1. An Introduction to the
Bach Flower Essences
National Public Health
Week
April 1 – 7, 2012
Susan Archibald, PhD

2. What are the Bach Flower
Essences?
The remedies to be described are
beneficent in action, and cause no
aggravation nor reaction for their effect
is to uplift"
- Dr Edward Bach, 1930
Each of the 38 remedies discovered by
Dr Bach is directed at a particular
characteristic or emotional state. To
select the remedies you need, think
about the sort of person you are and
the way you are feeling. Photo used with permission

3. The 7 Headings
 For fear
 For uncertainty
 For insufficient interest in present circumstances
or those overly sensitive to influences and ideas
 For despondency or despair
 For loneliness
 For over care
 For welfare of others
Photo used with permission

4. Essences for Those Who Have
Fear
ROCK ROSE
The rescue remedy. The remedy of emergency for cases where
there even appears no hope. In accident or sudden illness, when
the patient is very frightened or terrified, or if the condition is
serious enough to cause great fear in others. If the patient is not
conscious the lips may be moistened with the remedy.
“…terror and fright…”
MIMULUS
Remedy for fear of worldly
things, illness, pain, accidents, poverty, dark, being alone, or
misfortune. Also can be used for the fears of everyday life. Remedy
can be used for those people who quietly and secretly bear their
dread, and do not freely express these emotions to others.
“…fear of known things…”

5. Essences for Those Who Have
Fear
CHERRY PLUM
Remedy for those struggling with fear of the mind being
over-strained and of reason giving way, and those
struggling with the thoughts or impulse of fearful and
dreaded things.
“…fear of the mind giving way…”
ASPEN
Vague unknown fears, for which there can be given no explanation
or no reason. The patient may be anxious of something terrible
going to happen, though he/she knows not what. These vague
unexplainable fears may haunt by night or day. Sufferers often are
afraid to tell their trouble to others.
“…fear of unknown things…”

6. Essences for Those Who Have
Fear
RED CHESTNUT
For those who find it difficult not to be anxious for other
people.
Often these individuals do not worry about themselves, but
for their loved ones, frequently anticipating that some
unfortunate thing may happen to them.
“…over-concern for the welfare of loved ones…”

7. FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER
UNCERTAINTY
CERATO
For those who have not sufficient confidence in themselves
to make their own decisions. These people may constantly
seek advice from others, and are often misguided.
“…lack of trust in one's own decisions…”
SCLERANTHUS
Those who are unable to decide between two things—first
one seeming right then the other. These individuals are
usually quiet people, and often bear their difficulty alone
because they are not inclined to discuss it with others.
“…inability to choose between alternatives…”

8. FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER
UNCERTAINTY
GENTIAN
Remedy for those who are easily discouraged. Individuals
may be progressing well in illness or in the affairs of their
daily life, but any small delay or hindrance to progress
causes doubt and becomes disheartening.
“…discouragement after a setback…”

9. FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER
UNCERTAINTY
GORSE
For those experiencing very great hopelessness or who
have given up belief that more can be done for them.
Under persuasion or to please others, they may try
different treatments while assuring those around that there
is so little hope of relief.
“hopelessness and despair”
HORNBEAM
For those who feel that they have not sufficient strength,
mentally or physically, to carry the burden of their life; the
affairs of every day seem too much, though they generally
succeed in fulfilling their task. Remedy for those who
believe that some part of mind or body needs to be
strengthened before they can easily fulfill their work.
“tiredness at the thought of doing something”

10. FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER
UNCERTAINTY
WILD OAT
Remedy for those who have ambitions to do something of
prominence in life, who wish to have much experience, and
to enjoy all that which is possible for them—to experience
life to the full.
Their difficulty is to determine what occupation to follow—
although their ambitions are strong, they feel they have no
apparent calling. This may cause delay and dissatisfaction.
“…uncertainty over one's direction in life…”

11. NOT SUFFICIENT INTEREST
IN PRESENT
CIRCUMSTANCES
CLEMATIS
For those who are dreamy, drowsy, not fully “awake,” or those who
have no great interest in life. Individuals may be quiet people, not
really happy in their present circumstances and living more in the
future than in the present—in hopes of happier times, when their
ideals may come true.
“…dreaming of the future without working in the
present..”
HONEYSUCKLE
For those who tend to live in the past, perhaps a time of great
happiness, or dwelling on memories of a lost friend, or ambitions
which have not come true. Often, these individuals do not expect
future happiness such as they have had.
“…living in the past…”

12. NOT SUFFICIENT INTEREST
IN PRESENT
CIRCUMSTANCES
WILD ROSE
For those who, without apparently sufficient
reason, become resigned to all that happens, and tend to
glide through life without any effort to improve their
experiences and find some joy. In other words, a remedy
for those individuals who have surrendered to the struggle
of life without complaint.
“…drifting, resignation, apathy…”

13. NOT SUFFICIENT INTEREST
IN PRESENT
CIRCUMSTANCES
OLIVE
For those who have suffered much mentally or physically and
are so exhausted and weary that they feel they have no more
strength to make any effort. Daily life is hard work for them,
without pleasure.
“…exhaustion following mental or physical
effort…”
WHITE CHESTNUT
For those who cannot prevent undesired thoughts, ideas, and
arguments from entering their minds. Usually these thoughts arise
when the interest of the moment is not strong enough to keep
the mind full and thoughts of worry will impede. The presence of
unpleasant thoughts drives out peace and interferes with being able
to think only of the work or pleasure of the day.
“…unwanted thoughts and mental arguments…”

14. NOT SUFFICIENT INTEREST
IN PRESENT
CIRCUMSTANCES
MUSTARD
For those who experience periods of gloom, or even despair, as
though a cold dark cloud has hid the light and the joy of life. It may
not be possible to give any reason or explanation for such changes
in mood. Under these conditions individuals may feel its impossible
to appear happy or cheerful.
“…deep gloom for no reason…”
CHESTNUT BUD
For those who do not take full advantage of observation and
experience or take a longer time than others to learn the lessons of
daily life. These individuals can find themselves making the same
mistakes on different occasions without taking past mistakes into
account.
“…failure to learn from mistakes...”

15. LONELINESS
WATER VIOLET
For those who in health or illness like to be alone. Remedy
for those very quiet people who do not speak much
and, when they do, it is very gently.
These individuals tend to be very
independent, capable, and self-reliant, and are free of the
opinions of others. Often clever and talented, their peace
and calmness is a blessing others.
“…pride and aloofness…”

16. LONELINESS
IMPATIENS
For those who are quick in thought and action and who
wish all things to be done without hesitation or delay.
When ill they are anxious for a hasty recovery.
These individuals can find it very difficult to be patient with
people who are slow and will endeavor to make such
people quicker in all ways.
They often prefer to work and think alone, so that they can
do everything at their own speed.
“…impatience…”

17. LONELINESS
HEATHER
For those who seek the companionship of anyone who may
be available, as they find it necessary to discuss their own
affairs with others, no matter whom it may be. These
individuals tend to be unhappy if they have to be alone for
any length of time.
“…self-centredness and self-concern…”

18. OVER-SENSITIVE TO
INFLUENCES AND IDEAS
AGRIMONY
The jovial, cheerful, humorous people who love peace and
are distressed by argument or quarrel. Though generally
they have troubles and are tormented and restless or
worried in mind or body, mask their fears behind humor. In
addition, these individuals may abuse drugs or alcohol to
stimulate themselves and help bear their trials with
cheerfulness.
“…mental torture behind a cheerful face…”

19. OVER-SENSITIVE TO
INFLUENCES AND IDEAS
CENTAURY
For kind, quiet, gentle people who are over-anxious to
serve others and may overtax their strength in their
endeavors.
Their good nature leads them to do more than their own
share of work and in so doing they may neglect their own
particular mission in life.
“…the inability to say 'no’…”

20. OVER-SENSITIVE TO
INFLUENCES AND IDEAS
WALNUT
For those who have definite ideals and ambitions in life and are
fulfilling these goals, but on rare occasions are tempted to be
led away from their own ideas, aims, and work by the
enthusiasm, convictions ,or strong opinions of others.
The remedy offers constancy and protection from outside
influences.
HOLLY
For those who sometimes are attacked by thoughts of such kind
as jealousy, envy, revenge, and suspicion. They may suffer
much within themselves, often when there is no real cause for
their unhappiness.

21. FOR DESPONDENCY OR
DESPAIR
LARCH
For those who do not consider themselves as good or
capable as those around them, who expect failure, who feel
that they will never be a success, and so do not venture or
make a strong enough attempt to succeed.
“…lack of confidence…”
PINE
For those who blame themselves. Even when successful
they think that they could have done better and are never
content with their efforts or the results. They are hard-
working and suffer from the faults they attach to
themselves. Sometimes they will even claim responsibility
for the mistakes of others.
“…guilt…”

22. FOR DESPONDENCY OR
DESPAIR
ELM
Those who are doing good work, are following the calling of
their life and who hope to do something of importance, and
this often for the benefit of humanity.
At times there may be periods of depression when they feel
that the task they have undertaken is too difficult, and not
within the power of a human being.
“…overwhelmed by responsibility…”
SWEET CHESTNUT
For those moments when people experience anguish so
great it seems to be unbearable. When the mind or body
feels as if it has reached the limit of its endurance. When it
seems there is nothing but destruction and annihilation left
to face.
“…Extreme mental anguish, when everything has
been tried and there is no light left...”

23. FOR DESPONDENCY OR
DESPAIR
STAR OF BETHLEHEM
For those in great distress under conditions that may
produce great unhappiness, such as the shock of serious
news, the loss of a loved one, or the fright following an
accident. This remedy can bring comfort to the shock.
“…shock…”
WILLOW
For those who have suffered adversity or misfortune and
find these difficult to accept as they judge life much by the
success which it brings. These people may become
embittered or take less interest and activity in those
things which they had previously enjoyed.
“…self-pity and resentment…”

24. FOR DESPONDENCY OR
DESPAIR
OAK
For those who are struggling to get well or in connection
with the affairs of their daily life. They will try one thing
after another, though their case may seem hopeless.
These people may feel discontented with themselves if
illness interferes with their duties or helping others but
they are also brave—fighting against great difficulties,
without loss of hope or effort.
“…the plodder who keeps going past the point of
exhaustion…”

25. FOR DESPONDENCY OR
DESPAIR
CRAB APPLE
This is the remedy of cleansing. Cleansing may be
something of little importance or can be cleansing of a
more serious disease or ailment.
For people who are anxious to be free from the one
particular thing which is greatest in their minds and which
seems so essential to them that it should be cured.
“…the cleansing remedy, also for self-hatred…”

26. OVER-CARE FOR WELFARE
OF OTHERS
CHICORY
For those who are very mindful of the needs of others;
they tend to be caring for
children, relatives, friends, always finding something that
should be put right. They are continually correcting what
they consider wrong, and enjoy doing so. They desire to be
near their loved ones.
“…selfish, possessive love…”
VERVAIN
Those with fixed principles and ideas, which they are
confident are right, and which they very rarely change.
They are strong of will and have much courage when they
are convinced of those things that they wish to teach. In
illness they struggle on long after many would have given
up.
“…over-enthusiasm…”

27. OVER-CARE FOR WELFARE
OF OTHERS
VINE
For very capable people who are certain of their own ability
and confident of success. They often feel that it would be
for the benefit of others to follow their lead. They may be
of great value in emergency.
“…dominance and inflexibility…”
BEECH
For those who feel the need to see more good and beauty
in their life as well as the good growing within. So as to be
able to be more tolerant, lenient, and understanding of the
different way each individual and all things are working to
their own definition of perfection.
“… intolerance…”

28. OVER-CARE FOR WELFARE
OF OTHERS
ROCK WATER
Those who are very strict in their way of living; they deny
themselves many of the joys and pleasures of life because
they consider it might interfere with their work.
These individuals are hard masters to themselves. They
wish to be well and strong and active, and will do anything
to keep them so. They hope to be examples to others who
may then follow their ideas and be better as a result.
“…self-denial, rigidity and self-repression…”

29. Rescue Remedy
Rescue Remedy® is a unique combination of five Bach®
Original Flower Remedies all working on emotional
imbalances associated with daily stressful situations:
•Rock Rose–for terror and panic
•Impatiens–for irritation and impatience
•Clematis–for inattentiveness and to counteract faintness
•Star of Bethlehem–for shock
•Cherry Plum–for irrational thoughts and lack of self control
“Every single person has a life to live, a work to
do, a glorious personality, a wonderful
individuality."
Dr. Edward Bach, The Original Writings

30. The Bach Centre

31. The Bach Centre
Questions?

32. References
Bach, E. (1933). The twelve healers and other remedies:
The definitive edition. Brightwell-cum-Sotwell,
Oxon. UK: The Bach Centre. (Copying and
distribution of this publication is allowed for non-
commercial purposes provided nothing is altered. All
other rights reserved.)
The Bach Centre. (2009). Retrieved on 3/16/2012 from
http://www.bachcentre.com/centre/remedies.htm.