Dr Edward Bach studied medicine at the University College Hospital, London, and was a House Surgeon there. He worked in general practice, having a set of consulting rooms in Harley Street, and as a bacteriologist and later a pathologist he worked on vaccines and a set of homoeopathic nosodes still known as the seven Bach nosodes.
Despite the success of his work with orthodox medicine he felt dissatisfied with the way doctors were expected to concentrate on diseases and ignore the people who were suffering them. He was inspired by his work with homoeopathy but wanted to find remedies that would be purer and less reliant on the products of disease. So in 1930 he gave up his lucrative Harley Street practice and left London, determined to devote the rest of his life to the new system of medicine that he was sure could be found in nature.
Just as he had abandoned his old home, office and work, so now he abandoned the scientific methods he had used up until now. Instead he chose to rely on his natural gifts as a healer, and use his intuition to guide him. One by one he found the remedies he wanted, each aimed at a particular mental state or emotion. His life followed a seasonal pattern: the spring and summer spent looking for and preparing the remedies, the winter spent giving help and advice to all who came looking for them. He found that when he treated the personalities and feelings of his patients their unhappiness and physical distress would be alleviated as the natural healing potential in their bodies was unblocked and allowed to work once more.
In 1934 Dr Bach moved to Mount Vernon in Oxfordshire. It was in the lanes and fields round about that he found the remaining 19 remedies that he needed to complete the series. He would suffer the emotional state that he needed to cure and then try various plants and flowers until he found the one single plant that could help him. In this way, through great personal suffering and sacrifice, he completed his life's work.
Dr Bach passed away peacefully on the evening of November 27th, 1936. He was only 50 years old, but he had left behind him several lifetimes’ experience and effort. To support and carry out the promises made to Dr Edward Bach by Nora Weeks and Victor Bullen, The Bach Foundation was set up.
The Foundation is to preserve the simplicity, purity and completeness of his work and to make it available to all the people of the world. Practitioners who are part of the foundation are given professional status to use the 38 flower remedies and a simple and easy-to-understand approach to selection and use, so they can work in the spirit of Dr Bach and in the context of a Code of Practice.
The Foundation promotes awareness of the work of Dr Edward Bach by helping members of the public to learn how to use the remedies and by providing a referral service to put potential clients and registered practitioners in touch with each other.
Description and benefits of Bach Flower Remedies
There are thirty eight Bach Original Flower Remedies that are unique and help to treat different emotions. Below is a list of each flower, the symptoms people may suffer, a description based on Dr Edward Bach’s theories on how it helps to treat the symptoms and the changes that may follow.
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Flower Name |
Description of how the flower can help
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1 |
Agrimony
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Symptoms: Addictive behaviour, fades of cheerfulness to hide inner turmoil, life of the party, constant distractions, peace at any cost.
"The jovial, cheerful, humorous people who love peace and are distressed by argument or quarrel, to avoid which they will agree to give up much. Though generally they have troubles and are tormented and restless and worried in mind or in body”
Change: true inner peace and relaxation, acceptance of conflict, ability to sit in silence.
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2 |
Aspen
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Symptoms: Unconscious anxieties, impending doom, anticipation.
"Vague unknown fears, for which there can be given no explanation, no reason. Sufferers may often be afraid to tell their trouble to others"
Change: Faith in protection, release of fear, calm.
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3 |
Beech
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Symptoms: Critical and intolerant of other's and own faults.
"For those who feel the need to see more good and beauty in all that surrounds them. And, although much appears to be wrong, to have the ability to see the good growing within”
Change: Tolerance, understanding and respect for others and self.
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4 |
Centaury
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Symptoms: Subservient to the weakness of others, passive, weak
will force, people pleaser, "co-dependent".
"Kind, quiet, gentle people who are over-anxious to serve others. They overtax their strength in their endeavours. Their wish so grows upon
them, that they become more servants than willing helpers… and in so doing they may neglect their own particular mission in life"
Change: Strong contact with the will and ability to use it.
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5
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Cerato
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Symptoms: Seeking confirmation for decisions from others.
"Those who have not sufficient confidence in themselves to make their own decisions”
Change: Ability to trust own intuitive powers.
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6 |
Cherry Plum
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Symptoms: Fear of losing control in thought, word or deed.
"Fear of mind being over-strained, of reason giving away, of doing fearful and dreaded things, not wished and known wrong, yet there comes the thought and impulse to do them"
Change: Calm, controlled thoughts, actions and words.
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7 |
Chestnut Bud
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Symptoms: Addictive patterns, repeating mistakes.
"For those who do not take full advantage of observation and experience, and who take a longer time than others to learn the lessons of daily life… to their regret, they find themselves having to make the same error on different occasions when once would have been enough”
Change: Recognition of life patterns, wisdom, insight.
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8 |
Chicory
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Symptoms: Over-protective, demanding, manipulative, possessive.
"Those who are very mindful of the needs of others they tend to be over-full of care for children, relatives, friends, always finding something that should be put right”
Change: Freedom from need to possess another.
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9 |
Clematis
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Symptoms: Lack of focus, day dreaming.
"Those who are not fully awake with no great interest in life. Quiet people, not happy in their present circumstances living in hopes of happier times when their ideals may come true”
Change: Focus on and engagement in the present
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10 |
Crab Apple
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Symptoms: Obsessed with details, feel impure, self-critical.
"This is the remedy of cleansing. This flower is useful for when you feel unclean or dislike something about yourself”
Change: Self-acceptance
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11 |
Elm
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Symptoms: Overwhelmed with responsibility.
"Those who are following the calling of their life and who hope
to do something of importance…At times there may be
periods of depression when they feel overwhelmed by their many
responsibilities”
Change: Ability to cope, realization overwhelm is temporary.
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12 |
Gentian
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Symptoms: Discouraged, hesitant, set back, pessimistic.
"Those who are easily discouraged. They may be progressing well in illness or in the affairs of their daily life, but any small delay or hindrance to progress causes doubt and soon disheartens them."
Change: Positive outlook, encouraged.
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13 |
Gorse
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Symptoms: Hopelessness and despair.
"Very great hopelessness, they have given up belief that more can be done for them”
Change: Faith, hope and light heartedness.
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14 |
Heather
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Symptoms: Self-absorbed, dislike of being alone, talkative.
"Those who are always seeking the companionship of anyone who may be available… They are very unhappy if they have to be alone for any length of time… as they find it necessary to discuss their own affairs with others, no matter who it may be"
Change: Enhanced empathy, feeling nurtured from within.
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15 |
Honeysuckle
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Symptoms: Preoccupation with the past, regrets,
"Those who live much in the past, perhaps a time of great happiness,
or memories of a lost friend, or ambitions which have not come true.
They do not expect further happiness such as they have had."
Change: Focus on the present, release of the past.
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16 |
Hornbeam
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Symptoms: Procrastination, mental exhaustion.
"For those who feel that they have not sufficient strength, mentally or physically, to carry the burden of life placed upon them… though they generally succeed in fulfilling their task”
Change: Active initiation of projects.
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17 |
Holly
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Symptoms: Anger, rage jealousy, feeling betrayed.
"For those who are sometimes attacked by thoughts of such kind as jealousy, envy, revenge, suspicion”
Change: Trust, release of anger, inner harmony.
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18 |
Impatiens
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Symptoms: Frustration, impatience, tension.
"Those who are quick in thought and action and who wish all things to be done without hesitation or delay… They find it very difficult to be patient with people who are slow as they consider it wrong and a waste of time”
Change: Relaxation, release of tension, patience
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19 |
Larch
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Symptoms: Lack of self-confidence, feeling inferior.
This flower is used when you expect to fail and lack confidence in your skills, so do not venture or make a strong enough attempt to succeed.
Change: Self-confidence, belief in one's ability to succeed. |
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20 |
Mustard
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Symptoms: Deep depression with no apparent cause
“For those who are liable to times of gloom or even despair, as though a cold dark cloud overshadowed them…It may not be possible to give any reason or explanation for such attacks and under these conditions it is almost impossible to appear happy or cheerful."
Change: Brightness and uplifted spirits.
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21 |
Mimulus
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Symptoms: Fear of known things, quiet suffering, timid.
"Fear of worldly things and everyday life; illness, pain, accidents, poverty, of being alone. These people quietly and secretly bear their dread”
Change: Courage to face one's fears.
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22 |
Olive
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Symptoms: Completely burnt-out, overall exhaustion.
"Those who have suffered much mentally or physically and are so exhausted and weary that they feel they have no more strength to make any effort. Daily life is hard work for them, without pleasure."
Change: Strength and vitality.
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23 |
Oak
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Symptoms: Overly dutiful, ignores need for rest, overworked.
“This is the flower used when a strong person is fighting to get well but struggling…They will go on trying one thing after another, though their case may seem hopeless. They will fight on”
Change: Recognition of body's need for a rest, paces oneself.
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24 |
Pine
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Symptoms: Self-reproach, guilt, responsible for other's mistakes.
“This flower is used if you feel guilty or blame yourself for anything and are never satisfied with the decisions you make”
Change: Self-forgiveness, does not take on other's burdens.
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25 |
Red Chestnut
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Symptoms: Persistent, selfless worry over others welfare.
"For those who find it difficult not to be anxious for other people. but for those of whom they are fond they may suffer much, frequently anticipating that some unfortunate thing may happen to them."
Change: Positive thoughts, cessation of worry, capacity to cope.
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26 |
Rock Water
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Symptoms: Perfectionism, excessively high standards, rigidity.
"Those who are very strict in their way of living; they deny themselves many of the joys and pleasures of life because they consider it might interfere with their work… They hope to be examples which will appeal to others who may then follow their ideas and are better as a result."
Change: Flexibility, expressed inner needs, open-mindedness. |
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27 |
Rock Rose
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Symptoms: Frozen state of fear, panic, terror.
"The remedy of emergency for cases where there even appears no hope. In accident serious or sudden illness, or when the patient is very frightened or terrified”
Change: Release from fear, determined relaxation. |
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28 |
Scleranthus
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Symptoms: Indecisive, unable to make a decision.
"Usually quiet people who suffer much from being unable to decide between two things, first one seeming right then the other”
Change: Decisive.
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29 |
Star of Bethleham
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Symptoms: Trauma, loss, grief, shock.
“This flower is usedif you are suffering from the effects of a shock or from a grief… For those who for a time refuse to be consoled, this remedy brings comfort."
Change: Comfort, release of the trauma.
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30 |
Sweet Chestnut
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Symptoms: Deep despair, at limit of endurance, uncontrolled crying.
“This flower is used when you feel despair when there is no hope left... When the mind or body feels as if it had borne to the uttermost limit of its endurance, and that now it must give way”
Change: Composure, release of anguish.
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31 |
Vervain
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Symptoms: Over-enthusiastic, argumentative, idealistic, imposing.
"Those with fixed principles and ideas, which they are confident are right, and which they very rarely change. They have a great wish to convert all around them to their own views of life… In illness they struggle on long after many would have given up their duties"
Change: Flexibility, cognizant of own limits.
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32 |
Vine
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Symptoms: Controlling, domineering, inflexible, strong-willed.
"Very Capable people, certain of their own ability, confident of success. Being so assured, they think that it would be for the benefit of others if they could be persuaded to do things as they themselves do”
Change: Delegates, understanding of other's needs. |
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33 |
Walnut
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Symptoms: Difficulty with change, stuck in old patterns, subject to others thoughts, poor boundaries.
"For those who have definite ideals and ambitions in life and are fulfilling them, but on rare occasions are tempted to be led away from their own ideas, aims and work by the enthusiasm convictions or strong opinions of others. The remedy gives constancy and protection from outside influences."
Change: Staying in one's own truth in spite of others, insulation from negative influences, and ease of letting go and embracing change.
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34 |
Water Violet
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Symptoms: Withdrawn, aloof, no emotional involvement.
"For those who in health or illness like to be alone. Very quiet people, who move about without noise, they are aloof, leave people alone and go their own way"
Change: Engaged in life with others, able to share wisdom.
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35 |
White Chestnut
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Symptoms: Persistent unwanted thoughts, worries, overly active mind.
"For those who cannot prevent thoughts, ideas, arguments which they do not desire from entering their minds”
Change: Focus on the present, clear mind.
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36 |
Willow
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Symptoms: Buried resentment, self-pity, feelings/experience of victimisation.
“This flower is used when you feel resentful and sorry for yourself. For those who have suffered adversity or misfortune and find these difficult to accept, without complaint or resentment, as they judge life much by the success which it brings”
Change: Release of bitterness, resolve to follow inner light and claim one's own fate.
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37 |
Wild Oat
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Symptoms: Dissatisfaction with present life path and uncertainty about life mission.
"Those who have ambitions to do something of prominence in life, who wish to have much experience, and to enjoy all that which is possible for them, to take life to the full. Their difficulty is to determine what occupation to follow… This may cause delay and dissatisfaction"
Change: Clarity of mission from spiritual perspective.
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38
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Wild Rose
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Symptoms: Lack of joy and motivation, apathy, no effort to improve.
"Those who without apparently sufficient reason become resigned to
all that happens, and just glide through life, take it as it is, without any
effort to improve things and find some joy”
Change: Renewed interest in life, vitality.
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The Rescue Remedy is a combination of five of the Bach Flower Remedies:
- Cherry Plum for lack of self control and irrational thoughts
- Clematis for inattentiveness and to counteract faintness
- Impatiens for impatience and irritation
- Rock Rose for terror and panic
- Star of Bethlehem for shock
This unique combination of Bach Flower Remedies work on emotional imbalances associated with everyday stressful situations.
The choosing of an appropriate Bach Flower Remedy is based upon recognizing exactly how you feel and the mood that you are in at present. There are seven emotional groups to choose from that can pinpoint you to the appropriate remedy:
- Fear.
- Uncertainty.
- Insufficient interest in present circumstances.
- Loneliness.
- Over-sensitivity to influences and ideas.
- Despondency or Despair.
- Over-care for welfare of others.
The Bach Flower Essence are so simple to use that no science, no knowledge is necessary and by seeing a qualified Practitioner, they will give guidance into using or taking the correct remedy for your situation or mood.
Governing bodies of Bach Flower Remedies
Bach Foundation International Register (BFIR)
Bach Flower Remedy Practitioner (BFRP) is for Practitioners registered with the Dr Edward Bach Foundation.
Bibliography
Dr Edward Bach Received on 11 November 2007 from www.bachcentre.com/centre/drbach.htm
The 38 Bach Flower Essences Received 11 November 2007 from www.bachflower.com/38_Essences.htm
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