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How to choose your own Bach Flower Remedy

I wrote about Dr Bach’s Flower Remedies here. This time I’m looking at how to find the right remedy for you.

Each person is an individual, with their own emotional world, fears and stresses. Rather than give patients a diagnostic label, Dr Bach suggested that discovering how each person feels should be the guide of choosing individual support and treatment when they are unwell. This is what we could call an “olistic approach” to each patient.

In treating cases with these remedies, no notice is taken of the nature of the disease. The individual is treated and as he becomes well the disease goes, having been case off by the increase in health. (Dr. Bach in The Twelve Healers and Other Remedies)

The remedy dosage

The Bach flower remedies are completely safe and natural and they work exclusively and directly on an emotional level, seeking to balance negative emotions. Their aim is to empower us to support ourselves through difficult times and to help us developing our positive strengths. For obatain the best results an adult should take 4 drops from a treatment bottle 8 times a day for chronic states. For very acute states take 4 drops every 30-60 minutes, reverting to the normal dosage when more balance has returned.

It starts with self reflection

Going into the path of identifying the Bach Flower Remedies that will be the most beneficial, either for yourself or someone else, is a simple process of self-reflection and observation. Easier to say than to do maybe. But remember that no matter what is the issue, you are simply looking for the remedies that will help you bring greater balance to how you think and feel.

Start by looking at how you are reacting to the situation that you are experiencing in a egative way, then review your general reaction to the events and conditions of your life, to identify any general trends or patterns in the way that you think and feel. For example, some people face the world with feelings of hopelessness, doubt or judgement, while others struggle to find balance in their relationships with those around them, and so on.

It is possible to mix almost 293,000,000 different bottles of remedies to suit each person’s individual emotional state. There are 38 individual flower, plus one ready mixed combination which Dr Bach called the “crisis mix”, but it is often known as Rescue Remedy. This is used for emergency help when we feel traumatised, shocked or upset. The remedies can be mixed to match the emotional state of anyone needing support and they can be easily grouped in seven families, in order to help people finding what they need quickly:

  • Fear Group:

Aspen, Cherry Plum, Mimulus, Red Chestnut, Rock Rose

  • Uncertainty Group:

Cerato, Gentian, Gorse, Hornbeam, Scleranthus, Wild Oat

  • Insufficient Interest in Present Circumstances:

Chestnut Bud, Clematis, Honeysuckle, Mustard, Olive, White Chestnut, Wild Rose

  • Over Care for Welfare of Others:

Beech, Chicory, Rock Water, Vervain, Vine

  • Over-sensitive to Influences & Ideas:

Agrimony, Centaury, Holly, Walnut

  • Loneliness Group:

Heather, Impatiens, Water Violet

  • Despondancy or Despair:

Crab Apple, Elm, Larch, Oak, Pine, Star of Bethlehem, Sweet Chestnut, Willow

If you find really hard exploring yourself and your emotions, going through this online questionnaire may help you sorting out your doubts and make a choice:

Online Bach Flower Questionnaire

Also available for purchase.

Bach’s Flower Remedies: 7 FAQs

.Health depends on being in harmony with our souls.

-Dr. E. Bach-

Dr. Edward Bach was a British physician active in the beginning of the 20th century. He saw disease as a physical manifestation of the final stage of unhappiness, fear, worry and “negative” emotions. He looked to nature to find a natural and omeopatic treatment. Over a period of years Dr. Bach found 38 healing flowers and plants, which can be divided in seven groups. With the right preparation they can remove all negative emotional problems.

How do the Remedies work?

The Bach Flower Remedies are a natural method of healing. They gently restore the balance between mind and body by casting out negative emotions such as fear, worry, hatred and indecision. These feelings interfere with the equilibrium of the being as a whole. The Bach Flower Remedies allow peace and happiness to return to the sufferer so that the body is free to heal itself.

How are the Bach Flower Remedies made?

The Bach Flower Remedies are made 100% naturally from spring water infused with wild flowers, either by the sun-steeped method or by boiling. To be preserved, can be added in the mixture 27% grape based brandy or glycerin made from sunflowers in the alcohol-free version.

What happens if I take too much of the Remedies?

It is impossible to overdose with the Bach Flower Remedies. They are 100% natural and safe. You can drink a whole bottle of Remedies and not “overdose”. However, if you think that “more is better” you are wrong. They work best over a period of time, taken from the treatment or stock bottle at least 4 times a day.

What happens if I take the wrong Remedy?

Nothing is going to happen if you take the wrong Remedies. The Remedy will only work on the energy level that we are having problems with. For example, if you have a “known fear” (MIMULUS should be used) and take ASPEN for “unknown fear”, nothing is going to happen. Your “known fear” will stay and ASPEN will not do anything for you. When you take the wrong Remedy, nothing happens.

What are the difference between Essential Oil and the Bach Flower Remedies?

Essential Oil: As the name says it is a natural tretment based on oil from different plants and flowers. The smell is usually very strong and some of them should be avoided for people with different illnesses, pregnancy, in the sun etc. The Essential Oils comes from the whole world, and they can be taken in many different ways (as ointment, nebuliser, etc.).

The Bach Flower Remedies: They do not smell and they can never do any harm to anyone at anytime. They are made by infusion of wild plants and flowers with spring water. They take more time to actually make an improvement in the body and mind.

Can pregnant women/children/pets take the Bach Flower Remedies?

Bach Flower Remedies are extremely helpful during pregnancy, when the expecting mother goes through a wide range of emotions. The Bach Flower Remedies restore peace of mind when the mother feels her mind and body is unbalanced for any reason. Although you shouldn’t forget that all medication taken during pregnancy should be at a doctor’s direction.

As they are growing and their body and mind is in a costant change and development, children respond very well to the Bach Flower Remedies. They can help children reach a balance within them self, so that they can learn from life’s ups and downs.

Our pets also have emotions and the Bach Flower Remedies are very helpful to aid pets overcome difficult times. For example they have been very successful in calming hyperactive dogs, fearful cats, trips to the vet, moving, etc. The only difficult part is to understand well your pet and give him the right treatment for his situation and emotion, although the wrong one would not cause any harm.

What is Rescue Remedy & Rescue Remedy Cream?

Dr. Bach created an emergency combination of Remedies which he called Rescue Remedy. This is the only remedy which can really assist and makes you feel better immediately without taking time to improve your actual condition. It contains five different Remedies: Star of Bethlehem, Clematis, Impatiens, Cherry Plum and Rock Rose.

Carry it with you in case of emergencies or everyday stress, such as an exam or job interview. On occasions when you are stressed and your mind is over-active, take a dose or two of Rescue Remedy in the evening before going to sleep.

UPDATE

Dear Abundy's supporters and friends, It is with sadness that I have to announce the temporarily closure of Abundy Studio due to unexpected circumstances. During this time you can stay tuned and read the Abundy blog, but all the treatments will be suspended until further notice. Hopefully we won't stay close for long! Thank you for your understanding and support. With Love and Gratitude.