What Are Bach Flower Remedies?
The 38 different Bach Flower Remedies are divided into 7 different categories representing various common aspects of emotional imbalances, fear, uncertainty, loneliness, over-sensitive, despondency & despair, and over-caring for others.
Bach Flowers & Their Uses
Agrimony
Mental Torture Behind a Cheerful Face
A remedy for people who keep their troubles hidden under a mask of pleasure and happiness. The archetypal Agrimony person would be the sad clown, suffering anguish inside but still the life and soul of the party. Their friends are often the last to know that anything is wrong in the Agrimony person's life.
Sometimes Agrimony people turn to drinking or drugs to help them maintain a mask of happiness, and they tend not to like being alone since they find it harder to keep the mask up when they are forced into their own company. Instead they will seek out friends, parties and bright lights. Only at night when they are alone with their thoughts will the mental torture they have repressed so successfully come back to haunt them.
Agrimony is given to help people to accept and come to terms with the darker side of life and their own personalities, so that they can become more rounded human beings. They will not lose their sense of humour, but they will laugh at their troubles to dispel them, rather than laughing to hide them. As a mood remedy, Agrimony helps anyone who is trying not to face a trouble and using jokes and witticisms and smiles to avoid a painful reality.
“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, they hide their cares behind their humour and jesting and are considered very good friends to know. They often take alcohol or drugs in excess, to stimulate themselves and help themselves bear their trials with cheerfulness.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Openness
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Aspen Bach Flower
A Bach Flower For Fear of Unknown Things, Fear or Uneasiness But Cannot Say Why
This is the remedy for any fear where the cause of the fear cannot be named. At one end of the spectrum the Aspen fear can be no more than a sense of foreboding, an uneasy anxiety that something unpleasant or frightening is going to happen.
“Vague unknown fears, for which there can be given no explanation, no reason. Yet the patient may be terrified of something terrible going to happen, he knows not what. These vague unexplainable fears may haunt by night or day. Sufferers often are afraid to tell their trouble to others.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Reassurance
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Beech
Bach Flower For Intolerance & Over Critical Perfectionists
Beech was described by Dr Bach as the remedy for people who 'feel the need to see more good and beauty in all that surrounds them.' Beech people - or people in a Beech state - are intolerant of people who are not just like them. They lack compassion and understanding of the different circumstances and different paths that other people are given, and fail to see that others too are working towards perfection but in different ways.
Sometimes Beech intolerance is manifested as outbursts of irritability: the remedy helps to encourage tolerance and understanding, and as this happens so the irritability also fades.
“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. So as to be able to be more tolerant, lenient and understanding of the different way each individual and all things are working to their own final perfection.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Tolerance
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Centaury
Bach Flower For The Inability to Say No
For people who find it difficult to say 'no' to other people. They are kind, gentle souls and like to be of help to others. But sometimes other more ruthless people will take advantage of this, and instead of willing service the Centaury ends up the slave of another's wishes.
The Centaury remedy does not harden the Centaury personality. Instead it supports the development of courage and self-determination so that Centaury people are better able to draw the line and make space where they can be themselves free of the desires and commands of others.
“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. Their good nature leads them to do more than their own share of work, and in so doing they may neglect their own particular mission in life.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Assertiveness
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Cerato
Bach Flower For Lack of Trust in Own Decisions
The remedy for people who lack faith in their own judgement. Faced with the need to make a decision they are not like the Scleranthus people who hesitate and cannot make up their minds, because they can come to a decision without too much trouble. But having done so the doubts creep in and they are no longer sure if what they have decided is right. They then go around asking for the opinions and advice of others. They end up hopelessly confused or doing something that they know in their hearts is not right for them.
Cerato is the remedy to give people in this state more faith in their judgement so that they can listen to their inner voices and trust their intuition.
“Those who have not sufficient confidence in themselves to make their own decisions. They constantly seek advice from others, and are often misguided.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Guidance
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Cherry Plum
Bach Flower For Fear of the Mind Giving Way
The Cherry Plum fear is very specific: it is the fear that one is going to lose control of oneself and do something dreadful, which can include injuring others and suicide. Cherry Plum is also the remedy for the loss of control when it has in fact already taken place, and because of the frantic fear and dread associated with loss of control. (Think of the fear of a small child in a screaming, irrational rage.) Fears of going mad and of acting irrationally are Cherry Plum fears.
“Fear of the mind being over-strained, of reason giving way, of doing fearful and dreaded things, not wished and known wrong, yet there comes the thought and impulse to do them.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Composure
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Chestnut Bud Bach Flower
Bach Flower For Failure to Learn From Mistakes
For people who fail to learn the lessons of life. They may repeat the same mistakes over and over - for example, taking a succession of identical office jobs and being surprised to find each one unfulfilling. In other cases, they see others making a mistake and the results that arise, but then fail to apply this lesson to their own lives and go right ahead and make the same mistake themselves.
“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. Whereas one experience would be enough for some, such people find it necessary to have more, sometimes several, before the lesson is learnt. Therefore, to their regret, they find themselves having to make the same error on different occasions when once would have been enough, or observation of others could have spared them even that one fault.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Insight
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Chicory
Bach Flower For Selfish, Possessive Love
People are full of love and care for their families and friends. But they expect to receive back all the love they give, with interest, and feel slighted and unnecessarily hurt if they don't get what they expect. Also, their great love can lead them to hold onto their loved ones and try to keep them dependent and close to hand. This can stifle the development of other personalities, or simply drive them away.
When someone falls into this negative Chicory state the remedy is used to bring out the positive side of the Chicory person: love given unconditionally and in freedom.
“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. They are continually correcting what they consider wrong, and enjoy doing so. They desire that those for whom they care should be near them.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Release
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Clematis
Bach Flower For Daydreaming About the Future
For people whose minds drift away from the present into fantasies of the future, or into alternative versions of the present. Often their dreams are of great future success, creative endeavour and achievement, but the danger for people in this state is that their dreams will remain fantasies because the Clematis person is not sufficiently anchored in reality to make them happen.
The remedy helps to bring these people back to earth and back to themselves so that they can build castles in life instead of in the air.
Sometimes the Clematis state is confused with the Honeysuckle state, but in fact the two are quite different. In the Honeysuckle state the person is living in nostalgic fantasies of the past or reliving old regrets; but the Clematis person's thoughts drift away to imagined futures.
Clematis is one of the ingredients in Rescue Remedy, where it is used to help the fuzzy, light-headed feeling that can come at times of emergency.
“Those who are dreamy, drowsy, not fully awake, no great interest in life. Quiet people, not really happy in their present circumstances, living more in the future than in the present; living in hopes of happier times, when their ideals may come true. In illness some make little or no effort to get well, and in certain cases may even look forward to death, in the hope of better times; or maybe, meeting again some beloved one whom they have lost.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Focus
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Crab Apple
Bach Flower For Self-Loathing
Known as the cleansing remedy, and as such is the added 'sixth ingredient' in Rescue Cream. Its main use is to help people who feel that they have something unclean or poisonous about them, or who dislike some aspect of their appearance or personality.
Sometimes there might be very real things wrong with someone in this state, but they will disregard the big problems and concentrate obsessively on the one thing that they have fixed on. This is why Crab Apple is sometimes given to people to cleanse obsessive, repetitive behaviour such as hand-washing, re-checking that appliances are unplugged, and so on.
“This is the remedy of cleansing. For those who feel as if they had something not quite clean about themselves. Often it is something of apparently little importance: in others there may be more serious disease which is almost disregarded compared to the one thing on which they concentrate. In both types they are anxious to be free from the one particular thing which is greatest in their minds and which seems so essential to them that it should be cured. They become despondent if treatment fails. Being a cleanser, this remedy purifies wounds if the patient has reason to believe that some poison has entered which must be drawn out.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Self-Acceptance
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Elm Bach Flower
Bach Flower For Overwhelm by Responsibility
The remedy for people suffering a temporary loss of self-confidence due to the overwhelming amount of responsibility they have taken on. Genuine Elm types are people who are successful and carrying out work that they believe in, but at times feel the weight of the charge on them and become depressed and concerned that they will not be able to go on.
The remedy helps to dispel these feelings so that the Elm person can resume his or her life without thought of failure.
The Elm state can be usefully contrasted with the Larch state: whereas people in the former take up challenges willingly and then only later, and only occasionally, doubt their abilities, Larch people are convinced they are going to fail right from the start, and so they tend not to try things in the first place.
“Those who are doing good work, are following the calling of their life and who hope to do something of importance, and this often for the benefit of humanity. At times there may be periods of depression when they feel that the task they have undertaken is too difficult, and not within the power of a human being.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Support
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Gentian
Bach Flower For Discouragement After a Set-Back
The remedy for the relatively mild downheartedness and despondency that follows when something has gone wrong. As soon as things start to go right again this kind of despondency tends to lift by itself, but the remedy can be used to lift it the sooner so that the person is better able to make things go right, instead of just hoping they will do so.
Gentian is often confused with Gorse, but in fact they can be told apart quite easily. People in a Gorse state have decided to give up and so feel completely without hope. They have pitched their tents and refuse to be encouraged, and even if they are persuaded to try to find a way out they will do so grudgingly, assuring everyone that there is no use even trying. People in a Gentian state are discouraged: but they will soon pick up again when things start to go right.
“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.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Encouragement
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Gorse
Bach Flower For Hopelessness & Despair
The remedy for people who have given up belief that there is any hope for them. It is a far stronger kind of downheartedness than the Gentian state, because Gorse people almost willfully refuse to be encouraged, so certain are they that their case is hopeless. If ill, they may think of themselves as incurable, or say that they inherited this or that from their families so that nothing can be done for them.
Gorse is however classed by Dr Bach as a remedy for uncertainty, and not as a remedy for despair like for example Sweet Chestnut. This demonstrates that the main problem with Gorse people is a loss of certainty: if they can be persuaded to see things in a different light their faith in their lives would be renewed and they could go forward with a surer step. This is what the Gorse remedy helps to achieve.
“Very great hopelessness, they have given up belief that more can be done for them. Under persuasion or to please others they may try different treatments, at the same time assuring those around that there is so little hope of relief.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Renewed Hope
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Heather
Bach Flower For Self-Centeredness or Self-Concern
For people who are obsessed with themselves, but who do not like to be alone. Dr Bach called them 'buttonholers' because they do anything to keep people with them, all the time talking at exhaustive length about their problems and illnesses, great and small, until people begin actively to avoid them. Thus the thing Heather people fear - loneliness - is brought about because of their own behaviour.
The remedy is given to help Heather people see their own concerns in the context of other people's. Having suffered themselves from the need to talk, they become good listeners and great supports for others. As a result people seek them out for their compassion rather than avoiding them because of their self-centeredness.
“Those who are always seeking the companionship of anyone who may be available, as they find it necessary to discuss their own affairs with others, no matter whom it may be. They are very unhappy if they have to be alone for any length of time.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Tranquility
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Holly Bach Flower
Bach Flower For Hate, Jealousy, Envy
Often thought of as the remedy for anger - but this isn't necessarily the case. Where Holly is for anger, it will be because the anger is based specifically on hatred, suspicion, envy or jealousy. But in other cases other remedies would be needed, such as Impatiens when anger is due to impatience, Vervain where it is caused by a sense of injustice, or Chicory where the angry person feels snubbed and hurt by ingratitude in others.
Holly is for very negative, aggressive feelings directed at others. The basic problem is an absence of love, and the remedy works to encourage generosity of spirit and openness towards others.
“For those who sometimes are attacked by thoughts of such kind as jealousy, envy, revenge, suspicion. For the different forms of vexation. Within themselves they may suffer much, often when there is no real cause for their unhappiness.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Goodwill
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Honeysuckle
Bach Flower For Living in the Past
For people who live in the past instead of the present. They feel that their best days are behind them and that there is little to look forward to, and as a consequence they prefer to dwell on past happiness’s (or past misfortunes). At a more minor key, homesickness and nostalgia are also Honeysuckle states.
The remedy helps the person in this state to learn from the past without needing to relive it, so that the person can progress on into the present and take joy from today and tomorrow.
“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.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Involvement in Present
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Hornbeam
Bach Flower For Procrastination
Used against feelings of exhaustion and tiredness that comes before an effort has been made. The person in this state feels that he or she is too tired to cope with the demands of the day. It's easier to stay in bed or put off making a start - but if an effort can be made to get started the weariness will fade, a sign that unlike the Olive state this is a mental rather than a physical weariness.
“For those who feel that they have not sufficient strength, mentally or physically, to carry the burden of life placed upon them; the affairs of every day seem too much for them to accomplish, though they generally succeed in fulfilling their task. For those who believe that some part, of mind or body, needs to be strengthened before they can easily fulfill their work.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Resolve
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Impatiens
Bach Flower For Impatience
As its name suggests the remedy against impatience and against frustration and irritability caused by impatience. Anyone can get into this state of mind, but there are also genuine Impatiens types, who live life at a rush and hate being held back by more methodical people. To avoid this irritation they try if possible to work alone: the Impatiens boss is the one who sends staff home early so she can get the job finished quicker!
The remedy helps these people be less hasty and more relaxed and patient with others. It is also an ingredient in the composite Rescue Remedy, where it is used to help calm agitated thoughts and feelings.
“Those who are quick in thought and action and who wish all things to be done without hesitation or delay. When ill they are anxious for a hasty recovery. They find it very difficult to be patient with people who are slow, as they consider it wrong and a waste of time, and they will endeavour to make such people quicker in all ways. They often prefer to work and think alone, so that they can do everything at their own speed.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Patience
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Larch
Bach Flower For Lack of Confidence
The remedy for people who feel that they are not as good as others and that they are bound to fail. They lack confidence in their ability to succeed and so often do not even bother trying.
The remedy helps people in this state to go ahead regardless of thoughts of success and failure. More able to take risks and be involved in life, they get more out of living.
“For those who do not consider themselves as good or capable as those around them, who expect failure, who feel that they will never be a success, and so do not venture or make a strong enough attempt to succeed.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Confidence
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Mimulus
Bach Flower For Fear of Known Things
Whenever you are frightened of something or you are anxious about something, and you can say what that something is, then Mimulus is the remedy to take. Mimulus fears are everyday fears - fear of public speaking, of the dark, of aggressive dogs, or of illness or pain. Phobias such as the fear of spiders or of birds are also Mimulus fears, since the cause of the fear can be named.
Mimulus is used as a type remedy for people who tend to be nervous, timid and shy generally. Sometimes people of this type may blush easily or stammer, and they will usually avoid social occasions and any event where they will be in the limelight. Mimulus is the remedy to encourage the quiet courage and strength that lies hidden in such people, so that they can face the everyday trials of life with steadfastness.
“Fear of worldly things, illness, pain, accidents, poverty, of dark, of being alone, of misfortune. These are specific fears of everyday life. These people quietly and secretly bear their dread; they do not freely speak of it to others.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Courage
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Mustard Bach Flower
Bach Flower For Deep Gloom
This is the remedy for deep gloom and depression that descends for no apparent reason out of a clear blue sky. People in this state often list all the reasons they have to feel happy and contented, but still everything looks black and hopeless to them.
The remedy helps to dispel the clouds so that the person can once again find joy and peace in life.
“Those who are liable to times of gloom, or even despair, as though a cold dark cloud overshadowed them and hid the light and the joy of life. It may not be possible to give any reason or explanation for such attacks. Under these conditions it is almost impossible to appear happy or cheerful.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Brightness
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Oak
Bach Flower For Keeps Going Past the Point of Exhaustion
The remedy for strong, steady people who never give up under adversity. Instead they plod on with determination, and never consider resting until they are past the point of exhaustion. Because they are so steady they often have many people relying on them, and their sense of duty is strong, so that they can feel frustrated and unhappy if illness or exhaustion get in the way of discharging duties.
So much is positive about the Oak person, but the negative side is the stubborn refusal to rest or sit back when the need for rest is obvious to all around. The remedy is used to help the Oak remain strong in adversity and not crack under the strain, while at the same time a different wisdom is learned, so that the person in this state can learn when not to strive.
“For those who are struggling and fighting strongly to get well, or in connection with the affairs of their daily life. They will go on trying one thing after another, though their case may seem hopeless. They will fight on. They are discontented with themselves if illness interferes with their duties or helping others. They are brave people, fighting against great difficulties, without loss of hope or effort.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Strength
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Olive
Bach Flower For Exhaustion
The remedy for tiredness and exhaustion after an effort of some kind, such as hard physical or mental labour, or the long struggle against illness. It can be usefully contrasted with Hornbeam, which is the remedy for tiredness felt even before an effort has been made.
The remedy is given to restore feelings of strength and the faith needed to continue.
“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.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Rejuvenation
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Pine
Bach Flower For Guilt
For people who blame themselves for something they feel they have done in the past, some neglect of a parent, some fault in themselves, something they have left undone, and for those who reproach themselves that, even though they may have been successful in their work, they should have done better. They are never, as Dr Bach writes in "The Twelve Healers", content with their own efforts or the results. They also at times tend to claim responsibility for the mistakes made by others.
They are perfectionists and set themselves high standards, and this may cause them to over-work and strain to do better, and when the strain becomes too much for the physical body, they blame themselves for the ensuing illness as they feel they are failing in their duty to others, to their work and the family responsibilities. This guilt-complex takes so much of the joy out of their lives and they become despondent and begin to despair. They can often feel so guilty about some minor matter that these thoughts fill their minds and they are always asking for forgiveness.
“For those who blame themselves. Even when successful they think that they could have done better, and are never content with their efforts or the results. They are hard-working and suffer much from the faults they attach to themselves. Sometimes if there is any mistake it is due to another, but they will claim responsibility even for that.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Forgiveness, Absolution
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Red Chestnut
Bach Flower For Fear for the Welfare of Loved Ones
For people who feel fear for the well-being of others: the husband afraid when his wife goes out alone after dark, the mother fretting over what may happen to her child at school. Red Chestnut fears are natural, normal concerns magnified to the point where they may have a negative effect on the person who is the object of concern, destroying confidence and undermining self-belief.
The remedy helps people in this state to send out calm, unworried thoughts to their loved ones, so that instead of making everyone anxious they are rocks of strength on whom others lean.
“For those who find it difficult not to be anxious for other people. Often they have ceased to worry about themselves, but for those of whom they are fond they may suffer much, frequently anticipating that some unfortunate thing may happen to them.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Peace of Mind
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Rescue Remedy®
Bach Flower For Emergencies and Crises
Rescue Remedy® is one of the only emergency combination products designed by Dr. Edward Bach. It is made up of a specific combination of five different flower essences and is designed to provide comfort and reassurance to help with the stresses of daily life. It helps to restore inner calm, control, and focus. Rescue Remedy® is made up of:
Rock Rose – for terror and panic
Impatiens – for irritation and impatience
Clematis – for lack of focus
Star of Bethlehem – for shock
Cherry Plum – for irrational thoughts and a lack of self-control
Rescue Remedy® has been used successfully on stressful days where we suffer from impatience, tension and pressure. It has also been used successfully with children to stop a tantrum, before a speech or job interview. Rescue Remedy® helps us relax, get focused and get the needed calmness.
Many people chose to carry Rescue Remedy® in their purse, at the office, in the car or in the diaper bag. You never know when you need it. Pregnant women in labour have made the experience easier and less traumatic by taking Rescue Remedy®. Rescue Remedy® can also be taken just before going to bed to calm a troubled mind.
Rescue Remedy® is available in a variety of different formats including the traditional liquid, but also gum, spray, pastilles, and cream.
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Rock Rose Bach Flower
Bach Flower For Terror and Fright
The remedy against terror. The Rock Rose state may start out as a Mimulus, Aspen or Red Chestnut state, but it is further along the path from any of these, being a panicky, terror-struck fear that makes conscious thought and decision next to impossible.
The remedy provides calm and courage. The self is forgotten and strength reappears.
“The rescue remedy. The remedy of emergency for cases where there even appears no hope. In accident or sudden illness, or when the patient is very frightened or terrified or if the condition is serious enough to cause great fear to those around. If the patient is not conscious the lips may be moistened with the remedy.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Fearlessness
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Rock Water
Bach Flower For Self-Denial, Rigidity
The remedy for people who take self-repression and self-denial to extremes. They are very wrapped up in themselves, seeking always to perfect themselves in some way and setting themselves targets and being very unkind to themselves if they fail to live according to their own rules. If they seek to influence others it is not directly but by example only.
The Rock Water remedy does not stop people from having high ideals or from trying to meet them. But it does help ease the excesses of the Rock Water personality, so that people like this can show more flexibility when it is necessary, and are not so hard on themselves.
“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 are hard masters to themselves. They wish to be well and strong and active, and will do anything which they believe will keep them so. They hope to be examples which will appeal to others who may then follow their ideas and are better as a result.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Flow
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Scleranthus
Bach Flower For Inability to Choose From Known Options
The remedy for people who find it difficult to make up their minds which option of two or more they ought to choose. The Scleranthus indecision commonly affects the small decisions of life as much as the big ones: 'should I marry Joe or Peter?' and 'should I buy a red notebook or a blue one?' are both Scleranthus states.
Sometimes the chronic uncertainty of the Scleranthus person manifests itself in other ways. There may be mood swings and even motion sickness: although these symptoms are not in themselves infallible guides to Scleranthus, but only signs that this is a remedy to consider. In any case, the remedy is given to help the person to act more decisively and know his or her own mind.
“Those who suffer much from being unable to decide between two things; the first one seeming right, then the other. They are usually quiet people, and bear their difficulty alone, as they are not inclined to discuss it with others.”
Promotes: Decisiveness
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Star of Bethlehem
Bach Flower For Shock
It is the remedy for the after-effects of any shock, such as unexpected bad news or an unexpected and unwelcome event. And it can be used just as well for the effects of a shock received many years ago, even very early in childhood.
This is also the remedy for the sense of emptiness and loss that sometimes occurs when a loved one dies or moves away, since this too can be a great shock to the system. Star of Bethlehem is the comforting remedy to give in such circumstances.
“For those in great distress under conditions which for a time produce great unhappiness. The shock of serious news, the loss of some one dear, the fright following an accident, and such like. For those who for a time refuse to be consoled this remedy brings comfort.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Comfort
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Sweet Chestnut Bach Flower
Bach Flower For Mental Anguish
The remedy for people who have reached the limits of their endurance, who have explored all avenues but see no way out of their difficulties, and who feel that there is nothing left for them but annihilation and emptiness. Whereas people in a Gorse state have fallen into a state of hopelessness when there are actually possible solutions all around, the person in a Sweet Chestnut state is genuinely at the end of the line: theirs is appalling, final despair.
The remedy helps people in this extreme state to remain masters of their lives and renew their hope and strength. And sometimes a way out may open even at this stage of life.
“For those moments which happen to some people when the anguish is so great as to seem to be unbearable. 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. When it seems there is nothing but destruction and annihilation left to face.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Solace
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Vervain Bach Flower
Bach Flower For Over-Enthusiasm
People are perfectionists with a keen sense of justice and extreme mental energy that they willingly throw behind those causes that they believe in. Their enthusiasm can be infectious, and they feel a strong need to persuade others to their own point of view.
At an extreme Vervain people can become fanatics, unable to listen to alternative points of view, and they may put themselves under a great deal of stress because they find it so hard to switch off and relax. The remedy is given to help people in this state to pull back from time to time so that body and mind and be restored. It encourages the wisdom to enjoy life and the passage of time instead of always feeling the need to be active.
“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. They are strong of will and have much courage when they are convinced of those things that they wish to teach. In illness they struggle on long after many would have given up their duties.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Unwinding
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Vine
Bach Flower For Dominance and Inflexibility
For people who know their own minds and think they know what is best for others. They are mentally strong and enjoy the exercise of power, but in their negative states this can lead them to dominate others by force alone. Tyrannical fathers and overbearing bosses are typical negative Vines, in that they will expect absolute obedience from others and will not be overly concerned with winning hearts and minds as long as their orders are followed. In this respect they are very different from Vervain people, who will attempt to convert others to their way of thinking: Vines are content with the simple imposition of discipline.
In their positive aspect Vine people make wise, gentle and loving guides who can inspire and lead others without resorting to force. The remedy is given to encourage this positive side of the Vine nature.
“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, or as they are certain is right. Even in illness they will direct their attendants. They may be of great value in emergency.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Inspiration
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Walnut
Bach Flower For Protection From Outside Influences
The remedy to help to protect against outside influences in general, and against the effects of change in particular.
Walnut types are people who are fulfilling their purpose in life but who under the influence of the opinions, theories or beliefs of others or of external circumstances in general, may be led to doubt their path. They are not like Cerato people, who actively seek out the opinions of others, but instead may be affected almost despite themselves.
As a remedy against the effects of change, Walnut is useful at all the transitions of life, from being born to teething to going to school to puberty to marriage to childbearing to retirement and beyond. It helps to break links with the past so that the person can move forward with confidence and without undue suffering.
“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.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Constancy
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Water Violet Bach Flower
Bach Flower For Pride and Aloofness
The remedy for those talented, capable people whose independence and self-reliance can make them seem to be proud and disdainful of others. True Water Violet people are quiet and dignified and prefer their own company or that of a few close friends, but where their natural reserve has built a barrier between them and others they may actually become lonely and be unable to make contact with others. When this happens the remedy can help to bring them back into balance so that they can be more involved with humanity.
“For those who in health or illness like to be alone. Very quiet people, who move about without noise, speak little, and then gently. Very independent, capable and self-reliant. Almost free of the opinions of others. They are aloof, leave people alone and go their own way. Often clever and talented. Their peace and calmness is a blessing to those around them.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Connection
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White Chestnut Bach Flower
Bach Flower For Unwanted Thoughts & Mental Arguments
The remedy for unwanted thoughts, worries and mental arguments, which intrude into the mind and stop people from concentrating on things that they should be doing. White Chestnut thoughts are repetitive and go nowhere, simply circling round and round in the head like a stuck gramophone record.
The remedy is used to help people control their thoughts again so that they can deal calmly and rationally with any underlying problems that might be causing the trouble.
“For those who cannot prevent thoughts, ideas, arguments which they do not desire from entering their minds. Usually at such times when the interest of the moment is not strong enough to keep the mind full. Thoughts which worry and will remain, or if for a time thrown out, will return. They seem to circle round and round and cause mental torture. The presence of such unpleasant thoughts drives out peace and interferes with being able to think only of the work or pleasure of the day.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Tranquility
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Wild Oat
Bach Flower For Uncertainty Over Life Direction
The remedy for people who feel that they want to do something worthwhile with their lives but do not know in which direction they should move. So instead they drift from occupation to occupation, but without finding their true path, which leads in turn to feelings of frustration and consequent depression.
This state of indecision is not like the Scleranthus one, because in the case of Scleranthus the path itself isn't in doubt, but rather the different ways of following it: the different options are known. Wild Oat people do not know what their options are because their goals are not defined.
The remedy helps people to find their true role, putting them back in touch with their own basic purpose in life so that the way ahead seems obvious.
“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; as although their ambitions are strong, they have no calling which appeals to them above all others. This may cause delay and dissatisfaction.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Direction
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Wild Rose Bach Flower
Bach Flower For Apathy
For people who have accepted all that life throws at them and have given up the struggle for fulfillment. Instead they have resigned themselves to the way things are, to the extent where they don't even complain or seem particularly unhappy. Instead they shrug their shoulders - there's no point complaining or trying to change - and seem happy just to drift through life.
The remedy is given to reawaken interest in life. The positive Wild Rose person will still be a happy-go-lucky type, but instead of apathy will feel a sense of purpose that will bring increased happiness and enjoyment.
“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. They have surrendered to the struggle of life without complaint.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Enthusiasm
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Willow Bach Flower
Bach Flower For Self-Pity and Resentment
For people who feel resentful and bitter about the way their lives have gone. They begrudge others their successes and happiness, and are reluctant to admit when their own lives go well; preferring to concentrate on what is going wrong. Willow people are grumblers, and when ill make bad patients because they are never satisfied with what is done for them.
Willow can be compared to Holly in that it too is a negative state directed towards others. But where Holly burns with hatred and suspicion, Willow smoulders with resentment and self-pity.
The remedy is given to encourage the rebirth of optimism and faith, and to help the person in the negative Willow state to be more generous in praise of others and also more aware of how his own negative thinking can attract the very ill-fortune that he blames on others.
“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. They feel that they have not deserved so great a trial, that it was unjust, and they become embittered. They often take less interest and less activity in those things of life which they had previously enjoyed.” Dr. Edward Bach
Promotes: Faith
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