What are Bach flower remedies?
Bach flower remedies are a natural and simple complementary therapy system of 38 remedies, traditionally used to support emotional wellbeing. A well-known combination of five Bach flower remedies that you’re likely to have heard of is the popular ‘Rescue Remedy’.
Each individual remedy is traditionally associated with a different emotion and is used for emotional difficulties, such as fear, anxiety, frustration, low confidence, and anger. The idea behind Bach flower remedies is similar to homeopathy, but they focus more on the emotions rather than the physical symptoms the body is experiencing.
Flowers remind us to slow down, enjoy the present moment, and appreciate their beauty. They symbolise growth, transformation, and resilience, and remind us to embrace the cycles of life.
Beyond their physical beauty and intoxicating fragrance, flowers are believed to possess an energetic and emotional blueprint that carries innate healing and wisdom. Within Bach flower philosophy, they are thought to hold the vibrational qualities of nature, offering us a way to reconnect with our own true nature.
The origin of Bach flower remedies
Bach flower remedies were developed by Dr Edward Bach during the 1920s and 1930s. Dr Bach was a physician, bacteriologist, pathologist, and natural healer who studied medicine at the University of Birmingham and University College Hospital in London. He realised that he wanted a way of treating the whole person, holistically and without needing needles or invasive treatments.
The Bach flower remedies were created following the testing of thousands of plants and, gradually, Dr Bach found the remedies he wanted, each aimed at a particular mental state or emotion.
Dr Bach believed that all illness originated from our emotions and by becoming disconnected from our soul, due to our personality. He believed that wellness depended upon realigning with our soul and that the vibration of flowers was the key to achieving soul harmony.
How do Bach flower remedies work?
Different remedies may be selected according to how someone is feeling, either individually or as a blend of several. For example, ‘Rescue Remedy’ uses a combination of five remedies traditionally associated with feelings of shock and stress. This is often used during stressful situations, but does not allow for an individualised selection of remedies based on our personality and current emotions.
Bach flower remedies are traditionally prepared using either the sun method, where flowers are placed in water and left in sunlight, or the boiling method, where plant material is boiled in water.
According to Bach flower philosophy, adding flowers to water is believed to capture the energetic essence of the flowers. The water is thought to take on the vibration of the flower and is bottled along with an alcohol preservative. We can then take the flower essence internally by adding a couple of drops to water.
Unlike essential oils, flower remedies generally have little flavour or aroma. However, research has not found convincing evidence that Bach flower remedies are more effective than a placebo.
Flower essences and their uses
As mentioned, there are 38 remedies, each traditionally associated with a specific emotion. Here are just a few examples of flower essences and their traditional uses:
- Aspen – used for fear of the unknown.
- Elm – feelings of being overwhelmed.
- Holly – envy and jealousy.
- Oak – used if you’ve gone beyond the point of exhaustion.
- Rock rose – feelings of terror or fright.
- White chestnut – improved concentration (and peace of mind).
- Larch – lack of confidence or fear of failure.
How to take Bach flower remedies
It is possible to select appropriate Bach flower remedies by using an online guide and selecting the emotions and personality traits that are affecting your current circumstance. However, it’s strongly recommended to work with a professional, particularly if you are new to Bach flowers.
You can take up to six or seven remedies together, though it can be best to start with the most pressing emotion and then add additional remedies, to see how you get on.
Once you have selected your remedies:
- Add two drops to a glass of water if using a single stock remedy.
- Alternatively, add two drops from each remedy if using a blend.
- If using a premixed combination, add four drops to water.
- Take up to four times per day, or sip frequently from a glass or bottle of water throughout the day.
- Alternatively, you can add two drops of a single stock remedy directly under your tongue, or four drops if using a premixed combination.
It is expected that the remedies and blends you use will change over time, as our emotions are not static and ebb and flow as we progress through our lives.
Bach flower remedies are generally considered low risk when used as directed, but some contain alcohol. It’s best to check the ingredients if you need to avoid alcohol. Speak to your GP or pharmacist before using them if you take medication, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Bach flower remedies should not replace medical advice or prescribed treatment.
Working with a Bach flower remedies practitioner
Sometimes it can be difficult to have full conscious awareness of our emotions, as we often have blind spots about ourselves. It can, therefore, be helpful to work with a practitioner, who will be skilled at guiding you to examine your emotions and current feelings.
What can I expect from a Bach flower session?
Sessions may take place in person or online via a video call and usually last around an hour. During your appointment, there will be time to explore what’s troubling you and how you feel about the circumstances or situations that are impacting your life. You’ll also talk about how you are managing day-to-day, taking time to “get to the heart of the matter” and discover the emotions that are behind what you are experiencing.
Suitable remedies will be discussed and a bespoke blend created by the practitioner, as well as an explanation of how to take the remedies. A follow-up appointment may be offered to assess how the remedies have supported you.
Some practitioners may incorporate Bach flower remedies as part of a healing programme or package, along with other natural health modalities, such as hypnotherapy, energy healing, or aromatherapy.
If your emotional situation is long-standing, or you have several situations impacting you, a course of sessions may be helpful to support you emotionally as you navigate this phase of your life.
If you're interested in exploring Bach flower remedies, you can find a practitioner on Therapy Directory to learn more about the approach and what to expect.
This page was written and reviewed by holistic therapist, Hayley Merrick in July 2023. Hayley is a Flowertherapist™ and Womb Wise Woman®. She weaves Hypnotherapy, Bach Flower Essences, Reflexology, Energy Healing, Aromatherapy and Menstrual Cycle Awareness to support her clients to heal the mind, body, heart and soul.
