What are Bach Flower Essences?
Flower essences are liquid extracts, generally taken by mouth, that address issues of emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. They are safe and gentle, because, like homeopathic remedies, flower essences are vibrational in nature: there is no physical part of the plant remaining once the remedy is prepared. Bach Flower Essences can be taken with any other medicines, food, or drink without ill effects. They are prepared quite simply, so there is no complicated technique or equipment needed; the two methods of preparation involve either sunlight or boiling. In both cases, the heat transfers the energy of the flower to the water.
How do the Flower Essences work?
There are 38 Bach Flower Essences, or remedies, each prepared in spring water from the flower of a wild plant, tree, or shrub. A small amount of brandy may be added as a natural preservative. Each flower deals specifically with a particular mood or aspect of the personality. They are remedies for feelings, like fear, anger, anxiety, or sadness. They do not treat physical illnesses directly, but, by restoring equilibrium in the mind, they allow the body’s natural capacity to heal and to restore harmony in the body.
How do you take Flower Essence remedies?
There are two ways to take Bach remedies. The simplest is to place 4 drops from the treatment bottle dropper onto your tongue 4 times a day until relief is obtained. You can also add the drops to water, or other beverages, or to food if that is more convenient. What is critical is to space the doses over the whole day. Also, more is not better, so you will not experience quicker results if you increase the dose—you will only waste the remedy.
How long do Flower Essence remedies take to work?
There is not a single definitive answer because each person is unique. Generally, emotions that have developed quickly will not take too long to resolve, and perhaps only a few doses will be sufficient. But for a deep-rooted and firmly established problem that has evolved over a period of months, years, or even decades, healing will be much more gradual, and will take longer. The remedies are there to guide us and to restore our natural balance.
Do Flower Essence remedies work for pets?
Pet owners know that their animals have emotions and personalities, and that they can suffer – both when their owners are unhappy, and when their own life circumstances cause them distress. Dr. Bach used his remedies to help all types of animals. He had a spaniel named Lulu, and his assistant Nora Weeks had a succession of cats. They both treated their animals with Flower Essences when they saw that they were unhappy.
Animals do not generally have deep-seated, complex issues, so not only is it fairly straightforward to understand their needs, they also respond very quickly to a remedy. They do communicate differently from humans, yet most owners can tell what is going on with their pets.
How can I find out more information?
Mount Vernon, a 19th century cottage, was the home and workplace where Dr. Bach completed his research on his flower essences. Today it focuses on Bach education, and is named the Bach Centre.
Click here to go the Bach Centre. You will find many helpful offerings: free downloads of Dr. Bach’s books and writings, a reading list by other authors, and a list of courses to learn more specifics. Under ‘Remedies,’ scroll down to find a description of the Bach System, which comprises the 38 remedies that I use with my clients.
Note:
The Bach Flower remedies do not take the place of medical or psychological treatment by your healthcare provider.