Between 1928-1935, Dr. Edward Bach, pathologist, and bacteriologist discovered and developed a series of 38 flower essences that help correct various emotional imbalances, which we now call Bach flower remedies. Dr. Bach’s philosophy was that healing the emotions would ultimately result in good health.
What Are Bach Flowers?
Bach Flower Essences are a system of 38 flower essences designed to promote emotional balance. They are made by combining 100% naturally from spring water infused with wildflowers by either steeping them in the sun or by gently boiling and then cooled outdoors. This infused water is then combined with a 50:50 solution of brandy and water. The alcohol in Bach Remedies is used as a natural preservative. Some remedies are now available in an alcohol-free glycerine base. Each remedy can be used alone or in a combination of up to 7 different remedies based on an individual's emotional characteristics. The best known, and the only generally prepared combination, is Rescue Remedy®.
Health Benefits of Bach Flowers
The flower essences created by Dr. Bach are designed to be used to balance negative emotions paving the way for physical healing. Dr. Bach grouped his 38 remedies into 7 different emotional categories with certain remedies representing specific emotional characteristics of a particular category. The groupings are listed below. More information on the categories and the specific remedies contained in each can be found by clicking the category link.
Fear – there are five remedies in this category offering courage, fearlessness, reassurance, composure, and peace of mind.
Uncertainty – the six remedies in this category help to ‘know your own mind’ by offering resolve, encouragement, hope, decisiveness, direction, and guidance.
Loneliness – three remedies that help to reach out to others offering patience, connection, and tranquility.
Over-sensitive – four remedies to help with assertiveness, constancy, goodwill, and openness in order to stand your ground.
Despondency or Despair – promoting joy and hope through eight possible remedies offering comfort, positivity, support, absolution, solace, confidence, strength, and faith.
Over-Caring for Others – ‘Live and Let Live’ with five possible remedies offering inspiration, unwinding, tolerance, release, and flow.
Insufficient Interest in the Present – seven possible remedies offering presence, focus, insight, tranquility, enthusiasm, brightness, and restoration to help live for today.
How Do They Work?
Bach Flower Essences are designed to work on an energy level. Each flower essence carries the energy of the plant from which it was made. These work individually to rebalance and heal a specific emotional state. Emotional healing can be a treatment in and of itself, however, it is thought that once the energy and emotional state are in balance, the process of physical healing can then take place.
Bach Flower remedies are gentle and completely safe. They can be taken by persons of any age and are also harmless for pets and animals. They are safe to take with any herb, supplement, or medication and can be taken as often as needed. Overdose is not possible, if not needed, they will simply not work.
How To Use Bach Flowers?
The Bach Flower Essences are very easy to take and can be taken in a variety of ways. For immediate use, take 2 drops of the appropriate remedy either directly on the tongue or in a glass of water that can be sipped at intervals.
For longer-term use, up to 7 individual essences can be combined in a 30mL dropper bottle and topped up with mineral water. Take 4 drops of this mixture up to four times daily. These combinations are usually put together by a professional specially trained in Bach Flower Essences.
