What are
the Bach Flower Remedies?
The Bach Flower remedies were discovered over sixty
years ago by Dr. Edward Bach MB, BS, MRCS, LRCP. He
received his Diploma of Public Health (DHP) at
Cambridge in 1913.
When he was receiving his medical training, he began
to realize that his patients needed more than
treatment for their physical symptoms. He also
recognized that the body seemed to mirror emotional
or mental problems. Negative states such as worry,
guilt, fear, depression seemed to slow down the
process of healing. Whereas positive states such as
joyfulness, positive attitude, hopeful outlook for
the future, seemed to promote or speed recovery from
illness.
Bach (pronounced Batch by the British) continued his
studies looking into other conventional healing
modalities. He studied bacteriology and became
well-known for his research in that area. Along the
way he met Dr. Hahnemann, a homeopathic physician.
Dr. Bach believed in the benefits of homeopathy and
became a homeopath who worked for several years in
the laboratories of the Royal London Homoeopathic
Hospital. It was there he prepared seven nosodes
that were used for chronic diseases and were given
by mouth. It was during this time period that he
made a significant discovery.
Bach attended an evening dinner party and was
finishing up his cup of tea before leaving. He was
observing a group of people standing in a corner
having a conversation. He noticed that while that
had very different physical symptoms, they seemed to
display the same or similar emotional/mental states.
This coincided with his observation that some of his
patients that received nosodes had the same
emotional problems regardless of their various
physical conditions. From that time forward, Bach
began to give “remedies” to patients based on their
“temperaments” rather than their physical states.
Bach’s conclusions about his patients had been based
on his intellectual understanding of their problems
and he continually searched for a scientific basis
for the effectiveness of his remedies. Homeopathy
had been a good start in another direction but it
was a very deep study and Bach was looking for
something that would be simple, yet harmless and
quick to restore balance to the individual. At this
time he decided to leave his professional life in
London and retreat to his home in the country.
It was in this quiet place of peace and solitude
that Bach discovered his “intuitive” side. He became
quite sensitive and found that he could pass his
hand over a flower and “know” its properties.
Furthermore, if he needed to find a remedy for some
negative state of mind, he began to experience it
within himself until he found the flower that would
correct the condition and restore him to a state of
peace.
For seven years he searched for and found the
flowers that would satisfy the seven major negative
states of mind: Fear, Uncertainty, Insufficient
Interest in Present Circumstances, Loneliness,
Over-sensitivity to Influences and Ideas,
Despondency or Despair, Over-Care for the Welfare of
Others. These flowers grew above ground, in the air
and sunlight and were prepared in a specific
fashion. They were prepared where they grew. The
heads of the flowers were placed in clean water in a
bowl in full sunlight for three hours. Bach felt the
heat of the sun would be enough to draw the energy
of the flower into the water. The flowers were then
removed and the water was bottled and preserved with
a small amount of brandy. To this day, this is the
way the Bach Flower Remedies are prepared.
The remedies are not homeopathic but they do carry a
specific energy pattern with them that is effective
in balancing out the negative states of mind that
plague man. Though there are thirty-eight total
remedies, there is one combination that is used for
emergencies. That remedy is called “Rescue” and is
used in situations calling for immediate attention
such as shock, grief, unconsciousness, terror.
The remedies are used all over the world and are
safe for plants, animals, or humans. Though the
amount one takes at one time is quite small - 3-4
drops under the tongue or in another liquid before
you swallow it, they can be very powerful.
Rescue remedy has also been made into a cream to
apply topically when there is a trauma to the skin
or soft tissue.
The Bach remedies are readily available at most
health food stores or homeopathic outlets.
Chicory: For
a pet that is in constant need of attention.
Chestnut
Bud: For at pet that can not learn from past
experiences and keep repeating the same mistake over
and over again.
Crab Apple:
Being a cleanser, this Essence purifies wounds. It
also helps when a pet keep licking itself.
Mimulus:
Fear of known things, such as, strangers, sounds,
new places, the vacuum cleaner, other animals etc.
This includes shyness.
Holly: For
animals that are jealous either at other animals, a
new baby or person.
Honeysuckle:
For a pet that can not get over the loss of a lost
friend.
Olive: For a
pet that is exhausted and lack energy.
Star of
Bethlehem: For an animal that have been through a
traumatic experience, such as, attacked by another
animal, been lost, being abused, moved to a new
place, lost a loved person, been in an accident or
other traumatic experiences.
Vervain: For
animals that is hyperactive and always on the run.
Walnut: When
changes are happening or when there need to be a
change in habits. This Essence help the pet
adjust to a new environment, new people or any other
situation where there is a change or a need for a
change. This Essences can also help a pet that is
being affected by their humans emotions, Walnut
protects the pet from our negative emotions.