Edward Bach was a surgeon and homeopath who wanted to deal with root causes rather than through operations. Bach flower remedies deal with the spiritual component and balance the human spirit.
Dr Edward Bach Practitioner Bach Flower Remedy Boxed Set
Alphabetical order
Beech For those who feel the need to see more good and beauty in all that surrounds them. And, although much appears to be wrong, to have the ability to see the good growing within. So as to be able to be more tolerant, lenient and understanding of the different way each individual and all things are working to their own final perfection.
Centuary Kind, quiet, gentle people who are over-anxious to serve others. They overtax their strength in their endeavours. Their wish so grows upon them that they become more servants than willing helpers. Their good nature leads them to do more than their own share of work, and in so doing they may neglect their own particular mission in life.
Cerato those who have not sufficient confidence in themselves to make their own decisions. They constantly seek advice from others, and are often misguided.
Chestnut Bud For those who do not take full advantage of observation and experience, and who take a longer time than others to learn the lessons of daily life. Whereas one experience would be enough for some, such people find it necessary to have more, sometimes several, before the lesson is learnt. Therefore, to their regret, they find themselves having to make the same error on different occasions when once would have been enough, or observation of others could have spared them even that one fault.
Clematis Those who are dreamy, drowsy, not fully awake, no great interest in life. Quiet people, not really happy in their present circumstances, living more in the future than in the present; living in hopes of happier times, when their ideals may come true. In illness some make little or no effort to get well, and in certain cases may even look forward to death, in the hope of better times; or maybe, meeting again some beloved one whom they have lost.
Crab Apple This is the remedy of cleansing. For those who feel as if they had something not quite clean about themselves. Often it is something of apparently little importance: in others there may be more serious disease that is almost disregarded compared to the one thing on which they concentrate. In both types they are anxious to be free from the one particular thing which is greatest in their minds and which seems so essential to them that it should be cured. They become despondent if treatment fails. Being a cleanser, this remedy purifies wounds if the patient has reason to believe that some poison has entered which must be drawn out.
Elm Those who are doing good work, are following the calling of their life and who hope to do something of importance, and this often for the benefit of humanity. At times there may be periods of depression when they feel that the task they have undertaken is too difficult, and not within the power of a human being.
Gentian Those who are easily discouraged. They may be progressing well in illness or in the affairs of their daily life, but any small delay or hindrance to progress causes doubt and soon disheartens them.
Heather Those who are always seeking the companionship of anyone who may be available, as they find it necessary to discuss their own affairs with others, no matter whom it may be. They are very unhappy if they have to be alone for any length of time.
Holly For those who are sometimes attacked by thoughts of such kind as jealousy, envy revenge, suspicion. For the different forms of vexation. Within themselves they may suffer much, often when there is no real cause for their unhappiness.
Honeysuckle Those who live much in the past, perhaps a time of great happiness, or memories of a lost friend, or ambitions which have not come true. They do not expect further happiness such as they have had.
Hornbeam For those who feel that they have not sufficient strength, mentally or physically, to carry the burden of life placed upon them; the affairs of every day seem too much for them to accomplish; though they generally succeed in fulfilling their task. For those who believe that some part, of mind or body, needs to be strengthened before they can easily fulfil their work.
Impatiens Those who are quick in thought and action and who wish all things to be done without hesitation or delay. When ill they are anxious for a hasty recovery. They find it very difficult to be patient with people who are slow, as they consider it wrong and a waste of time. And they will endeavour to make such people quicker in all ways. They often prefer to work and think alone, so that they can do everything at their own speed.
Larch For those who do not consider themselves as good or capable as those around them, who expect failure, who feel that they will never be a success, and so do not venture or make a strong enough attempt to succeed.
Mimulus Fear of worldly things, illness, pain, accidents, poverty, of dark, of being alone, of misfortune. The fears of everyday life. These people quietly and secretly bear their dread; they do not freely speak of it to others.
Mustard Those who are liable to times of gloom, or even despair, as though a cold dark cloud overshadowed them and hid the light and the joy of life. It may not be possible to give any reason or explanation for such attacks. Under these conditions it is almost impossible to appear happy or cheerful.
Oak For those who are struggling and fighting strongly to get well, or in connection with the affairs of their daily life. They will go on trying one thing after another, though their case may seem hopeless.
Olive Those who have suffered much mentally or physically and so exhausted and weary that they feel they have no more strength to make any effort. Daily life is hard work for them, without pleasure.
Pine For those who blame themselves. Even when successful they think they could have done better, and are never content with their efforts or the results. They are hard-working and suffer much from the faults they attach to themselves. Sometimes if there is any mistake it is due to another, but they will claim responsibility even for that.
Red Chestnut For those who find it difficult not to be anxious for other people. Often they have ceased to worry about themselves, but for those of whom they are fond they may suffer much, frequently anticipating that some unfortunate thing may happen to them.
Rock Rose The Remedy of emergency. For cases where there even appears no hope. In accident or sudden illness, or when the patient is very frightened or terrified. If the patient is not conscious the lips may be moistened with the remedy.
Rock Water Those who are very strict in their way of living; they deny themselves many of the joys and pleasures of life because they consider it might interfere with their work. They are hard masters to themselves. They wish to be well and strong and active, and will do anything that they believe will keep them so. They hope to be examples that will appeal to others who may then follow their ideas and be better as a result.
Scleranthus Those who suffer much from being unable to decide between two things, first one seeming right then the other. They are usually quiet people, and bear their difficulty alone, often refusing to discuss it with others.
Star Of
Sweet Chestnut For those moments which happen to some people when the anguish is so great as to seem to be unbearable. When the mind or body feels as if it had borne to the uttermost limit of its endurance, and that now it must give way. When it seems there is nothing but destruction and annihilation left to face.
Vervain Those with fixed principles and ideas, which they are confident, are right, and which they very rarely change. They have a great wish to convert all around them to their own views of life. They are strong of will and have much courage when they are convinced of those things that they wish to teach. In illness they struggle on long after many would have given up their duties.
Vine Very capable people, certain of their own ability, confident of success. Being so assured, they think that it would be for the benefit of others if they could be persuaded to do things as they themselves do, or as they are certain is right. Even in illness they will direct their attendants. They may be of great value in emergency.
Walnut For those who have definite ideals and ambitions in life and are fulfilling them, but on rare occasions are tempted to be led away from their own ideas, aims and work by the enthusiasm, convictions or strong opinion of others. The remedy gives constancy and protection from outside influences.
Water Violet For those who in health or illness like to be alone. Very quiet people, who move about without noise, speak little, and then gently. Very independent, capable and self-reliant. Almost free of the opinions of others. They are aloof, leave people alone and go their own way. Often clever and talented.
White Chestnut For those who cannot prevent thoughts, ideas, arguments which they do not desire from entering their minds. Usually at such times when the interest of the moment is not strong enough to keep the mind full. Thoughts that worry and will remain, or if for a time thrown out, will return. They seem to circle round and round and cause mental torture. The presence of such unpleasant thoughts drives out peace and interferes with being able to think only of the work or pleasure of the day.
Wild Oat Those who have ambitions to do something of prominence in life, who wish to have much experience, and to enjoy all that which is possible for them, to take life to the full. Their difficulty is to determine what occupation to follow; as although their ambitions are strong, they have no calling which appeals to them above all others. This may cause delay and dissatisfaction.
Wild Rose Those who without apparently sufficient reason become resigned to all that happens, and just glide through life, take it as it is, without any effort to improve things and find some joy. They have surrendered to the struggle of life without complaint.
Willow For those who have suffered misfortune and find these difficult to accept, without complaint or resentment, as they judge life much by the success which it brings. They feel that they have not deserved so great a trial and they become embittered. They often take less interest in those things of life which they had previously enjoyed.
Rescue Remedy A combination of Cherry Plum, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose, Star of Bethlehem. All purpose emergency composite for effects of anguish, examinations, going to the dentist, etc. Comforting, calming and reassuring to those distressed by startling experiences.
Individual Stock Bottles
For Fear/Fright
Rock Rose - gives courage to face an emergency when feeling alarmed, intensley scared, horror, or dread.
Mimulus - for bravery against, fright of specific known things - animals, heights, pain etc., nervous shy people.
Cherry Plum - for calmness and sanity against thoughts of losing control and of doing dreaded things.
Aspen - trusting the unknown, use against vague, unknown, haunting apprehension and premonitions.
Red Chestnut - trusting to life, use when worrying about others, anticipating misfortune, and projecting worry.
For Loneliness
Water Violet - peaceful and calm yet wise in service, when withdrawn, aloof, proud, self reliant, quiet grief.
Impatiens - gentle and forgiving, when irritated by constraints,quick, tense and impatient.
Heather - tranquillity and kinship with all life, when longing for company, talkative or overconcerned with self.
For Uncertainty
Cerato - to confidently seek individuality, against distrust of self and intuition, being easily led and misguided.
Scleranthus - for balance and determination, for indecision and not being able to resolve two choices.
Gentian - when taking heart and having faith, against discouragement, doubt and despondency.
Gorse - the sunshine of renewed hope, assists in the difficulties and overcoming no hope and pointlessness.
Hornbeam - strengthens and supports, when feeling weary and thoughts of unable to cope.
Wild Oat - becoming definite and purposeful against lack of direction, unfulfilled and drifting.
For Despondancy and Despair
Larch - for self confidence to try anything, aginst expected failure, lack of confidence and no will to succeed.
Pine - relieves a sense of guilt, when elf-critical, self-reproaching, assuming blame and apologetic.
Elm - for the strength to perform duty, for capable people who falter or are temporarily overwhelmed.
Sweet Chestnut - a light shining in darkess for the unendurable desolation.
Star of
Oak - admitting to limitations, for persevering despite difficulties, strong patient, never giving in.
Crab Apple - the cleansing remedy, against feelings of self disgust, feeling unclean, things out of proportion.
Oversensitive to Ideas and Influences
Agrimony - steadfast peace, when worried by a carefree mask, apparently jovial but suffering.
Centaury - an active and positive worker, kind, quiet, anxious to serve, weak or dominated.
Walnut - the link breaker, protection from outside influences, for change and the stages of development.
Holly - the conquest of all, against feelings of jealousy, envy, anger, revenge and suspicion.
No Interest to Present Circumstances
Clematis - brings down to earth dreamers, drowsy and absent minded.
Honeysuckle - be involved in the present assists against living in memories.
Wild Rose - the spirit of joy and adventure, for lack of interest, resignation, no love or point in life.
Olive - restful and supportive, against exhaustion, no more strength and in need of physical and mental renewal.
White Chestnut - for a calm and clear mind, against unresolved or circling thoughts.
Mustard - clarity, when gloom suddenly clouds us for no apparent reason.
Chestnut Bud - when learning from experience, assists with failure to learn from life, repeat of mistakes, etc.
For Overcaring in the Welfare of Others
Chicory - love and care that gives freely to others, when self-pitying, self-loving, being possessive hurt or tearful.
Vervain - quiet and tranquility, when fervent, insistent, willful, enthusiastic or stressed.
Vine - loving leader and teacher setting all at liberty, for dominating, tyrant, bully and demands of obedience.
Beech - for seeing more good in the world, when intolerant, critical or fussy.
Rockwater - broad outlook and understanding, when in self denial, stricture, rigidity, or purist.
How to take the Remedies
The remedies can be taken in several ways.
For the treatment of a short-term mood or problem, the easiest way is to put two drops of each selected remedy in a glass of water and sip as required, but at least four times a day, until relief is obtained. If using Rescue Remedy, put in four drops instead of two.
If a combination of remedies is to be prepared (7 at the most), use 2 drops from each stock bottle, but try not to exceed six to seven remedies in total.
For the treatment of more chronic problems one should make up a treatment bottle, as this is more economical and will make the precious stock remedies go a lot further. Simply get a 30ml bottle with a dropper in the lid, add two drops of each selected remedy (four drops of Rescue Remedy) to the bottle. Top this up with still mineral or distilled water and from this bottle take four drops four times a day and place under the tongue and held in the mouth for thirty to sixty seconds. If kept in the fridge, treatment bottles will last from 2 to 4 weeks.
If you can't keep the bottle in the fridge but need to carry it around with you, adding a teaspoon of brandy or cider vinegar will help protect the energies.
Keep away from direct sunlight, heat and major electrical appliances.
You can read more about Bach Flower Remedies here: http://altmed.creighton.edu/floweressences/what.htm and a google search will bring up plenty more information.
Where to Purchase
These remedies are often found in health shops but are easily available for online purchases at many internet sites.