health and wellness

 

Flower essences are the dilute extracts of various types of flowers and plants used to treat people of ALL ages, and animals, with a host of emotional and mental symptoms. Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936) who was the first to discover and develop these herbal extracts, was a physician well ahead of his time. Moving away from orthodox medicine, he became increasingly dissatisfied with its limitations and started focusing on curing symptoms which involved addressing the causes of the illness; not the masking of the illness that orthodox medicine so often plays its role.

“Health is our heritage, our right. It is the complete and full union between soul, mind and body; and this is not a difficult far-away ideal to attain, but one so easy and natural, that many of us have overlooked it.” Dr. Edward Bach

Dr. Bach’s philosophy was simple and profound; diseases of the body come about as a result of imbalances or negativity at the level of the soul, and by correcting the problem on a homeopathic level, harmony would be restored between our spiritual and moral selves. “Disease is the re-action to interferences. This is the temporary failure and unhappiness and this occurs when we allow others to interfere with our purpose in life and implant in our minds doubt, fear, or indifference.”

How Do They Work?

Dr. Bach’s flower essences, like other forms of natural medicine, take effect by treating the individual, not the disease or the symptoms of the disease. They work specifically on the emotional condition of the person concerned. The effect of taking the essences is not to suppress negative attitudes but to transform them into positive one, stimulating one’s own potential for self-healing.

In his pursuit, Dr. Bach discovered 38 essences which he called, Rescue Remedy, and divided the 38 essences into seven groups, representing fundamental conflicts, which prevent us from being true to ourselves:

• Fear
• Uncertainty
• Insufficient interest in present circumstances
• Loneliness
• Oversensitivity to influences and ideas
• Despondency or despair
• Over-care for the welfare of others 

To name Bach Flower Essences on a very basic, keyword meaning, are listed below; but to study deeper into their abilities is rather fascinating, since I myself have been studying and using Bach Essences for myself, my children, and Heidi, our puppy, for at least five years now, and so I am happy to share what I know about them.

Agrimony: Hide Problems Behind A Cheerful Face. People who appear to be carefree and humorous, but is just a mask.

Aspen: Fears And Worries Of Unknown Origin; for no apparent reason. Seized by sudden fears. Nervous; anxious.

Beech: Intolerant Of Others. Critical of people’s shortcomings. Unable to make allowances; finds it hard to see the good.

Centaury: Weak-Willed And Easily Led; overly submissive by letting themselves be imposed upon.

Cerato: Seek Advice And Confirmation From Others. People who do not trust their own judgement in decision-making.

Cherry Plum: Fear Of Losing Control. People who fear of losing control of their behaviour. Verge of breakdown.

Chestnut Bud: Failure To Learn From Past Mistakes, which leads to an inability to make progress in life.

Chicory: Possessive, Over-Protective; these people expect other people to conform to their values.

Clematis: Dreaminess; Lack Of Interest In Present; for people who live in a world of their own.    

Crab Apple: Poor Self Image; Sense of Uncleanliness. May be obsessed with housecleaning, trivialities.

Elm: Overwhelmed By Responsibility of their workload; usually competent and capable, but a feeling of losing ground.

Gentian: Discouragement; Despondency. Sufferers are easily discouraged and depressed.

Gorse: Hopelessness; Despair. For people who have given up the fight. A feeling that they are at the end of the tunnel.

Heather: Self-Preoccupied; Self Concern; Talkative about their own situation or ailments.

Holly: Envious, Jealous, Feelings Of Hatred. They find it difficult to open their hearts to love.      

Honeysuckle: Dwells On The Past. People who tend to live in the past. Having regrets.

Hornbeam: ‘Monday Morning’ Feeling; mental rather than physical. Difficulty in coping with the day’s program.

Impatiens: Impatience; people who are easily irritated. Wanting everything done instantly.

Larch: Lack of Confidence. For people who won’t even try because they are sure in advance they will fail.

Mimulus: Fear Of Known Things, such as illness, death, accidents, pain, the dark, cold, poverty.   

Mustard: Deep Gloom With No Origin. For sudden depression out of the blue, and then lifts, such as suddenly.

Oak: Exhausted But Struggles On: For people normally strong whose inner strength wanes and fatigue sets in.

Olive: Lack Of Energy: Exhausted in body and mind after a long period of strain through personal difficulties.

Pine: Self-Reproach; Guilt: For people full of guilt who blame themselves for other people’s mistakes.

Red Chestnut: Fear Or Over-Concern For Others: Those who fear the worst or worry for the welfare of others.

Rock Rose: Terror. Such as may occur after being in an accident, having a near escape, or from witnessing it.

Rock Water: Inflexible, Self Denial.  People who set themselves very high standards thay may be self-denying.    

Scleranthus: Uncertainty, Indecision. People who suffer indecision or find it difficult to make decisions.   

Star Of Bethlehem: After Effects Of Shock. Trauma, mental or physical from a accident, bad news, bereavement.      

Sweet Chestnut: Extreme Mental Anguish. For agonizing, mental anguish, or loss of hope; despair. Reaching limit.

Vervain: Over-Enthusiasm. With fixed principles, ideas, which they are confident are right, but rarely change.

Vine: Assertive; Inflexible. People who dominate or bully others by using their gifts to manipulate or control others. 

Walnut: Protection From Change And Outside Influences. Finding it difficult to adapt to change, atmospheres, ideas.

Water Violet: Proud; Aloof. Calm and capable but private, and sedate who unwillingly impose their opinions or wishes.

White Chestnut: Unwanted Thoughts; Mental Arguments. Obsessive, and worrying thoughts that are uncontrollable.

Wild Oat: Uncertainty As To Correct Path In Life.  People who have reached crossroads in life and unable to decide.

Wild Rose: Resignation; Apathy. Those who have resigned to an unpleasant situation in work, illness or life.

Willow: Self Pity; Resentment. Self pity, and bitterness with a loss of sense of humor.