Bach Flowers are natural herbal remedies used to rebalance emotions. They are made from 38 different flower essences. These preparations are very useful for managing stress and sleep problems.
Origin of Bach Flowers
Bach Flowers were discovered by Doctor Edward Bach, an English bacteriologist and homeopath. For the last ten years of his life, he studied the use of flowers to help his patients regain emotional balance. By observing nature and flowers, as well as his own life experiences, Dr. Bach noticed similarities between the behavior of certain flowers and that of certain people. For example, by observing the Impatiens flower that grows quickly and jostles others around it, he was able to identify a match with impatient people. By preparing this flower using a homeopathic method, he obtained remarkable results in his impatient patients.
Drawing on his observation of humans and nature, Dr. Bach continued to find other flowers that corresponded to different negative emotional states. In total, he identified 38 flower essences, including 12 main remedies called the « 12 healers » and 26 other auxiliary or spiritual flowers.
Edward Bach was convinced that these 38 flower essences were sufficient to cover all negative emotional states encountered in humans. Even today, the legacy of Bach Flowers is perpetuated throughout the world, notably thanks to the Bach Center located in Oxfordshire in England. This is the home of Mount Vernon, the 19th century cottage where Doctor Bach lived and worked for part of his life.
A holistic approach to health
Bach Flowers are a treatment method that takes into account the person as a whole. It focuses on the physical and psychological aspects of the subject, as well as its medical history. This gentle approach does not cause any side effects or addiction. Bach Flowers are based on the observation of behavior, personality and reactions of the individual to life and others.
It is important to note that Bach Flower Remedies have not been scientifically proven to date. They are based on empirical observations and results obtained by experiment. As with any other therapy, it is possible for a placebo effect to occur and the therapist’s power of suggestion should not be neglected. However, many therapists have observed improvements in patients, both in humans and animals, which cannot be ignored.
What are the 38 Bach Flowers?
The 38 Bach Flowers are divided into seven categories which correspond to seven types of emotions. The Aspen flower is used to treat chronic, unidentified and irrational fears. It allows you to regain a feeling of security and serenity. Cherry Plum (Prunus) is recommended for fear of uncontrollable impulses and loss of self-control. It helps you stay calm and in control through the development of mental clarity and inner strength. The Mimulus flower (Mimule) is indicated for known fears and identified phobias. It helps to regain confidence, courage and the ability to overcome fears to face difficulties. Red Chestnut is used for anticipated anxiety for loved ones, with a tendency to dramatize. This flower promotes relaxation, serenity and self-confidence to face life experiences. Rock Rose (Helianthemum) is recommended for moments of brutal fear, panic or terror. It allows you to find courage, surpass yourself and draw on your inner resources.
Regarding indecision and doubt, Cerato (Plumbago) is used to overcome lack of self-confidence and the obsession with always asking the opinion of others. It helps you regain confidence in your intuition. Gentian (Gentiane) is recommended to overcome discouragement in the face of obstacles, skepticism and lack of competitiveness. It promotes optimism, perseverance and greater determination. Gorse (Gorse) is used to combat resigned despair when one no longer believes it is possible to improve one’s situation. It allows you to regain faith in life and awaken your will. Hornbeam (Charm) is recommended to overcome difficulty taking action and getting moving. It helps to find motivation and ease in engaging in action. Scleranthus (Gnavelle) is used to treat marked indecision, hesitation and difficult choices between two options. It allows you to regain the ability to make quick decisions, to exercise discernment and to take a step back to see things as a whole. Wild Oat is used to overcome the tendency to scatter, indecision and dissatisfaction with life choices. It helps to find an anchor in one’s own reason for being, better orientation, confidence in one’s life choices and greater self-affirmation.
Regarding lack of interest in the present, Chestnut Bud is used to treat inattention, haste and chronic repetition of the same mistakes. It helps to develop greater mindfulness, wisdom and assimilation of past experiences. Clematis (Clematis) is recommended to combat the tendency to disconnect from reality and the present. It promotes the realization of ideas and allows dreams to be translated into reality. Honeysuckle is used to treat perpetual nostalgia and mental attachment to the past.
Bach Flowers, an art of living to embrace
Bach Flowers can help you find peace and fulfillment in your life, as well as that of your loved ones. Edward Bach’s flower essences offer a unique approach that encourages listening to oneself and one’s feelings. It is a valuable tool for taking charge of your well-being independently. By combining Bach Flowers with a healthy lifestyle, you can live in harmony with your past, face the challenges of the present and be in harmony with those around you. This way you prevent the body and mind from suffering or falling ill.