Floweressences have probably been used since the beginning of time by nativepeoples across the globe, but it was Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936),an English physician (pathologist, bacteriologist, surgeon and homeopath) whosystematized flower essence therapy as we know it today.  Dr. Bachdiscovered a method of imbuing pure water with the healing properties ofEnglish herbs and wildflowers.  Using this method, he went on to createthe Bach Flower Therapy system which is based on the use of thirty-eightflower essences or "remedies."  These remedies are still in use todayand are probably the most well-known flower essences and the basic setthat many people start with (including myself).  The famous "RescueRemedy" was discovered by Dr. Bach.   Bach's thirty-eight essencesaddress seven types of emotional suffering which, according to Bach's theory,cause disease:

     *fear
     *uncertainty
     *insufficientinterest in present circumstances
     *loneliness
     *oversensitivityto influences and ideas
     *despondencyor despair
     *over-carefor the welfare of others.

The essences are to be taken internallyas well as used in the bath or as topical compresses.  Dr. Bach'ssystem falls under the contemporary category of "vibrational medicine,"which involves the human energy field and which is often researched todaywith technologically advanced equipment.  In the 1930's Bach describedit simply as choosing essences "of such vibrations that elevate" (CollectedWritings of Edward Bach edited by Julian Barnard, p. 160).

The underlying premise of Dr. Bach'ssystem of healing is that disease originates in the delicate, sensitivemind and emotions before it is manifested in the body, and we must focuson the healing of thoughts and feelings in order to effect healing at thephysical level.  Health consists in the harmony of the personalitywith the God within, which he calls alternately the soul, spiritual self,or higher self, as well as a variety of more creative descriptions. Disease is caused by anything which interferes with this harmony betweenthe personality and the inner Divinity and is a gift to show how we areout of alignment with our original purpose.  Interference may takethe form of being too easily influenced by others and not being true tooneself, or of being subject to inner states which block the flow of innerlight into the personality: pride, cruelty, hate, self-love, ignorance,instability, greed, in addition to the seven types of emotional sufferinglisted previously.  He repeatedly stressed the need to develop virtueswhich "flood out" these negative states, among them love; devoting oneself to others; self-determination; humility; and seeking to learn inall ways, including learning well the lessons which suffering, as a corrective,points out to us; as well as self-knowledge.  If one is afraid, forexample, one would take a flower essence which would flood one’s beingwith courage and strengthen the courage within which is present but dormant. 

Dr. Bach viewed the flower remediesas aids and catalysts to help in this process of developing virtues, awakeningour inner assets and strengths, of which we are no longer aware, and thusbringing us nearer to the Divinity within.  A commitment to this processon the part of Dr. Bach's patients was implicit in their use.  Thebasic purpose of the remedies, according to Dr. Bach, is to bring oneselfback to an inner alignment with the higher self so that every action, everyaspect of one’s life, is a reflection of the Divinity within, so that oneis aligned with one's true purpose for being here on Earth.

Dr. Bach's writings are deeply spiritual,beautiful, and inspiring to read.   They express his deep beliefthat the Divine dwells at the core of each human being, as well as in allof creation, and that the healing flowers are "sacraments" and "our Creator'sDivine gift to aid us in our troubles" (p. 103).  This quote willgive you a feel for the flavor of his writings:

"The action of the flower essencesraises the vibration of the being and opens up channels for the receptionof the spiritual Self.  They cure not by attacking disease, but byflooding the being with the particular virtue needed, and washing out thatwhich is causing harm.  They are able, like beautiful music or anyglorious uplifting thing which gives us inspiration, to raise our verynatures.  They provide creative patterns of harmony that bring usnearer to our souls, and by that very act bring us peace and relieve oursuffering.  They cure by flooding the body with the beautiful vibrationsof the highest nature - in Who's presence there is the opportunity fordisease to melt away like snow in sunshine."  (Dr.Edward Bach, quoted in  Healing Animals Naturally with Flower Essencesand Intuitive Listening by Sharon Callahan)

Today people across the globe arebuilding upon Dr. Bach's work and researching the healing qualities offlowers worldwide.  We have him to thank for this.

If you would like to read a bookreview of Collected Writings of Edward Bach from which parts ofthe above writing were excerpted and which was written for a graduate theologycourse in 2000, please click here.

First photo:  The classic Bach remedyHoneysuckle helps release people from painful nostalgia for the past.

Second photo:  Crabapple helps perfectionistsand those are obsessed with cleanliness.
It is also helpful for skin conditions.

Background:  Not a Bach flower remedybut a Green Hope Farm research essence, still
being studied, the Begonia is considered to bea powerful healing heart tonic.