If you are not familiar with Bach Flower Essences, you may be wondering what they are. Let me start out by saying what they are not. They are not liquid herbs, nor are they aromatherapy. Flower and Vibrational Essences are subtle treatments that address the energetic root of emotional and physical distress and illness. Bach Flower Essences are probably the best known of the vibrational essences.
Edward Bach, a medical doctor, bacteriologist, and homeopath, was a pioneer in the area of Flower Essences in the late 1920's and early 1930's. His intention was to develop a method of healing which would treat the emotional and spiritual imbalances which lead to physical disease. He discovered the 38 Essences for this method of treatment in certain wildflowers.
Bach believed that the root of all illness was mental and emotional issues. Flower Essences are not extracts of flowers, and are safe for everyone--including children and pets. Dr. Bach intuitively discovered that certain flowers correlated to different psychic and emotional issues, and that by treating a person holistically, suffering was relieved. The flowers are soaked in water, thus transferring their "vibration" to the water. It is then combined with brandy, glycerin, or other preservative and can be taken under the tongue, or added to water for drinking. Creams are made of Essences, as well. Flower Essences are often given in combinations, since there is usually more than one mental/emotional issue involved in any ailment. Bach remedies does not claim to heal diseases, but rather, to treat psychic and emotional roots to the suffering.
The 38 Bach Flower Essences
Agrimony For when you put on a cheerful face to hide problems, and deal with mental torment.
Aspen For when you have unexplained fears and worries, and are nervous and anxious.
Beech For when you are intolerant and critical of others.
Centaury For when you have difficulty saying no and are anxious to please.
Cerato For when you doubt your own judgment, and always seeking advice from others.
Cherry Plum For losing control or fearing that your mind will give way.
Chestnut Bud For failing to learn from experience and repeating the same mistakes.
Chicory For being overly possessive and expecting others to conform to your values.
Clematis For day-dreaming and generally having a lack of interest in the present.
Crab Apple For when you have a poor self image, or are ashamed or embarrassed by physical symptoms, features, or characteristics.
Elm For when you feel overwhelmed or burdened by responsibility.
Gentian For when you are easily discouraged, hesitant, and despondent.
Gorse For when you feel hopelessness, despair, and pessimism.
Heather For when you are self-absorbed, dislike being alone, or are overly talkative.
Holly For when you have feelings of extreme jealousy, and are envious and suspicious.
Honeysuckle For living in the past and feeling homesick and nostalgic.
Hornbeam For the “Monday morning” feeling and for doubting the ability to face the day’s work.
Impatiens For impatience and when you’re easily irritated.
Larch For lack of self-confidence and feelings of inferiority.
Mimulus For fear rooted in known causes (e.g. flying, spiders, and death).
Mustard For unexplained deep gloom.
Oak For when you are driven by a strong sense of duty and struggle on although exhausted.
Olive For when you feel exhausted in body and mind—lacking energy.
Pine For when you feel full of guilt, and blame yourself for the mistakes of others.
Red Chestnut For when you are over-anxious or over-concerned for others.
Rock Rose When you’ve experienced terror, feel frozen in fear, and feel helpless.
Rock Water When you are inflexible and set very high standards for yourself.
Scleranthus For when you suffer from indecision and uncertainty between two choices.
Star of Bethlehem For when you’ve experienced trauma, grief, or a fright.
Sweet Chestnut When you are at the limits of endurance and in deep despair.
Vervain For when you’re over-enthusiastic, high-strung, and argumentative with rigid principles and ideas.
Vine For when you are strong-willed with a tendency to be domineering or inflexible.
Walnut For when you face major life changes and are in need of protection from the influences of others.
Water Violet For when you prefer to be alone, or are proud and aloof.
White Chestnut For unwanted thoughts, preoccupations, and worries.
Wild Oat For when you are uncertain as to the correct path in life, can’t decide which path to follow, and are dissatisfied with your current lifestyle.
Wild Rose For when you are apathetic and make little effort to improve situations.
Willow For when you are resentful and have feelings of self-pity and a “poor me” attitude.
