Benefits of Bach Flowers: More Than Just a Placebo?

When you think of Bach flowers you think of beautiful plants at a Bach? You can find out here what the benefits of bach flowers are really all about.

Introduction

• The principle of the Bach Flowers goes back to the British physician Dr. Edward Bach. He began studying medicine in 1906 and was concerned with the connection between the mental condition of a patient and his illness.
• He discovered, for example, links between heart disease and a lack of love as well as stomach ulcers due to worry. Over the years, Bach turned more and more to natural remedies and specialized in plants or flowers that can balance negative emotions due to their vibrations.
• For this purpose he tested many plants on himself and recognized that especially the essences of the flowers help to release inner blockades. He was ostracized by orthodox medicine for this way, so Bach retreated to the countryside and created his own flower therapy.

Production

In order for Bach flowers to unfold the effects outlined by Edward Bach when ingested, they must be produced in a very special way. In contrast to homeopathy, no plant substances are extracted from Bach flowers.

Instead, it is about the vibrations of the plants, which are transferred to the carrier substance water. However, there is no scientific evidence for the effect. There are two different ways to produce them:

1. Sun method: the flowers, leaves and twigs are placed on a bowl of spring water so that the parts of the plant wilt for three to seven hours in the sun. Then the water is diluted and, with the addition of alcohol, the water corresponding to the essences of the flowers is put into small bottles. These can later be taken as drops.
2. Cooking method: In months when the sunlight is low, the flowers are boiled in spring water until they wilt. Afterwards the same procedure as with the sun method takes place.

38 Bach Flowers for every situation

As already mentioned, the Bach flowers are said to have a positive effect on conditions such as fear, stress or negative emotions. However, Edward Bach has already emphasised that a long-term effect only occurs in connection with a change in lifestyle.

There are a total of 38 different essences, because according to Bach each Bach flower is associated with one of the 38 emotional states. We would like to introduce you to some of the most popular essences, such as Rock Rose, Crap Apple or Chestnut.

• White Chestnut: The white chestnut promises remedy if your thoughts constantly revolve around a topic.
• Red Chestnut: The red chestnut is supposed to reduce worries about other people.
• Sweet Chestnut: The sweet chestnut stands for motivation and courage.
• Rock Rose: The rose is supposed to bring calmness, especially when news or situations are shocking.
• Impatiens: Inner peace and serenity is promised by Impatiens (glandular balsam).
• Cherry Plum: The cherry plum is supposed to make you more balanced, especially when you lose your temper.
• Crap Apple: In case of dissatisfaction with your appearance or self-confidence, Crap Apple (Wood Apple) is said to provide inner acceptance.

Application as drops

The original rescue drops are composed of five flowers:

• Cherry Plum
• Gold star of Bethlehem
• Yellow sunflower
• Clematis
• Glandular balsam (Impatiens)

These Bach flowers, known as emergency drops, are to be consumed during periods of mental depression or severe stress.

Basically the Bach Flowers are available as drops, spray, globules or drops to suck. However, it should be clear that these drops should only be taken as a supplement in an emergency and you should not forego a visit to the doctor.

In the following situations taking the drops can be useful as a supplement:

• Before operations or other medical interventions
• During stress
• For anxiety
• For sports injuries
• After an argument

Tips on buying, storing and taking

• You can buy the drops in almost every drugstore. You can also get them in pharmacies, but the prices can vary.
• Like all homeopathic remedies, Bach flowers are controversial because there is no proof of their effect. Many patients and alternative practitioners swear by the flowers. As already mentioned, you can test them in addition and form your own opinion, but never consider them a panacea.
• The Bach flowers have a long shelf life, provided you store them in a cool and dark place. On the packaging you will also find an expiry date.