by Misty Rae Cech, ND
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What are Bach Flower Essences?
Pioneered by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930's, a flower essence is a
liquid preparation imprinted with the etheric pattern of a
particular flower. Like a homeopathic remedy, the liquid –
usually spring water with a little brandy added for preservation –
contains little or no detectable chemical substance of the flower
from which it was made. Instead, the liquid maintains the
vibrational pattern of the flower. Well, what does this mean,
exactly?
To understand flower essences (also called `flower
remedies'), you can imagine that all things are made up of vibrating
energies – modern physics and eastern mystics both confirm this –
that there are no finite particles, but instead repeating, dynamic
energy patterns. Material objects are made up of huge amounts of
energy really, as Einstein had shown with E=mc2, where the amount of
energy (E) is equal to the mass (m) of an object times the speed of
light (c – a very big number) squared.
Now picture a beautiful red rose – bright, colorful, vibrant – the
Rose has a particular energetic pattern, one that is repeated in
every other red Rose (though not exactly, but very close). There are
energy frequencies that are particular to the red Rose that are
different from all other flowers. The vibrations that make up a Rose
are faster than many other flowers (Rose is considered a very high-vibration flower), and these vibrations are woven together in a
particular way. Now imagine any other flower – a Geranium for
example – it's vibrational patterns are different from the red Rose –
slightly slower perhaps, and woven together in a different way. It
is these vibrational patterns of each flower that give them their
particular characteristics – color, shape, smell, texture, and the
like.
Now, somewhat like a sound from one source can make a material
across the room vibrate with sound energy (as your eardrum may
vibrate from the plucking of a guitar), flowers can cause water to
vibrate with a different sort of energy. It's not so much a
sound, or even light (though this is closer), but `etheric' energy
– the very essence of the flower has a vibration that is imprinted
upon the water in which it is placed. The water, being made up of
vibrational energy itself, retains some of the vibration of the
flower that was soaked in it. This etheric imprint is stored in the
water, and can actually be transferred from the water at a later
time to other objects (or beings) also made of vibrational energy.
So, what does all this mean to us?! Well, Dr. Edward Bach held the
notion that the source illness or disease was emotional in nature.
And when one ponders what emotions really are, one can conclude that
each emotion is a particular energetic state of being. All emotions
seem to have a particular energy – love, despair, anger, fear,
appreciation – one can consider each of these a different
energetic pattern. Dr. Bach considered negative energetic states,
negative emotions, to be the source of disease in the body, a theory
supported by much of the world's healers. Dr. Bach also thought
that these energetic states can be transformed, and that one of the
transformational methods he discovered was the use of the
vibrational patters of flowers – it was then that Flower Essence
Therapy was born.
Through years of research and study, Dr. Bach developed a system of
therapy using the vibrational patterns of flowers, imprinted into
spring water, to transform the emotional vibrational patters of
human beings. He showed through numerous case studies that flower
essences, properly selected and applied, can be effective in
treating the negative energies which underlie most disease states.
Further, one need not have an illness or disease to realize the
benefits of flower essences – flowers can be used to assist in
transformation of any negative emotional state, be it temporary and
transitive, or a more ingrained long-term pattern. (Flower essences
do not transform positive states into negative ones, as flowers are
not thought to contain negative energies themselves).
Dr. Bach's 12-7-19 Categorization Method
Dr. Bach categorized the original 38 flower essences he discovered
into 3 categories to assist in their application. (The original 38
are now known as the English essences, from the region where these
plants were grown - Ananda Apothecary carries the English essences
from both Nelson Bach and FES Healing Herbs). The categories are
the '12 Healers' which reflect and transform our essential
nature, the `7 Helpers' to assist with chronic conditions, and the
`Second 19' that relate to more immediate traumas or difficulties.
Here we will consider the Twelve Healers and describe the properties
of each essence.
The Twelve Healers were designated by Dr. Bach as the flower
essences that help the individual transform the source of discord at
the very core of their being. These twelve essences are meant to
address the twelve archetypal groups of humanity; the twelve primary
personalities as Dr. Bach saw them. Some have gone so far as to
relate these to the twelve signs of the Zodiac (a reasonable
relationship it seems), though it is unclear as to whether this
relationship was drawn by Dr. Bach himself.
These twelve essences are an excellent starting point for any
journey into flower essence healing, as it is often times our
root `disharmony' or karmic imbalance that is the source of
much or perhaps all `dis-ease' in our lives. |
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The Twelve Healers: |
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Impatiens – As the name of the flower implies, this essence
addresses a tendency toward impatience; these individuals have
difficulty with the flow of time. Their minds are often far ahead of
the present moment, and with this they will deny themselves full
immersion in the beauty around them. The individual needing
Impatiens may be truly lonely, always being ahead of those subtle
human exchanges which bring the richness to our collective human
experience. Many find Impatiens to be a relatively `fast
acting' flower essence, feeling more at ease within minutes of
essence use.
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Gentian – Those in need of Gentian flower essence are too easily
discouraged when setbacks occur. They may live with an omnipresent
feeling that things are not going well, and may doubt the
possibility of their own healing. Gentian can bring about a more
positive outlook – perhaps with the feeling that one is `good
enough'. When things do not go exactly as planned, instead of
being overwhelmed and disheartened, one can see the lessons in the
circumstance, perhaps rebounding with more wisdom and strength than
before.
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| Mimulus – This essence is the core remedy for known fears in
everyday life. Those needing this essence can be hypersensitive to
common events which will elicit an out-of-proportion fear response.
The fear may be found in the physical body centered in the solar
plexus, which may churn with anxiety. Mimulus flower essence helps
bring courage to these individuals, bringing the strength of the
higher Self to the personality so that they may find joy and
exuberance in their lives. |
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| Clematis – The Clematis flower essence type is a dreamy one;
there is insufficient interest in the immediate moment of daily
life. The individual may have a strong inner life – the abilities to
dream, visualize and imagine are well developed, but the
manifestation into the physical world is not strong. Clematis can
help bring a warmth to the bodily incarnation, such that the
individual can channel their great gifts into the here and now. |
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| Agrimony – The Agimony flower essence type tends to hide more
deeply rooted pain or ailments behind a cheerful façade, both
inwardly and outwardly. They may make light of their own suffering,
or try to ignore it all together, when really there are patterns and
feelings which need to be addressed for personal growth and healing.
These individuals may have been raised in strict environments, which
may not have allowed the expression of such troubles. Agrimony
flower essence can help them find inner peace, by allowing the
connection to true inner conditions, acceptance of these conditions,
and subsequent transformation. |
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| Chicory – Filled with self-pity, and the `nobody appreciates
me' attitude, the Chicory flower essence type squanders their light
by demanding it from others. A guise of seemingly loving behavior
can be used to manipulate others into feeding somewhat selfish
needs. The Chicory essence is considered important for clearing
loving energy pathways so they may be directed outward and given
freely. May be particularly helpful with children who have a pattern
of negative behavior for demanding attention. |
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Vervain – The lesson of Vervain flower essence is one of balance.
The individual in need of Vervain may be extreme, over-bearing, and
very strong – perhaps inflexible – in their ways. Though
their energies are high, the single-minded efforts of the Vervain
type can result in stress, when given situations where flexibility
is required. This is where the mind-body connection can be lost; the
mind can be so strongly committed to a particular action, it may no
longer consider the long-term effects to the physical being. Vervain
flower essence brings grounding and earthly balance, allowing these
strong-willed individuals the flexibility necessary to manifest
their great intentions and efforts.
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| Centaury - The flower essence for those who cannot say no. The
Chicory essence type finds their reason for being in the service and
acceptance of others. The result is no true value of self, and the
spreading thin of personal energies. There is the recurrent theme of
personal boundaries being overstepped, because the will to create
and enforce those boundaries is weak. Chicory flower essence
strengthens the value of one's self, supporting the notion that
one's life in and of itself is of importance. The idea that one
must truly be honoring and respectful to one's self first, before
others can be served, is reinforced – It is then that personal
healing can finally be initiated as a powerful force. |
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| Scleranthus – The personality in need of Scleranthus flower
essence is marked by indecision, confusion and hesitation, often
wavering between two choices. This inability to decide the best
course of actions for one's self can be physically and emotionally
draining - this mental energy is used repeatedly examining a
situation rather than manifesting the best choice. The world can be
a difficult place for such individuals, as there are limitless
possibilities in which to get lost, never really making headway.
Scleranthus will help these individuals define themselves and their
world, summoning the strength to form an inner resolve. This allows
a great release of energy to be happy and manifest one's chosen work. |
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| Water Violet – This important flower essence is about the opening
of the heart. Those in need of this essence may be functioning quite
effectively in society and within their familial relationships,
however, the deepest parts of these bonds are avoided. Whether due
to childhood experiences, karma brought to this life from the past,
or other situations, the individual has constructed a barrier
preventing full integration with the human family. The true warmth
of love and companionship should be utilized to further one's
growth – Water Violet flower essence supports this transformation. |
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| Rock Rose – This is the flower essence for great fear. Unlike
Mimulus, which is indicated more for a fear which manifests as
being `timid', Rock Rose addresses terror. It is often
indicated in traumatic events (as a component of Rescue Remedy) or
for specific instances where a reaction of overwhelming fear is
inhibiting further growth or healing. If one has been diagnosed with
a life threatening illness, for example, and one is overcome with
the fear of death, this fear will inhibit any healing process that
may take place. Rock Rose brings courage to those most in need. |
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| Cerato – Cerato flower essence types do not trust their own
hearts, minds or instincts; instead they seek the advice of others,
and rely on this advice to direct their lives. This almost certainly
creates an imbalance, for it is only by honestly listening to our
own inner voice that we may walk the path to true physical and
emotional wellness. While seeking advice is certainly important in
most of life's circumstances, the Cerato type uses this advice as a
crutch. Cerato flower essence will encourage one to listen to one's
own inner wisdom and facilitate spiritual growth in this respect. |
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This concludes the summary of the `Twelve Healers' – the
flower essences Dr. Edward Bach considered key to transforming root
personality imbalances. As a physician, Dr. Bach believed that one
or more of these imbalances was to be found associated with the
illness of each patient, and that if these imbalances were
addressed, the conditions necessary for healing may successfully
arise. Of course one does not necessarily need to be outwardly
manifesting a state of dis-ease to find benefit in these flower
essences; through bringing balance to any person, they may further
their personal development and heighten their life's experience.
Misty Rae Cech is a Naturopath and Yoga teacher practicing in
Boulder, Colorado. She regularly uses Bach and other flower essences
with her clients, finding them a wonderful and gentle way to support
one's healing. Misty is the owner of the Ananda Apothecary, http://www.anandaapothecary.com.
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