Bach Original Flower Remedies

Some people are quite happy to select remedies for their friends and family, but when it comes to choosing the ones they need themselves, they quickly tie themselves up in knots.  The reason for this simple: Selecting remedies involves thinking about who you really are, and many of us are not very good at that.

For many, then, choosing the right remedies represents a journey of self-discovery.  You are learning about yourself, about your reactions and feelings and fears.  Part of healing yourself then, is knowing yourself, and knowledge like this is a healthy thing to have.

HANDS-ON
Maybe you have already given some thought to what your basic type remedy is, but if you haven't you might like to try now. Using the list of remedy indications below to help you, try to identify the one remedy that most closely fits the way you normally are.

Agrimony – Those who hide worries behind a brave face – They wear a 'mask'
Aspen – Apprehension for no known reason, fear of the unknown
Beech – Critical and intolerant of others
Centuary – Weak willed; exploited or imposed upon
Cerato – Those who doubt their own judgement
Cherry Plum – Uncontrolled, irrational thoughts
Chestnut Bud – Refuses to learn from experiences – repeats same mistakes
Chicory – Over possessive (self centred), clingy, over-protective
Clematis – Inattentive, dreamy, absent-minded
Crab Apple – The 'Cleanser', unhappy with self, ashamed of ailments
Elm – Overwhelmed by responsibility, inadequacy
Gentian – Despondency, hopelessness
Gorse – Pessimism, 'oh what's the use'
Heather – Talkative, (obsessed with own troubles and experiences)
Holly – Hatred, envy, jealousy, suspicion
Honeysuckle – Living in the past, nostalgic, home-sickness
Hornbeam – 'Monday morning' feeling - procrastination
Impatiens – Impatience, irritability
Larch – Lack of self-confidence, feels inferior, fears failure
Mimulus – Fear of known things, shyness, timidity
Mustard – Depression for no known reason
Oak – Normally strong, but no longer able to struggle against adversity
Olive – Fatigued, drained of energy
Pine – Guilty complex, blames self of other's mistakes, always apologising
Red Chestnut – Obsessed by care and concern for others
Rock Rose – Suddenly alarmed, scared, panicky
Rock Water – Rigid minded, self denying
Scleranthus – Uncertainty / indecision, fluctuating moods
Star of Bethlehem – Shock, the effects of serious news
Sweet Chestnut – Utter dejection, bleak outlook, severe mental anguish
Vervain – Over-enthusiasm, fanatical beliefs
Vine – Dominating, inflexible, arrogant; usually good leaders
Walnut – Assists in adjustment to change (marriage, menopause, new surroundings)
Water Violet – Proud, reserved, enjoys being alone
White Chestnut – Persistent unwanted thoughts, pre-occupation with same worry
Wild Oat – Helps determine one's intended path in life
Wild Rose – Resignation, apathy (indifference)
Willow – Resentment, embitterment, 'poor old me!'

You might also find it useful to ask yourself the following questions, and if you struggle, get a second opinion from a good friend.

1.    Think of an occasion in the past when you have been under stress. How did you react?
2.    Do you like lots of people around you, or do you prefer to be by yourself? Try to think of reasons for this preference.
3.    What one quality that you don't have would you like to possess?
4.    What one defect that you do have would you like to get rid of?
5.    How do you react when other people criticise you?
6.    Who do you most admire in the world, and why?

Try to narrow your choice down to one main type remedy. Some people are a mixture of two or three, but in most cases it should be possible to isolate one main remedy, even if it doesn't cover every possible facet of your personality.  

When you have found your type remedy, write it down here: ______________

LOOKING BEYOND THE WORDS
We all know that different people use different words to describe the same thing. For example, the same lost feeling might be described as confusion, helplessness or insecurity.  It is not so obvious, however, that the same word can be used by different people to label entirely different emotions.  You might say that you can't stand your neighbour, for example, but what do you really mean? Are you frightened of him (Mimulus) or is it that you can't stand the way he behaves (Beech)? Perhaps it is his slow deliberate manner that annoys you (Impatiens) or it may be his political opinions that leave you burning with righteous indignation (Vervain). As well as learning the key words for the remedies, then, it's a good idea to look at how those keywords relate to the words you commonly use to describe your feelings.

PEELING THE ONION
As we go through our lives, things happen to us which can knock us off course.  Emotional problems build up over time, layer by layer, until the original emotional cause can be quite hidden.
It can be uncomfortable or even dangerous to try to cut straight to the hidden heart of things, particularly where people are not ready to face issues that might be buried deep in their minds.  The remedies are gentler because they approach the problem layer by layer, starting from the outside.  By the time the centre is reached the person taking them is ready to face it and deal with it calmly.

IN CONCLUSION
The Bach Flower Remedies are a self-help system, and Dr Bach's aim was reflected in the title of one of his books, Heal Thyself, in which he talks about the role that doctors play in the future. The first duty of the future physician will be to 'assist the patient to a true knowledge of himself'. The administering of remedies is only the second duty.

Submitted by Janine Tassi

Extract taken from the Bach Remedies Workbook