the unique energetic property of a plant could be used to rectify an imbalance and restore the awareness of 'wholeness'. Using the homoeopathic law of potentisation, he reasoned that the healing effects of plants might also be contained in the morning dew found on their flowers.

Dr Bach believed that harmful emotions were the main cause of disease and he classified the various emotions into seven main categories. These seven categories were then divided further into 38 negative feelings. Each negative emotion is associated with a particular plant. He also developed a compound of five flowers called Rescue Remedy to be used in emergency situations or for trauma.

The Seven Emotional Categories and Sub-Categories

Fearfulness

Terror and nightmares
Known fears and shyness
Uncontrollable rage and impulses
Vague fears and apprehension
Excessive fear on behalf of family and friends

Uncertainty

Lack of confidence in decision making
Indecision and mood swings
Hesitation and past disappointments
Despair and hopelessness
Tiredness and procrastination
Dissatisfaction and lack of motivation

Lack of interest in present circumstances

Lack of concentration and escapism
Nostalgia and homesickness
Apathy and resignation
Lack of vitality and exhaustion
Worry
Melancholy
Failure to learn from mistakes

Loneliness

Aloofness and reserve
Impatience
Self-obsession, self-absorption and excessive desire for companionship

Over-sensitivity

Concealed problems
Anxiety to please
Periods of transition
Negative feelings such as hatred or envy

Despondence and despair

Lack of self-confidence
Guilt and self-reproach
Sense of overwhelming responsibility
Unbearable anguish
Shock and grief
Resentment and bitterness
Losing the strength to fight
Feeling ashamed or unclean

Over-concern for welfare of others

Possessiveness, selfishness, self-pity and over-protectiveness towards others
Argumentative and overbearing
Ruthless and dictatorial
Critical and intolerant
Self-denial and narrow-mindedness

Flower Remedies and Essences are liquid preparations created by boiling parts of plants in spring water or by placing the flowers onto the surface of spring water and leaving them to infuse by natural sunlight for a period of time. After these processes, the water is preserved in brandy. Bach Flower Remedies are made of flowers found mostly in Britain.

The Remedies are intended for self-help use, although many practitioners from other disciplines also prescribe their use. The Remedies are sold in concentrated form and the method of use is either by placing drops directly on the tongue, or by diluting them in liquid.

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