What is the history of Bach Flowers?
Many ancient cultures around the world have used flowers for medicinal purposes. Dr. Edward Bach was born in England in 1886 and became a doctor in his early 20’s. He became a renowned English physician and bacteriologist. Much like Dr. Hahnemann (the father of homeopathy), Bach became very dissatisfied with the medicine of his day and how so much of the efforts were focused on the actual disease and not on the person. He also starting believing that the mental and emotional state of each person he saw had much to do with the cause of thier physical condition. He observed in almost every case he had, that the mental and emotional state of his patients largely determined whether they got healthy or remained sick and got worse. Treatments even 100 years ago were quite toxic (much like today’s pharmaceutical drugs, chemotherapy, etc…), so he began to explore different alternatives to common health problems by natural means turning his attention to flowers. Whereas homeopathy works to restore bodily homeostasis or a normal state of being, Bach flowers seek to elevate the self beyond homeostasis to a better place physically and emotionally.
How do Bach Flowers work?
Dr. Bach is quotes as once saying, “The action of these essences is to raise our vibrations and open up our channels for the reception of the Spiritual Self, to flood our natures with the particular virtue we need, and wash out from us the fault that is causing the harm.” He came to believe that the mind and the emotions are the starting place for illness. Problems in the mind and emotions work their way out physically and manifest as some sort of health problem. We now know from proven modern science that certain thoughts carry very specific vibrational frequencies that reverberate in the body. A flower essence is a bridge that helps to reconnect the body with the soul or higher self. As a health practitioner I have seen amazing results with Bach Flower Remedies. Once I speaking with someone who was hysterical with emotion, almost hyperventilating. I quickly thought to provide this person with Bach famous Rescue Remedy, which is composed of 5 essences, and literally within 30 seconds, this person calmly down completely and was talking normally. I have also seen people overcome doubts they have had for many years, lack of vitality in their lives due to boredom, lack of drive or just an overall lack of motivation.
How many Flower Remedies are there?
Over the lifetime of Dr. Bach, he developed 38 remedy, 37 being from flowers and one called Rock Water, which is the only essence that is not a flower. He found that these 38 essences were sufficient to cover the entire range of emotions that human being experience. Below is a list of the remedies along with a short explanation of what each one helps with.
How are Bach Flower Remedies made?
Flowers are picked from the corresponding trees and, when still wet with dew, are placed into a clear glass bowl full of pure spring water. They are then left in sunlight for a period of several hours. The sunlight helps to transmit the vibrational essence or life force energy of the flower into the water. Boiling is also used in certain circumstances as well.
How often do you take a remedy and when do you begin to see results?
It is recommended that one take a remedy for 6 to 8 weeks for maximum results or until the emotional problem has subsided. Place 4-5 drops under the tongue and hold for 60 seconds. Do this four times per day. The bottle should be kept away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, televisions, microwave ovens, and electrical appliances as these things interfere with the efficacy of the remedy.
Are they safe or have side effects?
Bach Flower Remedies are highly diluted and are 100% natural and non toxic. They can be taken by anyone at any time, under any medical condition. Under what circumstances are they good for?
How do I know which ones are for me?
Take the The Bach Flower Questionnaire. Find out which 5 remedies most apply to you and then search for a reputable company online that will make a mix for you of the 5 flower remedies you need.