Discovering Bach Flowers
Edward Bach was a physician who specialized in bacteriology at a major London hospital. He succeeded in developing a series of vaccines for ridding the body of certain intestinal bacteria, but was also attracted to homeopathy. He later prepared the bacteria in question as homeopathic remedies and found his patients had even better responses. Not content with using pathogens in homeopathic preparations, Bach sought and studied the flowers that would become the basis of the remedies he is most known for today.
Bach prepared his new remedies by floating flowers on the surface of a bowl of spring water that was left in sunlight for several hours. This has the effect of charging the water with an imprint of the flowers’ vibration. The Dr. Edward Bach Healing Centre of England continues to prepare the flower essences using this method.
In 1934, Bach wrote the following regard to the way his Flower Remedies work:
“The action of these remedies is to raise our vibrations and open up our channels for the reception of the Spiritual Self; to flood our natures with the particular virtue we need, and wash out from us the fault that is causing the harm. they are able, like beautiful music or any glorious uplifting thing which gives us inspiration, to raise our very natures and bring us nearer to our souls and by that very act to bring us peace and relieve our sufferings. 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. There is no true healing unless there is a change in outlook, peace of mind, and inner happiness.”
Dr Bach grouped the Remedies under seven headings:
- For those who have fear: Aspen, Cherry Plum, Minulus, Red Chestnut, Rock Rose.
- For those who suffer uncertainty: Cerato, Gentian, Gorse, Hornbeam, Scleranthus, Wild Oat.
- For insufficient interest in present circumstance: Chestnut Bud, Clematis, Honeysuckle, Mustard, Olive, White Chestnut, Wild Rose.
- For loneliness: Heather, Impatients, Water Violet.
- For those over-sensitive to influences and ideas: Agrimony, Centaury, Holly, Walnut.
- For despondency and despair: Crab Apple, Elm, Larch, Oak, Pine, Star of Bethlehem, Sweet Chestnut, Willow.
- For over-care for the welfare of others: Beech, Chicory, Rock Water, Vervain, Vine.
