Theos-Talk Archives (January 1995 Message tl00122)

Some time back a couple of us chatted briefly about Edward Bach
and his flower remedies and noted that Bach either was a
theosophist or a theosophist without knowing it.  The following
appeared on the alt.folklore.herbs net and I thought others in
theos-l might find it stimulating.

Best,
William

>Date: Mon, 16 Jan 1995 2:16:9 GMT
>From: rico7@inet.uni-c.dk (Richard Andersen)

                             INTRODUCTION

 This is a small INFO on the Bach remedies, which is a very fine
 system for treating mental disorders in a natural way.  It is a
 personal posting, and not an advertisement from any company.  I
 have however, apart from my own short introduction here, used a
 small pamphlet from the Bach Centre in England as a text source,
 as it explains things quite well.  A few addition are taken from
 books and other sources, including my own experience with the
 system.

 The Bach System consists of essences made from 38 different
 flowers.  Each remedy has a specific action upon a certain
 mental attitude.  This way there is a remedy or combination of
 remedies for any kind of mental disorder.

 The Bach remedies are not tranquilizers, which just allay
 symptoms without dealing with the causes of the mental
 disorders, like most orthodox chemical medicine does (some of
 the remedies, though, have strong tranquilizing effects, but
 they work in a quite different, and positive way).  Conversely,
 they attack problems at the root.  Just as our body has its own
 self-healing properties regarding diseases, wounds etc., our
 mind and spirit have their own self-healing capacities (actually
 these things are deeply connected, but that is another story).
 The Bach remedies stimulate these processes in a natural way,
 thus creating a true healing of the disorder, without side
 effects of any kind.

 They are excellent in combination with other kinds of mental or
 spiritual therapy, which seeks to reveal and treat the real
 causes of mental disorders, rather than covering them up.

 The text deals with the issue that mental disorders are the
 primary cause of physical illnesses.  My personal experiences
 and studies in recent years seems to confirm this viewpoint,
 though I still have some unsolved questions regarding this
 subject (sometimes it can be quite tricky to reveal, what it
 really was that cured a disease; there are many factors involved
 to take into consideration...).

 End of introduction.

                               - * -

                          THE BACH SYSTEM

 The remedies used are all prepared from the flowers of wild
 plants, bushes and trees, and none of them is harmful or habit
 forming.

 They are used, *not directly*, for physical complaints, but for
 the sufferer's worry, apprehension, hopelessness, irritability,
 etc., because these states of mind or moods not only hinder
 recoverery of health and retard convalescense, but are generally
 accepted as primary causes of sickness and disease.

 A long-continued worry or fear, as is well-known, will deplete
 the individual's vitality; he will feel out of sorts, below par,
 not himself, and the body then loses its natural resistance.  As
 peace and harmony is achieved, unity returns to mind and body,
 closing the circuit as it were and allowing the Life Force to
 flow freely again, thus providing the body its chance to produce
 its own *natural* healing.

 This system and the remedies were discovered by a doctor who had
 practised for over 20 years in London as a Harley Street
 consultant, bacteriologist and homeopath.  The late Edward Bach,
 M.B., B.S., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., D.H.P., gave up his lucrative
 practice in 1930 to devote his full time to seek energies in the
 plant world which would restore vitality to the sick, so that
 the sufferer himself would be able to overcome his worry, his
 apprehension, etc., and so assist in his own healing.

 Dr.  Bach developed great sensitivity both in mind and body.  If
 he held his hand over a flowering plant, or the flower in the
 palm in his hand, he could sense in himself the properties of
 that flower.

 Before finding a particular flower, he would suffer in himself,
 and very acutely, the negative state of mind for which that
 flower was needed and, at the same time, he was privileged, as
 he said, to suffer from some physical complaint.  Then he would
 wander about the fields and lanes until he was 'led' to find the
 flowers which would immediately restore his serenity and peace
 of mind, and within a few hours the physical complaint would
 also be healed.

 In this way he found 38 flowers to cover all known negative
 states of mind from which mankind can suffer, categorizing them
 in seven headings:

  -Those for anxiety and apprehension.
  -For uncertainty and indecision.
  -For loneliness.
  -For insufficient interest in present circumstances.
  -For over-sensitiveness to ideas and influence.
  -For despondency and despair.
  -For over-care for the wellfare of others.

 As the Bach Remedies are benign in their action and can result
 in no unpleasant reactions, they can be taken by anyone.  Stock
 concentrate Remedies will keep indefinitely - a 10 ml
 concentrate bottle will make approximately 60 treatment bottles.
 More than one remedy can be taken at the same time - 2 drops of
 each chosen Remedy in a glass of water and sipped at intervals,
 or in a 30 ml (1 fl.oz) drop-bottle filled with spring water
 (this represents a treatment bottle) from which 4 drops are
 directly placed on the tongue at least 4 times a day.  If the
 mixture tends to spoil or get sour, which can happen especially
 in warm weather, whisky, gin, cognac or whatever can be added
 for conservation (the total alcohol percentage in the mixture
 should be at least 20 %).  If you want to avoid alcohol, you can
 use 50% cider vinegar or rice vinegar instead.

 Litterature and issued instructions are self-explanatory, making
 it quite simple for sufferers to help themselves and others.  If
 further advice is required a brief description is needed of the
 person's personality, temperament, general outlook, worries
 etc., and reasons for same if any.  Also needed is any great
 disappointment or upset which might have left its mark, and what
 effect it has had on thoughts, actions, outlook and so on.

 Please remember - consider the person's attitude, feelings,
 worries, indecision, timidity, vexations, resentment,
 possessiveness, hopelessness lethargy, hatred, overpowering or
 demanding nature, intolerance, tenseness, etc., and most
 essentially the reason "why" there is apprehension, worry and
 fear etc.  Only then can the correct remedy(ies) be determined.
 Physical conditions are only considered as a guide to the
 person's state of suffering and its subsequent effect on the
 sufferer's outlook.

      *It is up to the person to take medical advice if
      necessary*

                                - * -


                 The "RESQUE REMEDY" (Liquid or Cream)

 Dr.Bach combined five specific Remedies from the 38 to formulate
 an emergency composite that he chose to call "Resque Remedy".
 He saved a fisherman's life in 1930 with this preparation.

 Its purpose is to comfort/reassure and calm those who have
 received serious news, severe upset, startling experiences,
 consequently falling into a numbed, bemused state of mind.

 To nullify the sufferers anguish is of the utmost importance.
 This helps the natural healing process of one's being to proceed
 without hindrance.

 Therefore the "Resque Remedy" is invaluable to keep at hand for
 immediate use until the arrival of the doctor if necessary.  It
 does not take the place of medical attention.

 "Rescue Remedy" is taken orally (4 drops in a glass of water),
 but can also be applied externally either in liquid or cream
 form - see the included instruction leflet.  *Animals and plants
 can also benefit from this treatment*.

                                   - * -

                 AT A GLANCE REFERENCE TO THE BACH REMEDIES

    1.  AGRIMONY
    Those who suffer considerable inner torture which they try to
    dissemble behind a facade of cheerfullness.  Often used as a
    remedy for alcoholism.

    2.  ASPEN
    Apprehension - the feeling that something dreadful is going
    to happen without knowing why.  Unexplainable anxiety,
    presentiments.  Anxiety for no known reason.

    3.  BEECH
    Critical and intolerant of others. Arrogant.

    4.  CENTAURY
    Weakness of will; those who let themselves be exploited or
    imposed upon - become subservient; difficulty in saying "no".
    Human doormat.

    5.  CERATO
    Those who doubt their own judgment and intuition, seek advice
    of others.  Often influenced and misguided.

    6.  CHERRY PLUM
    Uncontrolled - irrational thoughts.  Fear of losing control
    and doing something terrible, fear of "going crazy".
    Uncontrolled bursts of temper.  Impulsive suicide.

    7.  CHESTNUT BUD
    Refusal to learn by experience; continually repeating the
    same mistakes.

    8.  CHICORY
    The overly-possesive, demands respect or attention
    (selfishness), likes others to conform to their standards.
    Makes martyr of oneself.  Interferes and manipulates.

    9.  CLEMATIS
    Indifferent, inattentive, daydreaming, absent-minded.  Mental
    escapist from reality.

    10. CRAB APPLE
    "The Cleanser Flower".  Feels unclean or ashamed of ailments.
    Self disgust/hatred.  House proud.

    11. ELM
    Temporarily overcome by inadequacy or responsibility, though
    normally very capable.

    12. GENTIAN
    Despondent.  Easily discouraged and rejected.  Skeptical,
    pessimistic.  Depression, where the cause is known.

    13. GORSE
    Desperate, without hope: "Oh, what's the use".  Defeatism.

    14. HEATHER
    People who are obsessed with their own troubles and
    experiences.  Talkative 'bores' - poor listeners.

    15. HOLLY
    For those who are jealous, envious, revengeful and
    suspicious.  Those who hate

    16. HONEYSUCKLE
    For those with nostalgia and who constantly dwell in the
    past.  Home-sickness.

    17. HORNBEAM
    "Monday morning" feeling but once started, task usually
    fulfilled.  Mentally tired.  Procrastination.

    18. IMPATIENS
    Impatience, irritability.  Reacts in an exaggerated manner.

    19. LARCH
    Despondency due to lack of self-confidence; expectation of
    failure, so fails to make the attempt.  Feels inferior, yet
    has the ability.

    20. MIMULUS
    Fear of *known* things, fear of the world.  Shyness,
    timidity, bashfulness.

    21. MUSTARD
    "Dark cloud" of depression that descends for no known reason
    which can lift just as suddenly, making one downcast,
    saddened and low.

    22. OAK
    Brave determined types.  Struggles on in illness and against
    adversity despite setbacks.  Plodders, never resting.

    23. OLIVE
    Drained of energy - everything an effort.  Physically
    fatigued.

    24. PINE
    Feelings of guilt.  Blames oneself for the mistakes of
    others.  Feels unworthy.

    25. RED CHESTNUT
    Excessive care of, and concern for, others, especially those
    held dear.

    26. ROCK ROSE
    Alarmed, panicky, full of trepidation.

    27. ROCK WATER
    For those who are hard on themselves - often overwork.  Rigid
    minded, self denying.  Ascetic.

    28. SCLERANTHUS
    Uncertainty/indecision/vacillation. Fluctuating moods.

    29. STAR OF BETHLEHEM
    For all the effects of serious news, or fright following an
    accident, etc..  For release from trauma, not matter how old
    it is.

    30. SWEET CHESTNUT
    Absolute dejection.  Feels one has reached the limits for
    what one can stand.

    31. VERVAIN
    Over-enthusiasm, over effort; straining.  Fanatical and
    highly strung.  Incensed and frustrated by injustices.

    32. VINE
    Dominating/inflexible/ambitious/tyrannical/autocratic.
    Arrogant pride.  Considered to be good leaders.

    33. WALNUT
    Protection remedy against powerful influences, and helps
    adjustment to any transition or change, e.g.  puberty,
    menopause, divorce, new surroundings.  Contrary to CENTAURY
    the person knows what he wants, but is easily influenced by
    other people to do something else.

    34. WATER VIOLET
    Proud, reserved, sedate types, sometimes "superior".  Little
    emotional involvement, but reliable/dependable.

    35. WHITE CHESTNUT
    Persistent unwanted thoughts.  Pre-occupation with some worry
    or episode.  Mental arguments.  Constant inner dialog.

    36. WILD OAT
    Helps determine one's intended path of life.

    37. WILD ROSE
    Resignation, apathy.  Drifters who accept their lot, making
    little or no effort for improvement - lacks ambition.

    38. WILLOW
    Resentment and bitterness with "not fair" and "poor me"
    attitude.

    39. RESQUE REMEDY
    A combination of Cherry Plum, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose,
    Star of Betlehem.  All purpose emergency composite for
    effects of anguish, examinations, going to the dentist etc..
    Comforting, calming and reassuring to those distressed by
    startling experiences.

                                - * -

 Dr.  Bach lived and worked in Mount Vernon, England, where he
 discovered his healing flowers in the fields and hedgerows
 surrounding the area.  The very same wild flower locations are
 used to this day in the preparation of the Flower Remedies by
 the present custodians, who are dedicated by legacy, to
 maintaining the simple method and use of the Remedies as
 intended by Dr.  Bach, and so faithfully carried out by the late
 Nora Weeks after the doctor's death.

 The 38 Remedies cover every negative state of mind known to man,
 and will (in keeping with Dr.  Bach's express wish) remain a
 complete entity.  Therefore no claimed "extensions",
 "furtherance" or prepared facsimile of the Bach Remedies hold
 any association with the Bach centre whatsoever.

  POSTSCRIPT

 The remedies are made by a special process - a infusion or
 decoction of the dried herbs will have no effect at all.  A few
 of them are actually slightly poisonous used this way; however
 this is *not* the case for the remedies, as they are used in low
 homeopathic potency (they have been tested for toxicity by
 official authorities and none has been found).  For those who
 want to try to make the remedies themselves, further information
 can be obtained from me.  However, the original remedies are
 very inexpensive in use (a few dollars a month for a longtime
 treatment), so I hardly find it worth making them oneselves.
 Besides you are insured to get a high quality product made by
 experts when using the original remedies.

                                - * -

 If you cannot locate the remedies locally, you can get
 information from the following addresses:

 USA/CANADA:
 Ellon (Bach USA) Inc. P.O. Box 320, Woodmere,
 N.Y. 11598 USA (Phone 516 825 2229)

 GERMANY/AUSTRIA/SWITZERLAND
 M.  Scheffer Hp., (Bach Centre German Office), Eppendorfer
 Landstr.  32, 2000 Hamburg 20, W.  Germany.  (Tel 040 464624)

 AUSTRALIA
 Nonesuch Botanials Pty.  Ldt., P.O.  Box 68, Mt.  Evelyn, Vic.
 3796, Australia (Phone (03) 762 8577)

 Martin & Pleasance Wholesale Pty.  Ldt., P.O.  Box 4,
 Collingwood, Vic.  3066, Australia (Phone 419 9733)

 HOLLAND/BELGIUM
 Holland Pharma, Postbus 37, 7240 AA Lochem, Holland (Tel
 05730-2884)

 DENMARK
 Camette, Murervej 16, 6700 Esbjerg, Denmark (Tlf 7514 5455 /
 7514 5225)

 You can also get information about books on the subj