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

     *fear
     *uncertainty
     *insufficient interest in present circumstances
     *loneliness
     *oversensitivity to influences and ideas
     *despondency or despair
     *over-care for the welfare of others.

The essences are to be taken internally as well as used in the bath or as topical compresses.  Dr. Bach's system falls under the contemporary category of "vibrational medicine," which involves the human energy field and which is often researched today with technologically advanced equipment.  In the 1930's Bach described it simply as choosing essences "of such vibrations that elevate" (Collected Writings of Edward Bach edited by Julian Barnard, p. 160, available from FES).

The underlying premise of Dr. Bach's system of healing is that disease originates in the delicate, sensitive mind and emotions before it is manifested in the body, and we must focus on the healing of thoughts and feelings in order to effect healing at the physical level.  Health consists in the harmony of the personality with 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 between the personality and the inner Divinity and is a gift to show how we are out of alignment with our original purpose.  Interference may take the form of being too easily influenced by others and not being true to oneself, or of being subject to inner states which block the flow of inner light into the personality: pride, cruelty, hate, self-love, ignorance, instability, greed, in addition to the seven types of emotional suffering listed previously.  He repeatedly stressed the need to develop virtues which "flood out" these negative states, among them love; devoting  oneself to others; self-determination; humility; and seeking to learn in all ways, including learning well the lessons which suffering, as a corrective, points out to us; as well as self-knowledge.  If one is afraid, for example, one would take a flower essence which would flood oneís being with courage and strengthen the courage within which is present but dormant. 

Dr. Bach viewed the flower remedies as aids and catalysts to help in this process of developing virtues, awakening our inner assets and strengths, of which we are no longer aware, and thus bringing us nearer to the Divinity within.  A commitment to this process on the part of Dr. Bach's patients was implicit in their use.  The basic purpose of the remedies, according to Dr. Bach, is to bring oneself back to an inner alignment with the higher self so that every action, every aspect of oneís life, is a reflection of the Divinity within, so that one is 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 belief that the Divine dwells at the core of each human being, as well as in all of creation, and that the healing flowers are "sacraments" and "our Creator's Divine gift to aid us in our troubles" (p. 103).  This quote will give you a feel for the flavor of his writings:

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

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

If you would like to read a book review of Collected Writings of Edward Bach from which parts of the above writing were excerpted and which was written for a graduate theology course in 2000, please click here.

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

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

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