Introduction:
Bach flower remedies are a type of alternative medicine that uses dilutions of flower extracts.in water or brandy solutions. These remedies are used to address the emotional and mental states of an individual.
What Is Bach Flower Remedy?
Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), a British Physician and Microbiologist, invented the 'Bach Flower Remedies,' also called 'Flower Remedies’ or 'Flower Essences'. While practicing conventional medicine and homeopathy, he realized that the physical symptoms are closely related to a person's mental and emotional state, which needs to be addressed to treat a person. He believed that ill or negative states of mind cause most illnesses. This negative state of mind can be addressed using the natural and non-toxic method of medicine that he derived from the fresh flowers known as Bach flower remedies.
In 1930, Dr. Edward Bach first prepared the flower essences. Dr. Bach developed 38 remedies that can be useful to overcome various emotions of a person such as fear, jealousy, anxiety, depression, etc. Each remedy is based on one native flower that would help restore a person's health by reducing the feelings caused by a negative state of mind.
What Are the Principles of Bach Flower Remedies?
Dr. Bach believed that illnesses are caused by the imbalance and disharmony between our body and mind. Thus, most of the physical symptoms are caused due to disharmony at the level of the mind. If our mind is at peace, the body can heal and recover from any physical illnesses.
The flower remedies contain active flower ingredients that are transferred from the flower to water during the process of making the Bach flower mother tinctures. It is believed that fresh flowers have a lot of positive energies, which are transferred to have a positive impact on a person's mind. These flower remedies can restore harmony at the level of mind and body and are proven to relieve the negative emotions like fear, worry, hatred, etc., that disrupt the body's equilibrium.
How to Take Bach Flower Remedies?
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Bach flower remedies can be taken in several ways.
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Just remember, if a person feels that they have severe emotional issues, they can take frequent doses of the remedy instead of taking larger doses.
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Larger amounts will not produce significant results.
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About five to six remedies can be mixed together and taken at a time. If someone wants to take multiple remedies, then they can add two drops of each remedy in a bottle of water, mix it well, and take a sip from it.
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The simplest way is to add two drops of the selected remedy to a 400 to 500 milliliters bottle of water.
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The person can keep drinking a small amount of water throughout the day until they find relief.
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Keep the leftover water in the refrigerator. New dilution can be made every time or the same leftover water can be used again.
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Another way to take the remedy is to take two drops of the remedy over the tongue directly.
What are the Uses of Bach Flower Remedies?
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People have used Bach remedies for many conditions, such as anxiety, depression, stress, emotional and physical trauma, and cancer. However, existing reliable research does not back these claims.
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Many people claim that flower remedies work well for cancer, but they do not prevent, control, or cure cancer or any other physical condition.
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It is believed it can improve a person's mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
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It helps the body heal itself by creating a positive emotional state and restoring balance in the body.
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It also triggers the body's own internal healing process. This may help people feel better.
What are the Side Effects of Bach Flower Remedies?
Studies have found that Bach remedies are safe. Most of the remedies contain a small amount of alcohol, which acts as a preservative. Hence it is advisable to check the label in case one wants to avoid alcohol-based remedies.
Are Bach Flower Remedies Similar to Homeopathic Remedies?
Many people think that Bach flower remedies are a part of homeopathic remedies since flower remedies are prescribed based on an individual's emotional and mental well-being. However, that is not true. Bach flower remedies are not homeopathic remedies. There are several differences between these two systems. Below are a few points that indicate how Bach flower remedies are different than homeopathic remedies:
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Bach flower only comes from flowers, except rock water, whereas homeopathic medicines are made of plants, animals, metals, etc.
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Only nonpoisonous plants and their parts are used for preparation, unlike homeopathic remedies.
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Bach flower remedies mainly focus on current emotions and hence can treat emotional issues well. The homeopathic system considers all aspects of a person's life to prescribe a remedy.
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No succussion is needed in making them, whereas succussion is an important part of homeopathic remedy preparation.
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Dilution is not needed (can be diluted but is unnecessary), whereas homeopathic remedies are highly diluted.
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They can be taken at least four times a day for some weeks or more. Homeopathic remedies cannot be taken so frequently and for such a long period except in acute cases where frequent doses of homeopathic remedies are taken.
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There is no real aggravation, and it is safe for sensitive patients. However, homeopathic remedies can cause slight aggravation.
What Is the Rescue Remedy?
Rescue remedy is the most widely and commonly used Bach flower remedy. Rescue remedy is not the same as Bach Flower remedy, but a combination of five different essences of Bach flower remedies. They are:
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Impatiens.
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Star of Bethlehem.
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Cherry Plum.
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Rockrose.
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Clematis.
As the name suggests, rescue remedy mainly helps to deal with or rescues a person from everyday stressful situations or emergency crises. It can be useful to get over anxiety or fear of appearing in front of crowds or anxiety during public speaking or exams or help a person overcome the emotional shock after an accident or after a loved one's death. This remedy helps a person focus, relax, and be able to handle the situation calmly.
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A few drops of this remedy every day usually help overcome stressful situations. Many people keep this remedy handy, and whenever they feel stressed or overwhelmed with work, take a few drops mixed with water, and it is good to go. However, it is advisable not to self-prescribe any of these remedies for a longer duration and consult a physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion:
Some studies have suggested that bach flower remedies may have a placebo effect, which means that people may feel better after taking them simply because they believe they will work. However, there is still much debate over whether or not they are effective beyond this. Bach flower remedies may be worth trying for those who are interested in alternative or complementary therapies. However, it is important to remember that they should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical treatment and should only be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
