We have come to accept that stress and a negative state of mind can affect our health. Imbalance and disharmony subsequently threaten health. When emotional stress affects a person's vitality, resistence to disease diminishes.
Dr. Edward Bach, noted British physician, bac-teriologist, homeopath and researcher concluded more than 50 years ago that his patients´ health problems were often directly related to a negative emotional state.
Bach researched and classified 38 negative states of mind common to all people. Over a period of many years he discovered plants, trees and flowers, which alleviated those specific moods. From these he developed remedies called The Bach Flower Remedies.
They can be taken by people of all ages without danger of an over-dose or side effects. If the wrong remedy is used no negative reaction will occur.
Treatment is based on personality traits and the responses to situations you are unhappy with, and would like to change. Knowing and evaluating yourself honestly will help you choose the right remedy. When deciding what your problem areas are, limit your choice to six or less. If at first you can't be specific about what the problem is, ask why it exists, what is the underlying cause.
Although we don't have room to discuss every remedy here, these are a few of the 38 remedies as described in the literature.
AGRIMONY
For those who are so distressed by disagreements that they would keep the peace at the expense of not expressing their own opinions or revealing their problems. They hide their cares behind a cheerful façade.
CHESTNUT BUD
For those who fail to learn from their past experiences and by observing others. They repeat the same mistakes before the lesson is learned.
MIMULUS
For fear of known things such as poverty, the dark, being alone, heights, accidents, other people, etc.
OLIVE
For complete mental and/or physical exhaustion, when no more strength remains to make further effort.
STAR OF BETHLEHEM
For the great distress brought about by trauma. For the mental/emotional effects surrounding the shock resulting from accidents, serious news, or the loss of someone dear, etc.
RESCUE REMEDY
The only combination remedy, rescue combines Rock Rose, Star of Bethlehem, Impatiens, Cherry Plum and Clematis. It is reported to have brought comfort and calm to those who have experienced serious news, severe upset and traumatic experiences, which often lead to a numbed and dazed state of mind. Rescue Remedy is helpful in instances where arguments, examinations or maybe a visit to the dentist causes upset.
The remedies can be taken orally 4 drops to a quarter glass of water or topically on wrists, lips or temples at full strength. They are also effective for animals and are administered at the rate of 4 drops of Rescue Remedy in addition to 2 drops of the appropriate remedy.
The Bach Flower Remedies are not intended to take the place of qualified professional help.
