Bach Flower Remedies and Others

Recently at one of our local organic food stores [see Earth Fare -- The Healthy Supermarket], I was excited to discover that they had a section devoted to Bach Flower Remedies. They not only a large selection of the flower essences but also a guide to which you could refer to better determine which essence you would need for your mood. The 38 flower essences, developed by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1036), is a system of alternative medicine designed to naturally address emotional and/or mental problems.

Dr. Edward Bach was a leading researcher in the early days of immunology. He believed that every illness was associated with some sort of mental and emotional problem. Not all of his colleagues felt the same, however. As a result, Bach quit medicine in 1930 to spend the remainder of his life searching out natural remedies that would help to balance the mental, emotional, and physical into a healthy whole. Bach did this by traipsing around the English countryside collecting and studying numerous flowers. He believed that the qualities needed to promote mental and emotional health and well-being were best produced by the blooms of various plants and from the essences that could be extracted from these flowers.

Bach's stock essence was created by floating freshly-picked flowers in a bowl of pure spring water. This was then placed in a sunny window for several hours after which brandy was added. This basic stock could then be diluted for internal use or added to creams and lotions for external use.

Each of the flower essences addresses specific emotional and mental states and feelings. These essences can be taken individually or used in combination. For example, chestnut bud can help you learn from your mistakes, while honey suckle can be used to treat people who are stuck in the past.

One of Bach's most popular combinations is called Rescue Remedy, which is used by people who are under stress, feel fearful, and/or are subject to panic attacks. It includes cherry plum (for those who feel like they are about to have a nervous breakdown), clematis (for those who dream of the future and need to focus on the present), impatiens (for those who are frustrated, irritable, and impatient), rock rose (for those who need to be calmed during fearful times), and star of Bethlehem (for those who need help with dealing with a shock, whether past or present). This remedy, like the other individual essences, can not only be taken internally but also used in the bath or dabbed on the inside of the wrists and on the forehead. (I actually opt for the external use. This is a personal preference, though.)

Bach developed 38 flower essences from flowers found in England; however, researchers since Bach's time have extended the search of flower essences into other parts of the world. For instance, the Australian Bush Flower Essences feature at least 65 essences gleaned from the many unusual plants found "down under." In addition, there is also a group of South African Flower Essences. These include some flowers with which many may be familiar, such as the calendula for those who are prone to intellectual arrogance and who need to learn to be more sensitive.

Much of the material dealing with the use of flower essences emphasize their safety. If the wrong essence is chosen for treatment, it will simply not work. It should be noted, however, that some essences should probably not be used for internal use. At least, I would not recommend their internal use. (Comfrey, for example, is one of the essences in the South African system. For more information on this herb and why I advise against its internal use, see my article Alternative Medicine Debate: Comfrey.) If you have any questions or concerns, you should always first consult your primary care physician and/or a certified herbalist.

References:

The Bach Centre

Australian Bush Flower Essences

South African Flower Essences

Booth, Barbara, ed. The Complete Illustrated Book of Herbs. Pleasantville, NY: The Reader's Digest Association, Inc., 2009.