November 10, 2006

Understanding Bach Flower Remedies

An English doctor by the name of Edward Bach developed Bach Flower Remedies in the early twentieth-century. He was trained initially in orthodox medicine, but later turned to the more holistic form of natural medicine and homeopathy to treat the whole person. The thirty-eight flower remedies originally created by him are still used in various forms today in alternative treatment.

Though these herbal remedies are sometimes confused with aromatherapy, the process of procuring a plant’s healing properties is markedly different. In aromatherapy, steam or alcohol distillation occurs to extract the oil from the plant. With Bach Flower Remedies, the properties are taken after floating the plant on spring water and exposing them to sunlight, allowing the nutrients to transfer into the water.

Following this process, the concentrated amount of the plant extraction and an equal amount of brandy is added together, that comprises the main bottle of which further tinctures can be made. Several drops from the first bottle, added with more water and brandy dilute the mixture become the basis of Bach Flower Remedies.

Each remedy is associated with a certain emotional state, and people react differently to each remedy. Dr. Bach believed that this affected the way that different people reacted to different illnesses. Some well trained homeopaths attest to knowing what flower remedies are needed just by ascertaining the personality of their patients.

Different combinations of Bach Flower Remedies can be used in different times and in different circumstances. The remedies now feature in many health food stores and can also be found in popular drugstores in the United Kingdom.

The most popular and well known of the Bach flower remedies is the Rescue Remedy, which contains a mixture of several plants. It is used in times of emergency and does not need any specialized knowledge to be used. It can be taken before an exam or interview, and can be used before a traumatic event, such as an operation. It is one of the best antidotes to treating shock or fear, and I have used it on a number of occasions to combat my fear of flying. It is simple to use as well- drops are taken with a glass of water or placed under the tongue. If a person is unable to swallow, it can be dabbed on the lips and absorbed as a remedy.

Bach Flower Remedies remain very popular today and now number into the hundreds. Their lasting power stands as a testament to their effectiveness for treating a range of both physical and mental ailments. Though different from aromatherapy oils, they are compatible with them and can be used at the same time.