What are the Bach Remedies?

Edward Bach studied medicine at Birmingham University and University College Hospital, London. He qualified in 1912 and worked as house surgeon, pathologist and bacteriologist. He also carried out original research into
immunology and vaccine therapy. In 1919 Bach took up a post at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital.
Inspired by his experiences there, he began research into the use of healing plants to address the emotional causes
of disease. The preparations made from these plants became known as Bach Flower Remedies.

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Each remedy is associated with a basic human emotion. Mimulus, for example, is for when we are anxious or afraid about something specific. Taking the remedy helps us overcome our fear and face it with courage.

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The remedies are in liquid form so that you can mix together the remedies you need to help balance your current emotional situation. Like Dr. Bach, we believe that healing on an emotional level has knock-on effects on other levels. A healthy emotional life and a balanced personality will allow your body to find its own natural state of health.

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Dr. Bach designed his system to be simple.

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The remedies are made using one of two methods:

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Dr. Bach devised the sun method for certain plants – mostly the more delicate flowers. The sun method involves floating the flower heads in pure water for three hours, in direct sunlight.

And for other remedies – mostly the woodier plants and those that bloom when the sun is weak – he created the boiling method in which a remedy maker boils the flowering parts of the plant for half an hour in pure water.

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In both cases the heat transfers energy in the flowers to the water.  The energised water is then filtered and an equal quantity of brandy is added to it as a preservative.  This creates the mother tincture.

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Mother tincture is then further diluted at a ratio of two drops to every 30 ml to make the stock bottles that you see in shops.

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Making remedies is a simple process and doesn’t require special preparation or special abilities. All that is needed is willingness and understanding, along with sunshine and water, and the right plant on the right day.

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And if you need personal help making your selection – or if you get stuck and would like an outside opinion – you can always consult a Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner. BFRPs act as teachers and advisers, and will help give you the confidence to select remedies for yourself, family and friends.

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Dr Bach believed in treating people as individuals. The most effective mix is always one chosen for you
personally. Your practitioner will help you decide on the best mix for how you feel right now.

BFRPs share a dedication to Dr Bach's ideals of simplicity and self-help. BFRPs aim to teach you the remedies as you go, so that you will be able to help yourself and your family in future – but always be able to call on your
practitioner for help and assistance when you need it.
 

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