How To Use Bach Flower Remedies For Emotional Support

The Bach flower remedy system consists of 38 plant and flower-based remedies developed in the 1920s and 1930s by Dr. Edward Bach, who was a physician and a homeopath. Dr. Bach believed that the key to overall health was emotional wellbeing. Each remedy in the Bach flower system is associated with an emotion and taking the remedy can be helpful in shifting the energetic and emotional state of the individual.

In my practice, I use Bach flower remedies to support the individual person in processing various emotions and to help clear the energetic filed during clearings incorporated in appointments. I use Autonomic Response Testing (ART) to see which remedy / remedies may be helpful to the individual person I am working with. When choosing a remedy for yourself ask yourself how you are feeling in this moment and / or what you are wanting support with and then match that with the remedy description as best as possible.

Bach flower remedies are broken down into seven groups - fear, uncertainty, insufficient interest in present circumstances, loneliness, over-sensitive to influences & ideas, despondency or despair, and over-concern for welfare of others. The following is a list of Bach flower remedies based on the categories they fall into. Each remedy has a brief keynote description and an empowering statement that can go along with the remedy.

  1. Fear

    1. Aspen: fears & worries of unknown origin

      Empowering statements: I am protected. I am centered. I am strong.

    2. Cherry Plum: fear of losing control

      Empowering statements: I am courageous. I open myself. I let flow what wants to flow.

    3. Mimulus: fear of known things

      Empowering statements: I am brave. I dare. I step forward.

    4. Red Chestnut: overanxious & concerned about the well-being of others

      Empowering statements: I am myself. I stay with myself. I am me & you are you.

    5. Rock Rose: panic, terror & fright

      Empowering statements: I will survive. I keep things in perspective. I follow my inner guidance.

  2. Uncertainty

    1. Cerato: lack of trust in one’s own decisions

      Empowering statements: I trust myself. I pay attention to my first impression. I decide for myself

    2. Gentian: discouragement, despondency

      Empowering statements: I am confident. I expect the positive. I know everything works out right.

    3. Gorse: hopelessness & despair

      Empowering statements: I stand tall. I am filled with hope. I see new opportunities.

    4. Hornbeam: tiredness at the thought of doing something, “Monday morning” feeling

      Empowering statements: I feel fresh. I have energy. I enjoy working.

    5. Scleranthus: indecision to choose between alternatives

      Empowering statements: I stand firm. I know what I want. I decide.

    6. Wild Oat: uncertainty over one’s direction in life

      Empowering statements: I know what to do. I follow my vision. I am fulfilled.

  3. Insufficient interest in present circumstances:

    1. Chestnut Bud: failure to learn from past mistakes

      Empowering statements: I am paying attention. I listen carefully. I am learning.

    2. Clematis: day-dreaming of the future

      Empowering statements: I am awake. I see clearly. I create.

    3. Honeysuckle: living in the past

      Empowering statements: I live today. I look to the future. I take the next step.

    4. Mustard: deep gloom with no origin

      Empowering statements: I feel light. I am happy. I am in the light.

    5. Olive: lack of energy, exhaustion

      Empowering statements: I am peaceful. I am strong. I am renewed.

    6. White Chestnut: unwanted thoughts, mental arguments

      Empowering statements: I feel the quiet. I feel clear. I guide my thoughts.

    7. Wild Rose: resignation, apathy

      Empowering statements: I have zest for life. I seize my chance.

  4. Loneliness

    1. Heather: self-centeredness, self-concern

      Empowering statements: I feel safe. I receive all that I need. I nurture others.

    2. Impatients: impatience

      Empowering statements: I am time. I am patience. I am relaxed.

    3. Water Violet: pride, aloof

      Empowering statements: I do belong. I take part. I love closeness.

  5. Over-sensitive to influences & ideas

    1. Agrimony: mental torment behind a brave face

      Empowering statements: I feel peace. I am honest. I reveal myself.

    2. Centaury: weak-willed & subservient, inability to say “no”

      Empowering statements: I stand up. I am who I am. I do what I want.

    3. Holly: hatred, envy, jealousy

      Empowering statements: I am full of joy. I am connected. I am loving.

    4. Walnut: protection from change & outside influences

      Empowering statements: I am sure of myself. I stay true to myself. I go my own way.

  6. Despondency or despair

    1. Crab Apple: self-hatred, sense of uncleanliness, “cleansing remedy”

      Empowering statements: I feel good. I accept myself as I am. I see what’s really important.

    2. Elm: overwhelmed by responsibility

      Empowering statements: I do what I can. I receive help. I can do it.

    3. Larch: lack of confidence

      Empowering statements: I can. I want to. I do.

    4. Oak: exhausted but keeps going, ignores tiredness

      Empowering statements: I relax. I finish easily. I feel free.

    5. Pine: self-reproach, guilt

      Empowering statements: I am allowed to ___ (give permission to self). I am accepted. I am free.

    6. Star of Bethlehem: after effects of physical, mental, or psychic shocks, recently or long ago

      Empowering statements: I feel. I breathe. I am alive.

    7. Sweet Chestnut: extreme mental anguish

      Empowering statements: I look up. I accept. I let go.

    8. Willow: resentment & self-pity

      Empowering statements: I have power. I am in control. I take responsibility.

  7. Over-concern for welfare of others

    1. Beech: intolerance

      Empowering statements: I accept. I will meet you half way. I see the possibilities.

    2. Chicory: selfishly possessive love

      Empowering statement: I give freely. I am drawing from the well. I am loved.

    3. Rock Water: self-repression, self-denial, rigidity

      Empowering statements: I allow myself. I am curious. I am spontaneous.

    4. Verwain: over-enthusiasm

      Empowering statements: I relax. I give space to others. I pace my energy.

    5. Vine: domineering, inflexible

      Empowering statements: I empathize. I show respect. I value & support.

Generally, Bach flower remedies can be taken directly in the mouth or added to a little bit of filtered water. Some of my patients are not able to take Bach flower remedies internally because they find them too strong. In those cases applying the remedy topically or having it in their immediate environment is enough for them to feel a difference. I base my dosing recommendations on ART findings.

 

Bach flower remedies can be purchased here.

References:

https://www.bachflower.com

https://www.bachremedies.com/en-us/

Berman, L. (January 2012). Bach Flower Essences. Class notes taken at Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA.

Disclaimer: this post is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Please do your own research and consult with your own personal licensed health care provider before making any treatment decisions.