THE BACH FLOWER REMEDIES.

The Bach Original Flower Remedies were developed by Dr Edward Bach a Harley Street doctor and well known Physician, Bacteriologist, Homeopath and Researcher. 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 from 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 a new system of medicine that he was sure could be found in nature. Dr Bach believed that attitude of mind plays a vital role in maintaining health and recovering from illness and wanted to find something that treated the cause rather than the symptom. After identifying 38 basic negative states of mind and spending several years exploring the countryside, he managed to create a plant or flower based remedy for each one.

Each of the 38 Bach Original Flower Remedies are unique and help to treat different emotions.

CRAB APPLE: A cleanser, working bodily, mentally and spiritually. Benefiting any skin complaints. People with a cleanliness fetish, either bodily or an obsession with housework, etc. In the negative state these folks are very fussy, easily upset, making mountains out of molehills. This essence in particular can be applied to the skin as a lotion in a little water or 10 drops in a warm bath, in addition to being ingested. Crab Apple brings calmness to this obsessive state.
ELM: For those people normally very capable, perhaps with responsible jobs, large families or dependants to care for. Suddenly overwhelmed by their responsibilities, overburdened and unable to cope. This is when Elm is needed, bringing back their strength of mind and ability to cope. Happily, this essence is only needed short term as it soon restores balance.
LARCH; Brings back confidence in those lacking this quality. Larch is for those who deep down know they have the ability, but actually lack the confidence to carry out the task. They admire others achieving that which they would wish to do but are never jealous. Useful for short term use, driving tests, exams, etc., but often necessary long term, bringing back the confidence to live life to the full.
OAK: For those people who struggle on, never giving in regardless of adversities or their burdens. Like the mighty oak they possess great strength and courage. This essence is only needed at the time when they cannot struggle on any longer. Often their legs ache and a great weariness comes over them. Luckily, Oak is usually only needed in the short term as it works quickly, bringing back strength and fortitude
PINE: The essence to alleviate guilty feelings which can be very deep, often stemming from childhood. Often bringing a sadness and possibly a lack of self worth. Some folks in the acute negative state will always be apologising even if they are not at fault. Pine brings relief from these states.
STAR OF BETHLEHEM: The essence for shock. Releases and dissolves the effect of any kind of shock or trauma, whether immediate or in the past. It is a recognised fact that shock can kill so if this essence can he given immediately it will help to take away the numbing effect thus assisting the body to carry on with its own self healing unhampered. This does not replace medical assistance, which should always be called for, but enhances it.
SWEET CHESTNUT: Absolute and utter despair, no way out, complete hopelessness, back against the wall, ;the dark night of the soul. All terms used to describe this negative emotion These feelings of desolation may also be accompanied by weariness or feeling trapped, perhaps in a tunnel; or feelings of complete isolation from the rest of mankind. Sweet Chestnut will return you to the joy of life once again.
WILLOW; When life seems hard and we take a lot of knocks it is easy to become bitter or resentful of others who may seem to have an easier life. This essence is for those who bear grudges, perhaps to be beard muttering "It's not fair", feeling that they have been given a raw deal. Sometimes they develop a down-turned mouth along with their cynicism. Willow brings a healthy optimism.

FACE YOUR FEARS:

ASPEN: For unknown fears, vague fears and apprehension, perhaps unable to express fears of spirit/psychic/ strange places, etc. Apprehensive of coming events. Shakiness or fluttering tummy. Very useful for children with fears of dark, also agoraphobia. Aspen brings relief from these uneasy feelings.
CHERRY PLUM: For fear of losing control of the mind/nervous breakdown. Snappy, on edge, wanting to scream or be violent, either to self or others. Saying things completely out of character, but unable to stop oneself. Irrational behaviour. Many women experience these negative traits during PMT. Characterised in the acute negative state by wide, staring eyes. Cherry Plum brings calmness, control and peace.
MIMULUS: For all known fears, fear of lifts, heights, spiders, water, etc., fear of anything material. Those needing this essence may be timid, shy, nervous, sensitive to crowds, loud noises, bright lights; they may stammer or blush easily. As Mimulus is taken, so they will become courageous and these negative states will fade away.
RED CHESTNUT: For those always fearing and worrying for others, always fearing the worst; if one of the family are late home "they must have had an accident". Often no fear for themselves. As Red Chestnut is taking these negative fears and turning them to positive optimism.
ROCK ROSE: Terror, acute fear or blind panic. Useful for those suffering from nightmares, panic attacks. Give to the helpers as well as the sufferer in extremely fearful situations, as strong negative vibrations spread to those around, hindering their work.

KNOW YOUR OWN MIND:

CERATO: This essence helps those who lack faith in their own judgement and who seek the opinions of others when decisions are necessary. Unable to listen to their "inner voice" or intuition. Cerato removes the blockage between the higher self and the mind, enabling them always to be guided correctly.
GENETIAN: For those lacking in faith, whether in themselves or the Creator. This lack bringing the mental state of becoming disappointed at setbacks. A known depression. "Doubting Thomas" type, or those never having found their spiritual being. Gentian brings the ability to see that all things are working to the right end thereby taking away the dejection.
GORSE: Deep hopelessness, sadness, often suffered by those with long term illness. If this negative state has taken root there may be dark rings under the eyes. As Gorse is taken so the darkness will change to light.
HORNBEAM: For those taking a long time to "come round" when waking, still tired after a good nights sleep. Usually a kind of mental/boredom tiredness, the kind you often get after a day spent doing nothing, bringing on a feeling of procrastination. Do not confuse with Wild Rose. Hornbeam refreshes the mind.
SCLERANTHUS: Unable to choose between two things. Indecision. Weighing things up they will urgh & ah, taking a long time to reach a decision. All of this has to do with balance, so in the negative state can cause stumbling, shakiness, vertigo, mood swings, etc. This essence brings an inner balance and a decisive character.
WILD OAT: For those unable to see their true path in life, wishing to find the vocation right for them. Each person is put on earth to serve a Divine purpose; something which will come easily and naturally to them and which they will enjoy doing above all else. This essence will help them to see the right path.

REACH OUT TO OTHERS

HEATHER: The remedy for those talkative people who hate to be alone. Needing to keep talking of their own personal problems and illnesses, making poor listeners, and often pinning others down making "escape" impossible. As they take this essence they will regain the ability to enjoy their own company and will start taking a lively interest in others.
IMPATIENS: For impatience and irritability. Those liking things done very quickly, perhaps preferring to work alone as slower workers irritate them. Those needing Impatiens may flush, or flare up and loose their temper easily. Brings a gentle patience.
WATER VIOLET: These gentle, sensitive souls can often become negative, a state in which they acutely feel the need to withdraw into their own space, needing to distance themselves from others; perhaps feeling somewhat aloof and slightly superior to their fellow man. Very proud and upright people, these negative emotions bring a sense of loneliness. The transformation brought about is the ability to socialise easily and to share their integrity, wisdom and knowledge with others as their sense of separateness dissolves.

STAND YOUR GROUND:

AGRIMONY: For those putting on a brave face when inwardly in turmoil and worried. Bottling things up, sometimes exploding in anger, unable to express their feelings when necessary, liking to keep the peace, at much cost to themselves. They may be restless at night, or suffer throat problems. Brings peace and an ability to communicate happily.
CENTAURY: Unable to say "no". Often taking on too much and tiring themselves out. A distorted view of service. Lacking willpower, the weak mind frequently resulting in a weak body. Folks needing Centaury often lack individuality, being so influenced by stronger personalities. This essence brings strength and the ability to say "no" without guilt, when necessary.
HOLLY: A strong essence to counteract the strong emotions of envy, jealousy, suspicion, revenge, hate and anger. As Holly is taken it will open the heart and flood it with love, in the face of which these strong negative emotions cannot exist. Can bring about "unconditional" love.
WALNUT: These gentle, sensitive souls can often become negative, a state in which they acutely feel the need to withdraw into their own space, needing to distance themselves from others; perhaps feeling somewhat aloof and slightly superior to their fellow man. Very proud and upright people, these negative emotions bring a sense of loneliness. The transformation brought about is the ability to socialise easily and to share their integrity, wisdom and knowledge with others as their sense of separateness dissolves.

LIVE AND LET LIVE:

BEECH; For those people who are very critical and judgemental of others. Often irritated by people's little habits. Very intolerant and with a fixed outlook, often bringing rigidity of the body. This essence brings great tolerance and an ability to view life with a wider perspective.
CHICORY: Chicory is for people possessive of those they love, wanting them near, to cling onto and to love. The "needy mother". A selfish love which often shows itself as greed, boarding possessions or as liking sympathy when ill. Can evoke illness to attract attention. The positive aspect is the ability to give love unconditionally.
ROCK WATER: For people who punish themselves, often unknowingly. Very hard on themselves, wishing to set a good example to others, therefore becoming very rigid. They often deny themselves the smallest luxury, or even necessity, making martyrs of themselves. Sometimes very rigid in diet, attitudes or lifestyle.The tension this causes will ease as this essence is taken.
VERVAIN: For those people who over strive. Perfectionists who like things done properly, but fast. often workaholics, they can be fanatical and over enthusiastic in their views, wanting to change the world or the way people think. In their enthusiasm, they are inclined to ram their own opinions down people's throats, not having learned that good is never achieved by force. This causes much tension, which is eased by taking this essence until this lesson is learned.
VINE: When in the negative state, these very strong minded people will ride roughshod over the opinions, thoughts and feelings of others, completely oblivious to the fact that they are "commanding" in the wrong way. They will intimidate others weaker than themselves, often without realising. They will not usually argue as they KNOW they are right and expect everyone to go along with them. The positive state, created as Vine is taken, is that of great leadership capabilities.

LIVE THE DAY:

CHESTNUT BUD:The symptoms are repetition of the same mistakes over and over again, not learning lessons the first time, whether it be life's lessons or academic ones. Excellent for students who are slow learners, or anyone failing into the same trap, again and again. Helpful for the mentally retarded.
CLEMATIS: Drifting off into daydreams or fantasies of the future, therefore the mind has lapses of concentration on the earth level, bringing inattentiveness, poor memory, dizziness, bumping into things or tripping up. Quiet, gentle people, often more at home "up there". Often appearing deaf and needing lots of sleep. People working a lot in their imagination often need the "grounding" this essence brings, e.g. artists and writers.
HONEYSUCKLE: For those locked in the past, to happier times perhaps, unable to keep their minds on today's living; this can bring regrets and sadness. Excellent for those suffering from homesickness, bereavement, divorce, or any kind of loss. Use in conjunction with Star of Bethlehem and Walnut, to help recover quickly from these sad events.
MUSTARD: Mustard dispels gloom or depression, that often feels like a weight or black cloud overhead. These feelings of despair come, and go for seemingly no apparent reason. Mustard casts out the clouds bringing back joy and sunlight.
OLIVE: For tiredness or exhaustion; physical/mental. Useful for convalescence after an illness, restores strength, or for short term use after a hard day's digging in the garden etc., put 2 drops in a drink and sip, replenish if necessary.
WHITE CHESTNUT: To be taken at those times when our thoughts are taking over our life, preventing concentration on little else. Like a hamster on a wheel, the same worries will buzz around and around in the head and if we try to think of something else it will be to no avail, as the same thought will shortly return to pester us. White Chestnut calms the mind, bringing peace. Can be useful to help sleep.
WILD ROSE: Apathy, boredom and resignation are the key words when in the negative Wild Rose state. Most of us, at some time, will experience a loss of enthusiasm even for the things we usually enjoy doing. This is due to an apathetic resignation which can bring with it a feeling of tiredness. Many experience this during long term illness, as they are often told to resign themselves to the fact they may never be well. Wild Rose will bring back joy in life whatever the circumstances.

RESCUE REMEDY: The RESCUE REMEDY is a unique combination of five Bach Original Flower Remedies all working on emotional imbalances associated with daily stressful situations: ROCK ROSE- for terror and panic. IMPATIENS - for irritation and impatience CLEMATIS - for inattentiveness and to counteract faintness. STAR OF BETHLEHEM - for shock and CHERRY PLUM - for irrational thoughts.

Bach Flower Remedies are completely safe and natural and can be used by all the family,children pets and plants. However please note that Children's doses are smaller than adult doses. Please refer to manufacturer guidelines. If in doubt, please seek expert advice.