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THE BACH FLOWER ESSENCES

A flower essence is a type of herbal infusion or decoction made from the flowering part of the plant. The effects of Flower Essences are real, but subtle, primarily addressing the emotional and mental aspects of wellness. The first 38 flower remedies were formulated by a British physician, Dr. Edward Bach, in the 1930's. They are typically taken orally from a dropper bottle; the standard dosage is four drops four times daily. They are also mixed with water, brandy, vinegar or vegetable glycerin for a refreshing drink, put in misting sprayers, in a cream base, or in baths. Flower essences contain only minute traces of actual physical substance; they are primarily vibrational in nature, as are homeopathic remedies. This means that they are nontoxic and one cannot overdose on them. A one-ounce (30 ml) dosage bottle is generally used at the rate of four drops, four times daily, and lasts about one month. This is a typical cycle for emotional change, and is therefore the recommended trial time to judge its impact.
In general, flower remedies often have a subtle beginning, which gradually becomes more obvious.

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The Bach Flower Essences' 38 remedies are divided into 7 groups as follows:

1. Against fear
   (Rock Rose, Mimulus, Cherry Plum, Aspen, Red Chestnut)
2. Against indecision
   (Cerato, Scleranthus, Gentian, Gorse, Hornbeam, Wild Oat)
3. Against the tendency to have an insufficient interest in the present
   (Clematis, Honeysuckle, Wild Rose, Olive, White Chestnut, Mustard, Chestnut Bud).
4. Against loneliness
   (Water Violet, Impatiens, Heather)
5. Against the tendency to be excessively influenced by external ideas and personalities
   (Agrimony, Centaury, Walnut, Holly)
6. Against dejection and desperation
   (Larch, Pine, Elm, Sweet Chestnut, Star of Bethlehem, Willow, Oak, Crab Apple)
7. Against the tendency to have an excessive concern for the wellbeing of others
   (Chicory, Vervain, Vine, Beech, Rock Water)

Directions For Use:
The Bach Flower Essences can be taken by placing two drops in a glass of water and sip at intervals. If no water is available the Essences can be taken undiluted either in the mouth, on the skin behind the ears or on the inside of the wrist. Alternatively the two drops can be put into a clean empty 30ml dropper bottle which is then topped up with mineral water. From this bottle - known as a treatment bottle - four drops are taken four times a day. Kept in the fridge and used regularly a treatment bottle will last up to three weeks.

These formulas may be taken as often as needed, but at least 4 drops, 4 times per day, under the tongue: upon waking, late morning, late afternoon and before sleep.

All genuine Bach Remedies come in concentrate form and will last indefinitely when stored at normal room temperature, away from direct sunlight.

ASPEN
For vague fears of unknown origin. Apprehensive that something terrible is going to happen but for no known reason.
The positive quality of the remedy is a release of the fear so that the sufferer is able to turn and face it and know that it has no basis.

BEECH
For the type of person who finds it hard not to criticise the way in which other people act, speak or do things.
The positive quality of this remedy is to promote understanding and lenience.

CENTAURY
For those who are over-anxious to serve others to the point where they become more servants than willing helpers. Weak-willed, they often neglect their own mission in life.
The positive quality is quiet inner strength that, whilst not diminishing the gentle and helpful nature of these particular individuals, enables them to stand up for themselves.

CERATO
For the type of person who questions his or her own judgement, having made a decision, doubts that it is the right one.
The positive quality of the remedy is to promote certainty and faith in one's intuition.

CHERRY PLUM
When frightening thoughts and ideas run away with the imagination. Fear of losing control of the mind.
The positive quality of the remedy is one of a rational mind, safe in the knowledge that the terrible fear is controllable.

CHESTNUT BUD
For those unable to learn from past experiences and so repeat the same mistake over and over again.
The positive quality of this remedy is the reflection of experience so that mistakes of the past become positive guidance in the future.

CHICORY
For people who control and manipulate their loved ones, their care for others is totally self-centred and manipulative.
The positive potential of Chicory is the person who is able to care for others unselfishly, offering genuine maternal love.

CLEMATIS
For those who are dreamy, drowsy, spacey, not fully awake, living more in the future than in the present. With little involvement in the here-and-now, they look to the future in hope of happier times.
The positive quality of the remedy helps them to be able to focus their attention on what might be ahead.

CRAB APPLE
The cleansing remedy. For those who have a poor self-image or who somehow feel contaminated or unclean. For feelings of shame or unattractiveness. Also for detoxification; the cleansing remedy. It is for the type of person who is obsessed with cleanliness, tidiness and minute detail.
The positive quality of this remedy is one of self- appreciation and a comfortable acceptance of oneself.

ELM
For the type of person who is naturally capable of coping with most personal and work commitments, but is inclined to feel over-burdened with additional responsibility.
The positive quality of this remedy is that of greater self-belief.

GENTIAN
For pessimism and a negative outlook. Sufferers are easily discouraged and depressed when things go wrong or when faced with difficulties.
The positive potential is the realisation that there is no such thing as failure when one is doing one's best.

GORSE
This remedy helps those who feel hopeless, as though nothing will ever be better, that they will never be well again.
The positive aspect of this remedy therefore, is the return of hope so that the person has faith in a positive outcome.

HEATHER
For the type of person who enjoys companionship and conversation. Enjoys talking.
The positive quality of the remedy is appreciation of other people's needs so that companionship is mutual and therefore more fulfilling.

HOLLY
The remedy for jealousy, envy, suspicion, desire for revenge, spitefulness or hatred, and is thus needed whenever these feelings are apparent.
The positive quality of this remedy is forgiveness and love.

HONEYSUCKLE
For lingering memories of the past, nostalgia, excessive reminiscence, recurrent dreams of past events, regrets, homesickness.
The positive aspect of this remedy is to allow the mind to reflect and enjoy past memories, but able to focus on the present.

HORNBEAM
Weariness at the thought of what lies ahead. It would be needed by those who feel lethargic, unenthusiastic, depressed at the thought of their day's work.
The positive quality of this remedy is the feeling of greater enthusiasm and interest in life.

IMPATIENS
For the type of person who is quick in thought and action. Those who see the solution to problems easily, think ahead and like to get things done immediately.
The positive quality of the remedy is a quick and active mind.

LARCH
For the type of people who tend to take a back seat and let others overshadow them because they lack confidence in their ability to succeed.
The positive quality of this remedy is greater confidence and faith in one's ability.

MIMULUS
For the type of person who is of a shy or nervous nature. Those who blush easily and feel embarrassed in the company of others.
The positive quality of this remedy is courage and greater ease in communicating with others.

MUSTARD
Helps those who feel depressed for no apparent reason. The Mustard depression comes and goes like a heavy dark cloud.
The positive aspect of the remedy is happiness and joy in living.

OAK
For the type of person who is naturally brave and has the strength of character to keep going despite adversity.
The positive quality of this remedy is the return of the naturally positive side of the character.

OLIVE
For tiredness and exhaustion due to overwork either physical or mental.
The positive aspect of the remedy is to restore vigour and replenish energy.

PINE
For the type of people who blame themselves and constantly apologise for anything that goes wrong, even that which is not their fault.
The positive quality of this remedy is understanding others make mistakes too so not to reprimand oneself for everything.

RED CHESTNUT
For the type of person who is more concerned for the well-being and safety of others, especially family and close friends, than they are for themselves.
The positive quality of this remedy is the return of a more rational concern.

ROCK ROSE
For the relief of terror, panic, nightmares.
The positive aspect is a calm state of mind and peaceful thoughts with the subject of terror placed in true proportion.

ROCK WATER
For the type of person who leads a life of exactness, discipline and self-sacrifice. The remedy is needed for such a person should their outlook stifle their enjoyment of life.
The positive quality is the maintenance of moral value.

SCLERANTHUS
For the type of person who finds it hard to make decisions, always weighing up one idea against another.
The positive quality of this remedy is greater certainty of what one wants to do and obtain from life.

STAR OF BETHLEHEM
For the effects of shock, serious news, grief and sorrow.
The positive aspect of the remedy is the relief of shock and return to calmness to the mind. Easing shock straight away helps to prevent what might otherwise cause a delayed reaction.

SWEET CHESTNUT
To relieve heartache, anguish and emotional pain that causes deep despair.
The positive aspect of the remedy is the return of light at the end of an apparent tunnel of darkness and thus reassuring the sufferer that things will get better.

VERVAIN
For the type of person who enjoys a challenge, who is enthusiastic and believes strongly in what he or she is doing and about situations that seem unfair.
The positive quality of the remedy is the relief of the stress and strain.

VINE
For the type of person who is powerful and strong willed. Those who know what they want out of life and believe that their way is the right way.
The positive aspect of this remedy is a person who uses their strength as a virtue instead of a weapon.

WALNUT
For the type of people who are happily going about their life. The remedy is needed when such a person is distracted from their path by the influence of others.
The positive aspects of this remedy are the ability to keep sight of our path in life.

WATER VIOLET
For the type of person who is of a reserved, private and dignified nature.
The positive quality is the return of the natural equilibrium, the natural pride and dignity, an enjoyment of one's own company, but at the same time to feel closer to friends.

WHITE CHESTNUT
For the relief of worrying thoughts or mental arguments that go round and round in the mind, giving no rest and causing insomnia in many cases.
The positive aspect of this remedy is peace of mind.

WILD OAT
The remedy to help those who are at a crossroads in life to find their true direction.
The positive aspect of the remedy is to help the sufferer know the right path to take in order to gain fulfilment and satisfy their ambitions.

WILD ROSE
For the type of person who enjoys life and is content the way it is. The remedy would by needed if such a person felt that life was passing them by.
The positive quality of this remedy is greater motivation and enthusiasm for life.

WILLOW
To help those who feel they have not deserved as great a trial as they have received; who feel resentful, bitter or are filled with self-pity as a result.
The positive aspect of this remedy is positive outward thought and optimism.