Bach Flower Remedies
Written by Debra Kirchhof-Glazier
Bach Flower Remedies are named after the English physician, Dr. Edward Bach, who developed them in the 1930s to address disruptions in emotional states. Dr. Bach was trained in London in conventional medicine but had a profound understanding of the importance of the mind-body-spirit connection in promoting health and healing. He said, “There is no true healing unless there is a change in outlook, peace of mind, and inner happiness.” Dr. Bach took this axiom to the next level, however, and against the conventional wisdom of his time- and even that of today- became convinced of the efficacy of subtle energy in healing. He began to investigate vibrational frequencies of plants and left his successful and lucrative medical practice to dedicate the remainder of his career to identifying and making available the essences of 38 natural substances that are now referred to as the Bach Flower Remedies.
The Remedies are derived primarily from plants, such as crab apple, elm, oak, honeysuckle, mustard, Star of Bethlehem, pine, and wild rose. Each remedy acts in a specific way to help the patient release negative emotions and feelings. For example, crab apple is a cleansing remedy for someone experiencing despondency, despair and disgust; elm helps address feelings of inadequacy and being overwhelmed; pine is for those suffering from self-reproach and guilt, and wild rose is for those who have become resigned and apathetic. Dr. Bach also developed a composite of five remedies, known as Rescue Remedy, which was formulated for use in emergencies involving physical or mental shock.
The mechanism of action of Bach Flower Remedies is similar to that of homeopathic remedies, but, unlike homeopathic preparations, the remedies are not derived from substances that precipitate pathologies. Dr. Bach attempted to explain the phenomenon in the following way. “They cure, not by attacking the disease, but by flooding our bodies with the beautiful vibrations of our Higher Nature, in the presence of which, disease melts away as snow in the sunshine.”
Bach Flower Remedies can be taken internally or externally. A single remedy or a combination of up to six or seven remedies is prepared in a 30 ml bottle of spring water to which a small amount of alcohol or vinegar is added as a preservative. Four drops are taken four times daily. The remedy simply needs to contact the body and can be taken “as is”, added to a beverage, or applied externally on the wrists or behind the ears. Practitioners of this system of healing claim that Bach Flower Remedies can be safely taken with any and all medications, as they do not interact on a biological level. If the wrong remedy is taken, nothing will happen. If the correct remedy is taken, the patient will either feel better promptly or, in rare cases, experience a temporary exacerbation of the emotions until release and healing occurs. Also, unlike with many conventional medications, the patient can abruptly stop the remedy as soon as relief occurs without experiencing any ill effects or compromising the efficacy of the treatment.
Overall, Bach Flower Remedies are a radically different and fascinating approach to dealing with the human spirit. Certainly, this form of treatment meets with skepticism from the medical establishment, and rightly so, since most medical research to date has focused on biologically-based treatments. However, there is an emerging interest in applying quantum physics to healing in what is becoming known as “vibrational medicine”. The Bach Flower Remedies are in this category. In my opinion, they merit investigation as a complementary modality by physicians and mental health professionals working with patients suffering from emotional problems and as an alternative treatment by anyone coping with emotional states that do not require medical intervention.
Additional information on the history, preparation, and use of Bach Flower Remedies can be found in the Handbook of the Bach Flower Remedies by Philip M. Chancellor or on the following websites: http://bachflower.com or http://bachcentre.com
The Huntingdon Health and Wellness Association makes no medical claims or recommendations. Check with your doctor about your specific health care needs.