BACH FLOWER REMEDIES

Richard Andersen (rico7@inet.uni-c.dk) 08 Jan 1995 writes: INTRODUCTION This is a small INFO on the Bach remedies, which is a very fine system for treating mental disorders in a natural way. It is a personal posting, and not an advertisement from any company. I have however, apart from my own short introduction here, used a small pamphlet from the Bach Centre in England as a text source, as it explains things quite well. A few additions are taken from books and other sources, including my own experience with the system. The Bach System consists of essences made from 38 different flowers. Each remedy has a specific action upon a certain mental attitude. This way there is a remedy or combination of remedies for any kind of mental disorder. The Bach remedies are not tranquilizers, which just allay symptoms without dealing with the causes of the mental disorders, like most orthodox chemical medicine does (some of the remedies, though, have strong tranquilizing effects, but they work in a quite different, and positive way). Conversely, they attack problems at the root. Just as our body has its own self-healing properties regarding diseases, wounds etc., our mind and spirit have their own self-healing capacities (actually these things are deeply connected, but that is another story). The Bach remedies stimulate these processes in a natural way, thus creating a true healing of the disorder, without side effects of any kind. They are excellent in combination with other kinds of mental or spiritual therapy, which seeks to reveal and treat the real causes of mental disorders, rather than covering them up. The text deals with the issue that mental disorders are the primary cause of physical illnesses. My personal experiences and studies in recent years seems to confirm this viewpoint, though I still have some unsolved questions regarding this subject (sometimes it can be quite tricky to reveal, what it really was that cured a disease; there are many factors involved to take into consideration...). If anyone has comments on this subject, feel free to e-mail me.

THE BACH SYSTEM

The remedies used are all prepared from the flowers of wild plants, bushes and trees, and none of them is harmful or habit forming. They are used, *not directly*, for physical complaints, but for the sufferer's worry, apprehension, hopelessness, irritability, etc., because these states of mind or moods not only hinder recoverery of health and retard convalescense, but are generally accepted as primary causes of sickness and disease. A long-continued worry or fear, as is well-known, will deplete the individual's vitality; he will feel out of sorts, below par, not himself, and the body then loses its natural resistance. As peace and harmony is achieved, unity returns to mind and body, closing the circuit as it were and allowing the Life Force to flow freely again, thus providing the body its chance to produce its own *natural* healing. This system and the remedies were discovered by a doctor who had practised for over 20 years in London as a Harley Street consultant, bacteriologist and homeopath. The late Edward Bach, M.B., B.S., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., D.H.P., gave up his lucrative practice in 1930 to devote his full time to seek energies in the plant world which would restore vitality to the sick, so that the sufferer himself would be able to overcome his worry, his apprehension, etc., and so assist in his own healing. Dr. Bach developed great sensitivity both in mind and body. If he held his hand over a flowering plant, or the flower in the palm in his hand, he could sense in himself the properties of that flower. Before finding a particular flower, he would suffer in himself, and very acutely, the negative state of mind for which that flower was needed and, at the same time, he was privileged, as he said, to suffer from some physical complaint. Then he would wander about the fields and lanes until he was 'led' to find the flowers which would immediately restore his serenity and peace of mind, and within a few hours the physical complaint would also be healed. In this way he found 38 flowers to cover all known negative states of mind from which mankind can suffer, categorizing them in seven headings: * Those for anxiety and apprehension. * For uncertainty and indecision. * For loneliness. * For insufficient interest in present circumstances. * For over-sensitiveness to ideas and influence. * For despondency and despair. * For over-care for the wellfare of others. As the Bach Remedies are benign in their action and can result in no unpleasant reactions, they can be taken by anyone. Stock concentrate Remedies will keep indefinitely - a 10 ml concentrate bottle will make approximately 60 treatment bottles. More than one remedy can be taken at the same time - 2 drops of each chosen Remedy in a glass of water and sipped at intervals, or in a 30 ml (1 fl.oz) drop-bottle filled with spring water (this represents a treatment bottle) from which 4 drops are directly placed on the tongue at least 4 times a day. If the mixture tends to spoil or get sour, which can happen especially in warm weather, whisky, gin, cognac or whatever can be added for conservation (the total alcohol percentage in the mixture should be at least 20 %). If you want to avoid alcohol, you can use 50% cider vinegar or rice vinegar instead. Litterature and issued instructions are self-explanatory, making it quite simple for sufferers to help themselves and others. If further advice is required a brief description is needed of the person's personality, temperament, general outlook, worries etc., and reasons for same if any. Also needed is any great disappointment or upset which might have left its mark, and what effect it has had on thoughts, actions, outlook and so on. Please remember - consider the person's attitude, feelings, worries, indecision, timidity, vexations, resentment, possessiveness, hopelessness, lethargy, hatred, overpowering or demanding nature, intolerance, tenseness, etc., and most essentially the reason "why" there is apprehension, worry and fear etc. Only then can the correct remedy(ies) be determined. Physical conditions are only considered as a guide to the person's state of suffering and its subsequent effect on the sufferer's outlook. It is up to the person to take medical advice if necessary The "RESQUE REMEDY" (Liquid or Cream) Dr.Bach combined five specific Remedies from the 38 to formulate an emergency composite that he chose to call "Resque Remedy". He saved a fisherman's life in 1930 with this preparation. Its purpose is to comfort/reassure and calm those who have received serious news, severe upset, startling experiences, consequently falling into a numbed, bemused state of mind. To nullify the sufferers anguish is of the utmost importance. This helps the natural healing process of one's being to proceed without hindrance. Therefore the "Resque Remedy" is invaluable to keep at hand for immediate use until the arrival of the doctor if necessary. It does not take the place of medical attention. "Rescue Remedy" is taken orally (4 drops in a glass of water), but can also be applied externally either in liquid or cream form - see the included instruction leflet. *Animals and plants can also benefit from this treatment*.

AT A GLANCE REFERENCE TO THE BACH REMEDIES

1. AGRIMONY Those who suffer considerable inner torture which they try to dissemble behind a facade of cheerfullness. Often used as a remedy for alcoholism.

2. ASPEN Apprehension - the feeling that something dreadful is going to happen without knowing why. Unexplainable anxiety, presentiments. Anxiety for no known reason.

3. BEECH Critical and intolerant of others. Arrogant.

4. CENTAURY Weakness of will; those who let themselves be exploited or imposed upon - become subservient; difficulty in saying "no". Human doormat.

5. CERATO Those who doubt their own judgment and intuition, seek advice of others. Often influenced and misguided.

6. CHERRY PLUM Uncontrolled - irrational thoughts. Fear of losing control and doing something terrible, fear of "going crazy". Uncontrolled bursts of temper. Impulsive suicide.

7. CHESTNUT BUD Refusal to learn by experience; continually repeating the same mistakes.

8. CHICORY The overly-possesive, demands respect or attention (selfishness), likes others to conform to their standards. Makes martyr of oneself. Interferes and manipulates.

9. CLEMATIS Indifferent, inattentive, daydreaming, absent-minded. Mental escapist from reality.

10. CRAB APPLE "The Cleanser Flower". Feels unclean or ashamed of ailments. Self disgust/hatred. House proud. 11. ELM Temporarily overcome by inadequacy or responsibility, though normally very capable.

12. GENTIAN Despondent. Easily discouraged and rejected. Skeptical, pessimistic. Depression, where the cause is known.

13. GORSE Desperate, without hope: "Oh, what's the use". Defeatism.

14. HEATHER People who are obsessed with their own troubles and experiences. Talkative 'bores' - poor listeners.

15. HOLLY For those who are jealous, envious, revengeful and suspicious. Those who hate

16. HONEYSUCKLE For those with nostalgia and who constantly dwell in the past. Home-sickness.

17. HORNBEAM "Monday morning" feeling but once started, task usually fulfilled. Mentally tired. Procrastination.

18. IMPATIENS Impatience, irritability. Reacts in an exaggerated manner.

19. LARCH Despondency due to lack of self-confidence; expectation of failure, so fails to make the attempt. Feels inferior, yet has the ability.

20. MIMULUS Fear of *known* things, fear of the world. Shyness, timidity, bashfulness.

21. MUSTARD "Dark cloud" of depression that descends for no known reason which can lift just as suddenly, making one downcast, saddened and low.

22. OAK Brave determined types. Struggles on in illness and against adversity despite setbacks. Plodders, never resting.

23. OLIVE Drained of energy - everything an effort. Physically fatigued.

24. PINE Feelings of guilt. Blames oneself for the mistakes of others. Feels unworthy.

25. RED CHESTNUT Excessive care of, and concern for, others, especially those held dear.

26. ROCK ROSE Alarmed, panicky, full of trepidation.

27. ROCK WATER For those who are hard on themselves - often overwork. Rigid minded, self denying. Ascetic.

28. SCLERANTHUS Uncertainty/indecision/vacillation. Fluctuating moods.

29. STAR OF BETHLEHEM For all the effects of serious news, or fright following an accident, etc.. For release from trauma, not matter how old it is.

30. SWEET CHESTNUT Absolute dejection. Feels one has reached the limits for what one can stand.

31. VERVAIN Over-enthusiasm, over effort; straining. Fanatical and highly strung. Incensed and frustrated by injustices.

32. VINE Dominating/inflexible/ambitious/tyrannical/autocratic. Arrogant pride. Considered to be good leaders.

33. WALNUT Protection remedy against powerful influences, and helps adjustment to any transition or change, e.g. puberty, menopause, divorce, new surroundings. Contrary to CENTAURY the person knows what he wants, but is easily influenced by other people to do something else.

34. WATER VIOLET Proud, reserved, sedate types, sometimes "superior". Little emotional involvement, but reliable/dependable.

35. WHITE CHESTNUT Persistent unwanted thoughts. Pre-occupation with some worry or episode. Mental arguments. Constant inner dialog.

36. WILD OAT Helps determine one's intended path of life.

37. WILD ROSE Resignation, apathy. Drifters who accept their lot, making little or no effort for improvement - lacks ambition.

38. WILLOW Resentment and bitterness with "not fair" and "poor me" attitude.

39. RESQUE REMEDY A combination of Cherry Plum, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose, Star of Betlehem.

All purpose emergency composite for effects of anguish, examinations, going to the dentist etc.. Comforting, calming and reassuring to those distressed by startling experiences. Dr. Bach lived and worked in Mount Vernon, England, where he discovered his healing flowers in the fields and hedgerows surrounding the area. The very same wild flower locations are used to this day in the preparation of the Flower Remedies by the present custodians, who are dedicated by legacy, to maintaining the simple method and use of the Remedies as intended by Dr. Bach, and so faithfully carried out by the late Nora Weeks after the doctor's death. The 38 Remedies cover every negative state of mind known to man, and will (in keeping with Dr. Bach's express wish) remain a complete entity. Therefore no claimed "extensions", "furtherance" or prepared facsimile of the Bach Remedies hold any association with the Bach centre whatsoever. POSTSCRIPT The remedies are made by a special process - a infusion or decoction of the dried herbs will have no effect at all. A few of them are actually slightly poisonous used this way; however this is *not* the case for the remedies, as they are used in low homeopathic potency (they have been tested for toxicity by official authorities and none has been found). For those who want to try to make the remedies themselves, further information can be obtained from me. However, the original remedies are very inexpensive in use (a few dollars a month for a longtime treatment), so I hardly find it worth making them oneselves. Besides you are insured to get a high quality product made by experts when using the original remedies. If you cannot locate the remedies locally, you can get information from the following addresses: USA/CANADA: Ellon (Bach USA) Inc. P.O. Box 320, Woodmere, N.Y. 11598 USA (Phone 516 825 2229) GERMANY/AUSTRIA/SWITZERLAND M. Scheffer Hp., (Bach Centre German Office), Eppendorfer Landstr. 32, 2000 Hamburg 20, W. Germany. (Tel 040 464624) AUSTRALIA Nonesuch Botanials Pty. Ldt., P.O. Box 68, Mt. Evelyn, Vic. 3796, Australia (Phone (03) 762 8577) Martin Pleasance Wholesale Pty. Ldt., P.O. Box 4, Collingwood, Vic. 3066, Australia (Phone 419 9733) HOLLAND/BELGIUM Holland Pharma, Postbus 37, 7240 AA Lochem, Holland (Tel 05730-2884) DENMARK Camette, Murervej 16, 6700 Esbjerg, Denmark (Tlf 7514 5455 / 7514 5225) You can also get information about books on the subjet at these addresses. Further information, questions, comments, etc., E-mail to: Richard Andersen (rico7@inet.uni-c.dk)