Bach

Bach Flower Essences
Formative years
Edward Bach was born at Moseley, near Birmingham, in 1886 and trained as a doctor in
London. For several years he worked investigating the role of bacteriology in chronic
disease. His researches led him to recognise that there were clear personality types that
related to the various patterns of ill health, irrespective of the physical symptoms being
presented by the patient. Working with vaccine therapy and later with homeopathic
remedies, he moved towards the discovery of flower remedies. These he felt could help to
harmonise the emotional imbalances that he came to see as the real causes of physical
illness.
Discovery of the essences
By 1930 he was prepared to give up his successful medical practice in order to search for the
plants and trees that came to be known as The Twelve Healers & Other Remedies. Each
flower was found to embody the positive and harmonising force for a negative emotional
state, be it fear, resentment or despair. In order to transfer this healing force to a patient,
Bach prepared essences from the flowers. This essence, diluted to some extent, could then
be taken as a medicine. He found that as the negative moods changed so the person would
return towards health. Dr Bach explained the healing properties of the remedies in terms of
a philosophy of life that saw a person as much more than the outward physical body that is
treated in conventional medicine. Illness, he suggested, was a message from our inner being
calling for a change in our way of living and our mental outlook. The primary purpose of the
flower essences is to help us to change and bring us back to a genuinely happy experience of
life. They have been in use throughout the world in the years since Bach’s death in 1936.
(Adapted from ‘Dr Bach and his flower remedies’ in The Healing Herbs of Edward Bach by
Julian Barnard, first published in 1988.)
Edward Bach
This is the story of Dr Bach. This chronology sets out the milestones in the life of this
remarkable man: a research scientist of the highest calibre with a deep faith in God and
Divine Providence.
January 1, 1903
Joins Worcester Yeomanry
At the age of 16, Bach joins this miltary regiment, which had recently returned from South
Africa where it had taken part in the action against The Boers, descendants of the original
Dutch settlers in the Transvaal and Orange Free States, whose ambitions in the rich region
clashed with the British. Lacking sufficient cavalry to match the versatile and mobile Boers,
the British had been forced to send the 'Yeomanry', part-time volunteer soldiers, among
them some from Bach's local regiment, the Worcesters.
June 1, 1903
Works in father’s brass founding factory
Birmingham had been a centre for brass founding since the early 18th century. Indeed in a
city renowned for all types of metal-working, including iron, gold, silver and gilt, brass-
working was pre-eminent.
January 1, 1906
Enters Birmingham University to study medicine
January 1, 1912
Qualifies as a doctor
Bach had moved from Birmingham University to London to complete his medical training.
From University College Hospital he obtained the Conjunct Diploma of MRCS (Member of
the Royal College of Surgeons) and LRCP (Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians).
January 1, 1913
Appointments and further qualifications
Awarded the degrees MB (Medicinae Baccalaureus, Bachelor of Medicine) and BS (Bachelor

of Science).
January 14, 1913

Marries Gwendoline Caiger
On 14 January at the Parish Church of Hendon in Middlesex, Edward Bach marries

Gwendoline Caiger
January 1, 1914
Applies for service overseas
Further qualification Awarded the Diploma in Public Health Camb. (Cambridge). At the
outbreak of the First World War, Bach applied to serve abroad. To his sorrow he was on
several occasions refused permission on health grounds.
January 1, 1915
First World War
In 1915 Dr Bach was in charge of war beds at University College Hospital. [image is
contemporaneous but not of UCH] At the same time, as well as researching into vaccine
therapy at the Bacteriological Department he was also a demonstrator and clinical assistant
to the Hospital Medical School.
January 1, 1916
Daughter born to Kitty Light
January 7, 1917
July illness
In July Bach collapsed with severe haemorrhage. Received surgery for cancer and was given
three months to live. However he recovered and continued with his research work.
February 5, 1917
Second Marriage
Marries Kitty Light 2 May Bach was living at 42 Canonbury Square On 2 May he married Kitty
Emmeline Jane Light, then living at 89 Calabria Rd, Islington, about half a mile distant.
May 4, 1917
Gwendoline Bach dies 5th April 1917
January 1, 1918
Influenza pandemic of 1918
In the spring of 1918 a flu epidemic broke out in the trenches among the soldiers fighting
the war. By May it had spread back to the home countries of the soldiers, England,
Germany, the USA and India. In England it quickly spread to become a very serious
outbreak, claiming 228,000 lives (and in India, according to some estimates, many millions).
Desperate measures to prevent the spread: streets were sprayed and people wore masks.
However both the precautions and the treatments were ineffectual. Dr Bach would have
been working at university College Hospital during this terrible epidemic.
March 1, 1919
Begins research into vaccines
Homoepathic appointment and research In March 1919 Bach was appointed Pathologist and
Bacteriologist at the London Homoeopathic Hospital. [picture shows the Pathology
Laboratory a few years earlier] Here he works on researching the organisms present in the
intestines, classifying them into seven groups, by means of their fermentation action on
sugar. The seven groups of bacilli he named were: 1 Proteus 2 Dysentery 3 Morgan 4
Faecalis Alkaligenes 5 Coil Mutabile 6 Gaertner 7 No.7 Vaccines prepared from these groups
were found to purify the intestinal tract. Each patient was tested for the bacterial group
predominant in the intestines and either an autogenous or polyvalent nosode given. In the
autogenous method a remedy was made of the organism isolated from a particular patient
and given either by injection or by mouth. To cover a great number of cases a polyvalent
nosode, made from collecting organisms from hundreds of patients then potentizing the
whole, was administered.
January 1, 1920
Dr Bach's movements
Park Cresent, London
February 20, 1920

Dr Bach's membership of the freemasons
Dr Bach's membership of the freemasons Joins the Royal Hampton Court Lodge, Number
2183 on 20 February. Joins the Norbury Lodge, Number 4046 on 6 October. (Dr Bach's
father, Walter Best Bach, was initiated in St Pauls Lodge, Number 43, Birmingham, on 25
October 1920. He resigned from the lodge on 24 November 1930.)
April 1, 1920
Publications
'The Relation of Vaccine Therapy to Homoeopathy' The British Homoeopathic Journal, April
1920. Bach also read this as a paper to the London Homoeopathic Society in April 1920
Other publications in 1920: 'The Nature of Serum Antitrypsin and its Relation to Autolysis
and the Formation of Toxins' F H Teale and E Bach, The Proceedings of The Royal Society of
Medicine, 1920. 'The Relation of Autotryptic Titre of Blood to Bacteria Infection and
Anaphylaxis' F H Teale and E Bach, The Proceedings of The Royal Society of Medicine, 1920.
'The fate of ‘washed spores’ on inoculation into animals, with special reference to the
Nature of Bacterial Toxaemia' by F H Teale and E Bach, Journal of Pathology and
Bacteriology, 1920.
January 1, 1924
Studying diet and disease
Dr Bach advised eating more uncooked food, fruits, nuts, cereals and vegetables to reduce
the amount of toxins produced in the intestines. At the British Homoeopathic Congress in
London he read a paper entitled 'Intestinal Toxaemia in its Relation to Cancer', discussing
the effects of diet combined with vaccine treatment. He observed that ‘the benefit obtained
is due to general improvement and not local treatment’.
January 1, 1924
1924 Senior Deacon, London Warwickshire Lodge

January 1, 1925
Published Chronic Disease
Published 'Chronic Disease: A Working Hypothesis', written with Dr C E Wheeler who had
assisted him in his research at the London Homoeopathic Hospital.
January 1, 1925
1925 Senior Warden, London Warwickshire Lodge, until 1927
January 1, 1926
1926 Worshipful Master, Royal Hampton Court Lodge
January 1, 1927
International Homoeopathic Congress
At the International Homoeopathic Congress held in London, Dr Bach read a paper entitled
'The Problem of Chronic Disease' with Drs C E Wheeler and T M Dishington.
March 1, 1928
Publication
In March The Medical World published 'An Effective Method of  Combating Intestinal
Toxaemia'.
September 1, 1928
First discovery of remedies
In September, following an intuitive impulse, he went to Wales where he found the first
three of the flower remedies at Crickhowell: Impatiens, Mimulus and Clematis. In
November, in an address to The British Homoeopathic Society he referred to the fact that
certain plants resembled the bacterial nosodes in their action.
November 1, 1928
A masonic dinner, reported by Nora Weeks
‘Bach had attended the dinner somewhat unwillingly and was not enjoying himself greatly.
To pass the time he was idly watching the people around him when suddenly he realised
that the whole of humanity consisted of a number of definite groups of types; that every
individual in that large hall belonged to one or other of these groups. . . He found this a
most engrossing occupation, and by the time the dinner was over he had worked out a
number of groups and was busy in his mind comparing these with the seven bacterial
groups. He wondered how this extended group-theory would apply to disease and its cure -
whether the diseases from which these groups suffered would also bear a resemblance to
each other. Then came the inspiration that the individuals of each group would not suffer
from the same kinds of disease, but that all of those in any group would react in the same or
nearly the same manner to any type of illness. ’From 'The Medical Discoveries of Edward
Bach Physician' by Nora Weeks
April 29, 1929

1929 Installs successor, London Warwickshire Lodge (29 April)
December 1, 1929
Turns from conventional medicine
Bach was dissatisfied with using the products of disease to cure disease and gave up nosode
therapy. ‘I wish it were possible that we could present to you seven herbs instead of seven
groups of bacteria.’ He finally found the solution to his dilemma: ‘yet there is one thing
lacking in the effort to avoid using bacterial nosodes, this vital point is polarity. The
remedies of the meadow and nature, when potentized are of a positive polarity; whereas
those which have been associated with disease are of the reverse type… Science is tending
to show that life is harmony - a state of being in tune - and that disease is discord or a
condition when a part of the whole is not vibrating in unison’. From the end of 1929 he gave
up all methods of treatment except ‘the pure and simple herbs of the field’. He eventually
found that there were 12 groups or predominant states of mind. These he related to the
types of karmic lessons people need to work through in life.
December 12, 1929

Publication
The Rediscovery of Psora, published in The British Homoeopathic Journal.
January 1, 1930
Publications
January: 'An Effective Method of Preparing Vaccines for Oral Administration' published in
Medical World. February: 'Some New Remedies and New Uses' published in Homoeopathic
World. 'Some Fundamental Considerations of Disease and Cure' published in Homoeopathic
World.
January 8, 1930
Six further discoveries
In 1930 Dr Bach began what was to become a four-year association with the small town of
Cromer, in the east-coast county of Norfolk. In August while in Cromer he discovered
Agrimony, Centaury, Chicory, Cerato and Vervain. In September discovered Scleranthus.
January 9, 1930
Dr Bach's movements
Bettws-y-Coed, Wales (developed type theory) Abersoch Wales (there he wrote Heal
Thyself) Pwllheli, Wales Cromer, Norfolk - August/September
March 1, 1930
Moves to Wales
Early in the year Bach left London and moved to a small Welsh village near Bettws-y-coed to
continue his work on his group theory and search for new remedies. Visits Abersoch, a small
seaside village a few miles from Pwllheli in North Wales where he stayed until the end of
July. It was here that he perfected the sun method of extracting the healing properties of
plants and where he wrote 'Heal Thyself'.
January 1, 1931
Dr Bach's movements
Dr Bach's movements 1931 Abergavenny, Monmouthshire Lewes, Sussex where he found

Water Violet June July in Thames Valley (? Marlow) Westerham in Kent - made gentian
January 2, 1931
Publications
February: 'Ye Suffer From Yourselves', an address given in Southport. Published 'Heal Thyself
- An Explanation of the Real Cause and Cure of Disease'.
January 6, 1931
Further remedy discoveries
In June at Lewes in Sussex, Bach found Water Violet and in July near Westerham in Kent he
found Gentian. He now had 11 of his 12 Healers series but as it was late in the year he
would have to wait until the following spring to find the last one.
January 1, 1932
Publication
'Free Thyself' published.
January 1, 1932
Dr Bach's movements
Dr Bach's movements 1932 Consulting rooms in Wimpole Street Wrote Free Thyself in
Regents Park. Spent winter in Cromer.
January 3, 1932
Final Twelve Healer remedy discovered
He returned to Westerham, where he had found Gentian the previous year, this time to find
Rock Rose, the last in the series which he called 'The Twelve Healers', later to become 'The
Twelve Healers and Other Remedies'.
November 24, 1932

Dispute with GMC
During the latter part of 1932 and into 1933 Bach was in correspondence with the General
Medical Council [the body with the legal responsibility for regulating the medical profession
in the UK] who threatened to strike him off the Medical Register for advertising his
remedies in local newspapers.  This example appeared in the Northern Daily Telegraph of 24
Nov 32.
January 1, 1933
Publications
Twelve Great Remedies published in a magazine for Homeopaths. His book The Twelve
Healers and Four Helpers published in the autumn
January 4, 1933
Moves to Sotwell
In April he moved to the village of Sotwell near Wallingford in what was then Berkshire, to a
house called Mount Vernon. In June he found Wild Oat near Sotwell. Wrote 'The Twelve
Healers and Seven Helpers', published in July. 'The Story of the Travellers' - the natures of 16
remedies explained in a short children's story format.
January 5, 1933
Dr Bach's movements
Dr Bach's movements 1933 April in Marlow, Bucks Cromer in May
January 5, 1933
1933 Honorary Member, Norbury Lodge 1933 May; excluded for three years from London
Wawickshire Lodge for non-payment of fees.
January 5, 1933
1933 Honorary Member, Norbury Lodge 1933 May; excluded for three years from London
Wawickshire Lodge for non-payment of fees.
January 3, 1935
The Second Nineteen
In February/March he began a new cycle of remedies which were prepared by the boiling
method. They are Cherry Plum, Aspen, Elm, Chestnut Bud, Larch, Beech, Hornbeam, Walnut,
Star of Bethlehem, Holly, Crab Apple, Willow, Pine, Red Chestnut, Mustard, Wild Rose,
Honeysuckle and Sweet Chestnut. White Chestnut, which he found in May, is the only one
of this group of the Second Nineteen to be made by the sun method.
January 1, 1936
Further threat from GMC
In January he received a letter from The General Medical Council threatening to have him
struck off the Medical Register if he continues to use ‘unqualified assistants’. He was by now
working with a small team of assistants.
September 24, 1936

Wallingford lecture
September 24th, his 50th birthday, he gives the first public lecture on ‘Healing by Herbs’ in
the Masonic Hall, Wallingford.
October 1, 1936
Twelve Healers
Bach published 'The Twelve Healers and Other Remedies'. The 38 remedies were placed
under the following seven headings 1 For Fear  2 For Uncertainty  3 For Insufficient Interest
in Present Circumstances  4 For Loneliness  5 For Those Over-sensitive to Influences and
Ideas  6 For Despondency or Despair 7 For Over-Care for Welfare of Others
November 27, 1936

Final illness
The strain of a lifetime of work now began to take its toll. For the second time in his life
Bach now became very seriously ill. He died during the evening of 27 November 1936.
November 27, 1936

Final illness
Death certificate
January 1, 1937
New edition of The Twelve Healers
Publication New edition of The Twelve Healers

January 1, 1938
Publication
'To Thine Own Self be True' by Mary Tabor
January 1, 1940
Biography
'The Medical Discoveries of Edward Bach Physician'. Nora Week's biography of Dr Bach.
An Introduction to Bach Flower Essences
Dr Bach believed that our emotional state was the cause of physical health problems. He
developed 38 flower remedies based around our emotional responses to help support us in
our daily lives. He grouped these remedies according to personality and emotional
responses.
AGRIMONY
The jovial, cheerful, humorous people who love peace and are distressed by argument or
quarrel, to avoid which they will agree to give up much....
One of Bach's original Twelve Healers prepared by the sun method
Indication
The jovial, cheerful, humorous people who love peace and are distressed by argument or
quarrel, to avoid which they will agree to give up much. Though generally they have
troubles and are tormented and restless and worried in mind or in body, they hide their
cares behind their humour and jesting and are considered very good friends to know. They
often take alcohol or drugs to excess, to stimulate themselves and help themselves bear
their trials with cheerfulness. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
The lesson of this plant is to enable you to hold your peace in the presence of all the trials
and difficulties until no one has the power to cause you irritation. [Bach]
State of Being
To soothe all those tormented in body or mind and bring them peace. The restless, the
worried, the anxious, the tortured. Those who can find no peace of mind, no rest. There is
such a vast army of these sufferers who so often hide their torment under smiles and
joviality. They are often the cheeriest of people, and frequently humorists. A great number
of these seek refuge in alcohol or even drugs as stimulants to help them to keep going. They
will do anything rather than depress others with their trials. Even in severe illness they will
jest and make light of their trials. They are brave people and Agrimony will help them so
much. [Bach]
Combinations
Agrimony is in the Rest combination.
Habitat
General
Agrimony is a perennial found on hedgebanks and roadside verges, in grassland and waste
places; it often grows on chalk where the thin soil makes for shorter grass and so less
competition. It will not tolerate strongly acid soils or more than slight shade.
Britain
It is common throughout the whole of southern England wherever mowing, grazing or
spraying has left plants an opportunity to grow. It becomes increasingly scarce going north.
Agrimony details
Latin Name:Agrimonia eupatoria
Group:The First Twelve Essences
Emotional GroupOver-sensitive to influences and ideas
Personality:Torment
Virtue:Stillness
Failing:Torture
Method:Sun
Agrimony - Form and Function
Agrimony, as a remedy state definitely belongs to town: these people are sociable, they
seek contact and the stimulus of company. It follows that the plant is one that reaches out
to touch you, growing in places where it will find company, on the roadside, the field edge,
by the paths and tracks where people pass. Yet Agrimony is strangely solitary in that even
when it grows across a field each plant is distinctly separate, in its own space, interspersed
with many other grassland flowers. This is not a plant that builds a mass population of its
own kind – it does not grow in a group like Impatiens – Agrimony is dotted among the
grasses. Because of its isolated habit it is not even listed as a weed of arable land. Its hold
among the population of grassland plants is not strong.
Bach described the Agrimony types as tormented, suffering from restlessness in the soul.
The virtue that they seek is peace. Looking back to the words of R. L. Stevenson, it seems to
be the same peace which he found in solitary walking: the peace that passes all
understanding. Bach referred to this peace of the soul on many occasions and regarded
peace as the first great quality which ‘the treatment of tomorrow’ will bring to the patient.
Quite specifically peace will come from an acceptance and understanding of our individual
soul’s purpose within life on earth: it is this which the Agrimony type finds hard to accept.
To the Agrimony person realities do not stack up. They see and experience the pain of the
world (that is their torment) but they feel themselves inadequate for the task of reconciling
that pain with faith in life. Rather than face the problem they turn the matter aside with a
play of humour. Or they seek to forget themselves with drink or drugs; there is a desire to
escape from life.
ASPEN
Vague unknown fears, for which there can be given no explanation, no reason....
One of Bach’s second 19 remedies. Prepared by the boiling method.
Indication
Vague unknown fears, for which there can be given no explanation, no reason. Yet the
patient may be terrified of something terrible going to happen, he knows not what. These
vague unexplainable fears may haunt by night or day. Sufferers are often afraid to tell their
trouble to others. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
The development of Love brings us to the realization of Unity, of the truth that one and all
of us are of the One Great Creation. The cause of all our troubles is self and separateness,
and this vanishes as soon as Love and the knowledge of the great Unity become part of our
natures. [Bach]
Emotional State
For psychological fears of unknown origin, vague unreasoning and inexplicable, sudden
apprehension, fear of unseen power or force, fear of sleep for what sleep may bring, fear of
dreams, association with death and religion, usually kept secret. Symptoms may include
headaches, eyestrain, haunted look, sweating, trembling, gooseflesh, sudden faintness,
sleep walking/talking, tired and nervy. [Bach]
Habitat
General
On poor soils and in damp woodland. It is a pioneer species and its tendency to sucker
creates small thickets.
Britain
Throughout Britain, more in the north and west.
Aspen details
Latin Name:Populus tremula
Group:Second Nineteen
Emotional GroupFear
Emotional response:Unreasoning fears
Method:Boiling
Aspen - Form and Function
If we look for an indication of the positive aspect of the Aspen state it is not much in
evidence. In part we can see the growing strength of the Aspen as it nears the earth: the
trunk begins to furrow at ground level, showing a stronger network of energy. But this is not
a clear emblem of the strength that overcomes fear. Perhaps we might claim to see that in
the golden-yellow leaves in autumn, which fall to the earth early but are slow to rot. But
when the essence is made by the boiling method the scent of balsam is strong, sweet and
aromatic. The mother tincture is a plum coloured, or light claret. Here we see a gentle
warmth and fire that penetrates the grey mists of early spring, driving away the occult
penetration of our peace.
Bach comments of Aspen that ‘sufferers often are afraid to tell their troubles to others’. This
is a silent apprehension, a kind of quiet anonymity that is apparent in the tree. Yet of all
Bach’s remedies, the Aspen tree most clearly proclaims its gesture of trembling fear. It is,
perhaps, the easiest to see and understand of all the plant gestures. The signature of the
tremulous leaf has been noted by poets since Chaucer, but Bach was the first to make the
connection between this signature and the healing potential of the flowers. He saw how the
qualities of the Aspen inform the physical tree and how they resonate the positive
expression of strength and protection; protection from a fear of the supernatural.
BEECH
For those who feel the need to see more good and beauty in all that surrounds them....
Indication
For those who feel the need to see more good and beauty in all that surrounds them. And,
though much appears to be wrong, to have the ability to see 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 final perfection. [Bach: Twelve Healers and
Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
That we never criticise nor condemn the thoughts, the opinions, the ideas of others; ever
remembering that all humanity are God’s children, each striving in his own way to find the
Glory of his Father. [Barnard: Guide to the Bach Flower Remedies]]
Emotional State
Those who are critical, dissatisfied, intolerant, irritable, always finding fault, seeing only the
negative side of things. Annoyed by small matters – the oddities and mannerisms and
idiosyncrasies of others. Demand exactness, order and discipline. Arrogant people who
complain of others, petty anger, sound in judgement but sour, cynical, unsympathetic.
[Bach]
Habitat
General
Beeches are found growing on a variety of soils. They are especially characteristic of chalk
landscape preferring the well-drained conditions.
Britain
Ancient Beech forests are generally found in the south of England.
Beech details
Latin Name:Fagus sylvatica
Emotional GroupOver-care for the welfare of others
Emotional response:Critical
Method:Boiling
Beech - Form and Function
In order to find a remedy for this Beech state of mind, Bach needed to be clear as to what
such people really feel; what leads them to those circumstances? Beech people are not
exactly dominant but they develop an urge to suppress the freedom of other people’s self-
expression. Again, this is not a soul type but a condition that builds up over time owing to a
reactive dislike for something – life does not do what I want so I will criticise everything and
everybody to show how wrong it all is. This finds expression in setting straight the natural
tumult of experience, seeking exactness, order and discipline; in the narrow standard of
getting it perfect; in a pernickety, fussy attention to cleanliness and detail. All of this
expression looks at the external form because the person is internally discontented.
At the end of the year, when Bach had found the last of the second nineteen remedies, he
organised all 38 into seven groups. Beech he put into the group for Over-Care for Welfare of
Others, along with Chicory, Vervain, Vine and Rockwater. All five remedies share the same
dissatisfaction with the external circumstances of life and a feeling of superiority towards
others. In each case this outlook deflects attention from the real problem: the individual
themselves. The problem for the Beech person is a lack of self-worth, for the person who
does not value themselves finds it hard to value and honour others.
CERATO
Those who have not sufficient confidence in themselves to make their own decisions....
One of Bach’s original twelve healers prepared by the sun method.
Indication
Those who have not sufficient confidence in themselves to make their own decisions. They
constantly seek advice from others, and are often misguided. [Bach: Twelve Healers and
Affirmation
Cerato will help you to find your individuality, your personality, and, freed from outside
influences, enable you to use the great gift of wisdom that you possess for the good of
mankind. [Bach]
State of Being
People who are too easily influenced. For those who have no confidence in themselves,
depend too much upon the advice of others and listen first to one and then to another.
Their own lack of self-esteem makes them admire and trust too much any who hold strong
views; they can easily be led into difficulties on this account. In illness they are quite sure
one thing will cure them until they hear of another, and they rush from one trial to the next
according to the latest advice. They will do almost anything good or bad for them if the
argument is forcible enough. They do not trust their own good judgement. Instead of having
their own wishes and desires they will so often quote what others have advised or thought.
The ideas and opinions of others are too important to them and this robs them of their own
personality. They will always have some excuse for all they do. [Bach]
Habitat
General
Responds to warm, sunny conditions and so will grow best in a sheltered position. It is
cultivated in gardens as an ornamental shrub.
Britain
Cerato is not native to Britain and is only found on one or two private estates and public
gardens such as Kew or Hampton Court (the south garden). In recent years it has been
selected for promotion by some nurseries and has been in seen in street gardens in London.
However, it is still a specialist’s plant.
Cerato details
Latin Name:Ceratostigma willmottianum
Emotional GroupUncertainty
Failing:Self- distrusting
Personality:Foolish
Virtue:Wisdom
Method:Sun
Cerato - Form and Function
The flower head of the Cerato is composed of spiky bracts from which the flower buds
emerge. The structure here is reminiscent of the Clematis flower and speaks of the same
need to focus the energy into a centre. This focussing is also apparent on the petals where a
herringbone pathway points to the centre of the flower. With Chicory we noted the
significance of flowers that acted as an acid-alkali indicator. Cerato flowers, which only last a
day, often collapsing by noon in the heat, deepen their colour to purple as they close. Here,
again, we see the changeable, perhaps evolving, nature of Cerato. As the petals close and
the flower collapses they twist into a spiral and form a focus of indrawn energy and
meaning. This is a plant that wants to learn and understand.
All these considerations can have found scant part in the thinking of Dr Edward Bach when
he saw the plant growing in the seaside gardens at Overstrand. We might easily think that
the plant simply called to him: “come and look, here I am”. But even that assumes a self-
knowledge on the part of the plant – it is just that self-knowledge that the Cerato people
seek through their experience of life on earth. It is their soul lesson.
CENTAURY
Kind, quiet, gentle people who are over-anxious to serve others...
Indication
Kind, quiet, gentle people who are over-anxious to serve others. They overtax their strength
in their endeavours. Their wish so grows upon them that they become more servants than
willing helpers. 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. [Bach: Twelve Healers and
Affirmation
Centaury, that grow in our pastures, will help you to find your real self, so that you may
become an active, positive worker instead of a passive agent. [Bach]
State of Being
To give strength. The weakness after illness: pale, languid, tired, no energy, limp, exhausted.
Drained of vitality. Those who desire peace at any price. Even in illness they may be too
willing to help others and get tired and worn-out by their efforts. The mind is often alert,
but the body weak, too weak to make much effort. Meek, submissive and imposed upon
because of their good natures. [Bach]
Habitat
General
It prefers dry soil, sometimes sand (there are various coastal varieties like C. littorale and C.
scilloides); it grows commonly on chalklands, but not on acid soils. It will not tolerate shade.
In longer grass it grows taller and more leggy, and conversely smaller in short grass.
Britain
Grows throughout Britain, except Scotland, in open grassland.
Centaury details
Latin Name:Centaurium umbellatum
Failing:Weak
Personality:Servant
Virtue:Strength
Method:Sun
Centaury - Form and Function
Centaury is a small plant that for most of the year is easily overlooked, if not invisible among
the general throng of flowers. Centaury people, therefore, may be seen as good-natured but
unassertive. Bach speaks of them as ‘door mats’, lying there passively while the other
children run in, boisterous and noisy. The stem and leaves are entirely without hairs
(glabrous) and this suggests a lack of sensing and sensitivity on the part of the Centaury
types: they do not respond and interact with the world around them in the way that Chicory
and Agrimony do.
Centaury is a biennial plant: the seeds that germinate one year will produce flowers the
next. The first movement of growth is so small it will hardly be observed. Two oval leaves,
no more than a millimetre long, but with a root of 25 mm or more, are the first sign that the
plant has begun a new cycle of life. Everything depends upon the root: if it can find constant
moisture then little by little the plant will grow, eventually pushing its way up through
grasses to get to the light. To observe how the seed germinates and begins to grow tells us
how the soul type enters life: here it is small, tentative and fragile.
For the first season Centaury remains as a seedling with a rosette of leaves (30 – 40 mm
across), hugging the ground. By fanning out the flat, oval leaves horizontally it asserts itself
within a small space and deliberately prevents other plants from taking the light and water
that it needs for the future. The territory may be small but Centaury can dominate that part
of the earth. Lying flat on the ground, however, they are often walked on or driven over.
The flat Centaury leaves are slightly cupped so as to incline the rainwater to run to the
centre and so to the root. Three veins in the leaf help to structure it to this ‘decumbent’
shape.
CHERRY PLUM
Fear of the mind being over-strained, of reason giving way.
One of Bach’s second 19 remedies and one of the Five Flower essence combination.
Prepared by the boiling method.
Indication
Fear of the mind being over-strained, of reason giving way, of doing fearful and dreaded
things, not wished and known wrong, yet there comes the thought and impulse to do them.
[Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
This drives away all wrong ideas and gives the sufferer mental strength and confidence.
[Bach]
Emotional State
For desperation, fear of insanity, loss of control, an uncontrollable impulse, nervous

breakdown, suicidal, obsessive fear, delusions. Symptoms usually build up over a period of
time: pallor, staring eyes, agitation, sometimes nervous talk or obsessive questioning;
imminent, mild insanity. [Bach]
Combinations
Cherry Plum is in Five Flower and Five Flower Natural Cream and also in the Rest
combination.
Habitat
General
Cherry Plum originates from the Balkans. It is not widely naturalised and is noted as rare in
some texts.
Britain
Cherry Plum was originally brought to Britain for its fruit and as a grafting stock for
cultivating more engaging domestic plums. It is more common in the south of England and
usually appears in old gardens rather than in scrub woodland (where sloe will be found).
When seen in a garden or hedge it will obviously have been planted there. (It has been
widely introduced into hedges and as an ornamental tree.)
Cherry Plum details
Latin Name:Prunus cerasifera
Emotional GroupFear
Emotional response:Loss of control
Method:Boiling
Cherry Plum - Form and Function
This is very much a remedy of light and dark and if we look at the tree in flower in the early
spring that is what we see: the intense white blossoms clustered on the black branches, with
only the bright beginnings of green leaf buds. Cherry Plum, Prunus cerasifera, is the first
white blossom of the year coming before pear, cherry or other fruits, earlier than the
blackthorn sloe. It is a slender, small tree with slightly drooping branches, of no great
physical strength, even weak in appearance. There are often several stems in the trunk as
though several trees are growing together, like multiple ‘I’ forms. The single upright trunk of
Oak or Elm betokens a clear and strong individuality, by contrast. It is expressly the problem
of Cherry Plum that this individual integrity has been breached. The same thing is to be seen
in the bark which is smooth and speckled without clear energetic structure lines. The
strength of the gesture is to be found in the brilliant and exuberant flowering, not in the
structure of the trunk and branches. The tree is alight with the blaze of the spirit. It shines
into the darker recesses of our mind, clearing and ordering our mental confusion…. With the
Cherry Plum state there is a pressure from the non-physical world that distorts our normal
boundaries, breaking through the controls that would otherwise bring certainty in the
process of life. We are right to be afraid.
CHESTNUT BUD
For those who do not take full advantage of observation and experience....
Indication
For those who do not take full advantage of observation and experience, and who take a
longer time than others to learn the lessons of daily life. Whereas one experience would be
enough for some, such people find it necessary to have more, sometimes several, before
the lesson is learnt. Therefore, to their regret, they find themselves having to make the
same error on different occasions when once would have been enough, or observation of
others could have spared them even that one fault. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other
Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
We learn slowly, one lesson at a time, but we must if we are to be well and happy, learn the
particular lesson given to us by our spiritual self. [Bach]
Emotional State
Those who fail to learn by experience and go on repeating the same mistakes again and
again. They may be impatient and always thinking ahead and so fail to see what is
happening, failing to base their actions upon past experience. They may be careless, clumsy,
slow in learning, inattentive and as children even unresponsive to learning. [Bach]
Habitat
General
Chestnut trees originated in the Balkan region.
Chestnut Bud details
Latin Name:Aesculus hippocastanum
Emotional GroupInsufficient interest in present circumstances
Emotional response:Unable to learn from mistakes

Method:Boiling
Chestnut Bud - Form and Function
A Chestnut Bud situation is like the game of Snakes and Ladders where we can find
ourselves falling back into an old way of thinking and acting, slipping away from knowledge
and experience that we have worked hard to achieve. We are here ‘for the purpose of
gaining all the knowledge and experience which can be obtained through earthly
existence…’. But at times we fail to see that. We repeat the experience without gaining the
knowledge, or, in forgetting the knowledge we find we must repeat the experience. Was
Bach being shown something that he failed, at first, to see?
Error, fault and failing are words that appear frequently in Bach’s writing. ‘Our whole object
is to realise our faults…. Disease is entirely and only due to faults within…. The only cure is
to correct our faults…’. In view of this we must look carefully at Chestnut Bud as the remedy
that most definitely helps us to recognise the error in our ways. Recognising these personal
failings is, Dr Bach says, the most important task for our life on earth:
CHICORY
Those who are very mindful of the needs of others...
Indication
Those who are very mindful of the needs of others; they tend to be over-full of care 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 that those
for whom they care should be near them. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
If we but sufficiently develop the quality of losing ourselves in the love and care of those
around us, enjoying the glorious adventure of gaining knowledge and helping others, our
personal griefs and sufferings rapidly come to an end. It is the great ultimate aim: the losing
of our own interests in the service of humanity. [Bach]
State of Being
When ill, these people worry over others, children, friends, relatives; are anxious that they
are too warm, too cold, not happy, not enjoying themselves. Constantly asking them how
they are and what they would like. Over-anxious in efforts to please them. Many questions
as to their wishes and requirements. This state brings no peace and strains the patient.
Sometimes the patients feel sorry for themselves; feel that they have done nothing to
deserve to be ill; they are ill-used and neglected, that others are not caring for them. Often
they have a good colour when ill; the people whose looks do not pity them. [Bach]
Habitat
General
Chicory grows on wasteground, more particularly at the edges of cultivated land, cornfields,
or on roadside verges (when they have not been mowed). On more acid soil the flowers are
not such an intense blue – they are sensitive as a litmus paper and at times appear pale or
even pink after rain, because of the acidity.
Britain
Chicory grows throughout the South of England especially on calcareous soils. In some parts
it is grown by farmers.
Chicory details
Latin Name:Chicorium intybus
Failing:Self- pitying
Personality:Demanding
Virtue:Love
Method:Sun
Chicory - Form and Function
To understand the true nature of the Chicory type we may need to see them outside and
away from their domestic environment. Bach notes this when observing that the soul type
wants to love and bless the whole world but feels constrained by those nearest to them.
Like Agrimony, Chicory is a hairy plant, though coarser and less delicate in structure and
form. The hairs, again, show sensitivity but the sensitivity of feeling in the Chicory type is
more sensing inwardly, not looking outwards. Chicory asks always the question: ‘how do I
feel? What are my concerns?’ Clearly a contrast with Agrimony. We see this in the powerful
domineering structure of the plant that thrusts others aside. Agrimony is more febrile and
delicate, Chicory tough and dominant. At least, the leaves and the stems are tough, the
flowers are as fine and delicate as could be. This is the contradiction of Chicory. Chicory is
changeable, fussy and contradictory.
To draw together these observations on Chicory we can best look to the plant’s root. The
root stands for the past, the family and, for want of a better term, karma. As with Agrimony
we can visualize the root as the place where experience from the metabolism of life is
stored in order to supply the force for the future. Sir James Edward Smith was unable, child
or man, to pull up Chicory’s taproot because the root is so deeply attached to the earth and
to the past. This demonstrates the process of family learning that often accompanies
Chicory: where there is a Chicory child you will likely find a Chicory parent (or grandparent)
from whom the child learns this behaviour. Equally this pattern of manipulation carries over
from life to life (in plants from year to year) so that the people are bound into a perpetual
drama of restrictive relationships.
CLEMATIS
Those who are dreamy, drowsy, not fully awake, no great interest in life...
One of Bach’s original twelve healers prepared by the sun method and one of the Five
Flower essence combination
Indication
Those who are dreamy, drowsy, not fully awake, no great interest in life. Quiet people, not
really happy in their present circumstances, living more in the future than in the present;
living in hopes of happier times, when their ideals may come true. In illness some make little
or no effort to get well, and in certain cases may even look forward to death, in the hope of
better times; or maybe, meeting again some beloved one whom they have lost. [Bach:
Twelve Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
The remedy brings stability: and places the patient on a more practical plane; brings them
'down to earth'; and so enables them to fulfil their work in this world. [Bach]
To combat all sleepy, drowsy, listless states. When the patient loses interest. Makes no
effort to get well. Seems indifferent as to what happens: has no enthusiasm about anything.
Only half hear what is said to them. These people are often dreamy, far-away, apathetic, live
in their thoughts; maybe thinking too much of someone they have lost, or dream of
ambitions they do not strive to realise. They seem contented, being not fully awake, and
happy in their dreams of ideals. They are generally quiet and gentle, but they do not find
enough joy in life itself; do not live enough in the present. Ordinary fainting may be of this
type and in unconscious cases it is sufficient to moisten the lips with the remedy. [Bach]
Combinations
Clematis is in Five Flower, Five Flower Natural Cream and Exam combination.
Habitat
General
Clematis grows in woods, on woodland margins and in hedgerows mainly on lime-rich soils.
Britain
Clematis is found throughout southern Britain, though it becomes scarce in the north. It
especially adorns our hedges in many parts of the country where there is chalk.
Clematis details
Latin Name:Clematis vitalba
Failing:Indifferent
Personality:Dreamer
Virtue:Gentleness
Method:Sun
Clematis - Form and Function
Clematis is the clear antithesis of Impatiens. If Bach was looking for his own type remedy in
Impatiens it is perhaps an indication of his genius that he could imagine something so
different at one and same time. Bach may have been a dreamer in that he imagined a better
future, an easier life, but he was not apparently touched by the negative attributes of the
Clematis type, whom he described as ‘having little desire for life’ - requiring many hours of
sleep at night with a sluggish constitution, a pale and muddy complexion. Bach lived by the
bedroom maxim ‘time to turn over, time to turn out’ and was, as an Impatiens, eager for the
day and what it might bring. Just the opposite of the Clematis types as he described them
‘wishing there was not another day to face…how good it would be just to go to sleep’. Yet
we must suppose that he had formed a clear picture of the type of person who might need
such a remedy. And his earliest description of Clematis bears this out since it is almost fully
formed and all the main attributes of the type remedy are there from the first. He wrote of
the Clematis people as:
having little desire for life
day-dreaming types
content to be left alone
imperturbable
having little ambition to survive
CRAB APPLE
This is the remedy of cleansing....
One of Bach’s second 19 remedies and added to Five Flower cream. Prepared by the boiling
method.
Indication
This is the remedy of cleansing. For those who feel as if they had something not quite clean
about themselves. Often it is something of apparently little importance: in others there may
be more serious disease which is almost disregarded compared to the one thing on which
they concentrate. In both types they 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. They become despondent if treatment fails. Being a cleanser, this remedy purifies
wounds if the patient has reason to believe that some poison has entered which must be
drawn out. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
Never for one moment should we become engrossed or over-anxious about them [our
bodies], but learn to be as little conscious of their existence as possible, using them as a
vehicle of our Soul and mind and as servants to do our will. [Bach: Collected Writings]
Emotional State
The remedy for cleansing. For those who feel in some way unclean, contaminated, often
minor ailment which assumes great importance in the mind of sufferer causing
despondency and self-disgust. Applicable to physical or psychological condition, wherever
there is something repellant to the self, the remedy restores a sense of proportion.
Symptoms may include skin ailments, poison in the body or a wound, unwholesome habits.
[Barnard: Guide to the Bach Flower Remedies]
Combinations
Crab Apple is in Five Flower Natural Cream combination.
Habitat
General
Crab Apple grows in woods, hedgerows and scrub, on all except acid soils.
Britain
Crab Apples are regarded as native to Britain since they probably recolonised the land at the
end of the ice age. They are found throughout the country but are scarce in Scotland.
Crab Apple details
Latin Name:Malus sylvestris
Emotional GroupDespondency or despair
Emotional response:Feeling unclean
Method:Boiling
Crab Apple - Form and Function
Following closely upon Beech comes Crab Apple. Here the finger pointing and judgemental
attitude is turned back upon us, not in order to question something fundamental but as we
worry about seemingly superficial aspects of our health. In the Crab Apple state ‘often it is
something of apparently little importance’, said Bach, people have a feeling ‘as if they had
something not quite clean about themselves’. There is a sense that something is wrong and
searching for an explanation we fix upon a trivial concern, like the small skin blemish that is
most easily seen. Now we know that the condition of the skin is an expression of our overall
health – skin disease is regarded as analogous with the disease of other organs and bodily
functions – so it stands to reason that the small spot on your nose is a token of a wider
internal disorder. But it can be difficult to know what signals what problem. So we can lose a
sense of proportion here. At least, that is the one aspect of Crab Apple.
ELM
Those who are doing good work, are following the calling of their life....
Indication
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. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
Life does not demand of us unthinkable sacrifice; it asks us to travel its journey with joy in
our heart and to be a blessing to those around, so that if we leave the world just that trifle
better for our visit, then have we done our work. [Bach: Collected Writings]
Emotional State
For those who are very capable and often carry great responsibility but occasionally feel
unable to face the magnitude of their tasks. Thus they are sometimes overwhelmed, falter
and momentarily lose confidence. It is as if they have temporarily lost their connection and
this causes them great discomfort and distress. [Barnard: Guide to the Bach Flower
Remedies]
Combinations
Elm is in Exam combination.
Habitat
General
Devastated by the Dutch Elm Disease of the 1960s and 1970s there are few mature elms left
in Europe. They were found in hedgerows, by woods and roads.
Britain
Elm once grew throughout Britain and was a very common sight. Today young trees are
struggling to survive but the disease is still attacking many of them.
Elm details
Latin Name:Ulmus procera
Emotional response:Overwhelmed
Method:Boiling
Elm - Form and Function
The outline and structure of the tree is significant: while Ulmus procera is upright, like a
column, U. glabra is more fan-shaped in form. So, while the flowers look the same, the
quality of the remedy state makes Bach’s Elm (U. procera) the choice because of the
strength of the ‘I’ form. This clear, upright gesture shows self-determination and will: the
Elm state concerns those people who are strongly motivated by their soul purpose and
know what they are doing in the world. Yet this species has come to a point in its evolution
where it can only propagate itself by suckering, sending roots through the earth like blind
moles…. A person in the Elm state (and not for this reason alone) suffers as though blind,
unable to see a future. The seed represents the future in every species and here that future
is beyond reach. To make this point more clearly we can look again at Impatiens with its
certainty and headlong rush to achieve its aim. Impatiens seeds are 99% viable. Then
consider Cerato whose seeds fail almost entirely and whose soul lesson concerns a deep
uncertainty about what future to take. Elm, in this particular respect, is like Cerato: suddenly
uncertain….
Another aspect of the Elm’s gesture is shown in the problems that the trees encounter with
Dutch Elm Disease. This was first identified in 1919, arrived in Britain in 1927 and first
peaked in 1935, the same year that Bach chose the remedy. As is generally known, the
disease is caused by a fungus, which is spread by a small flying beetle. In the 1970’s a new
strain of this fungus appeared, far more virulent than the first and this progressively
destroyed all the remaining mature Ulmus procera in the country. True, a few hybrids or
closely related species survived and the disease has not attacked Wych Elm (U. glabra) to
the same extent. By 1990 we had to conclude that the English Elm was finished. But not so.
While the disease continues there are many trees that have grown again, from the roots of
course and now we do have 30 year-old elms flowering once more.
GENTIAN
Those who are easily discouraged...
Indication
Those who are easily discouraged. They 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 soon
disheartens them. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
The little Gentian of our hilly pastures will help you to keep your firmness of purpose, and a
happier and more hopeful outlook even when the sky is over-cast. It will bring you
encouragement at all times, and the understanding that there is no failure when you are
doing your utmost, whatever the apparent result. [Bach]
State of Being
For those who are faltering or are despondent. Look on the dark side and are pessimistic. In
convalescence when they think they have come to a standstill; really doing well but tend to
be discouraged and doubt that they are making progress. This is for those who feel as if the
difficulties before them are too big to be overcome and temporarily lose heart. In this state
they only want a little encouragement which this remedy will give them and they will do
well. [Bach]
Combinations
Gentian is in Exam combination.
Habitat
General
Gentian grows on predominantly calcareous (lime) soils on dry, hilly pastures where grass is
short, in many parts of Europe. It will not tolerate farm chemicals and like so many plants, it
is, consequently, in retreat.
Britain
G. amarella is one of only a few species of Gentian that occur in Britain. G. amarella
(felwort) is a small biannual species growing on chalky or calcareous hills.
Gentian details
Latin Name:Gentiana amarella
Failing:Discontented
Personality:Dispirited
Virtue:Understanding
Method:Sun
Gentian - Form and Function
This new remedy, Gentian, was given the qualities of Doubt and Understanding. These
people doubt their abilities, doubt that they will ever succeed and yet come to the
understanding that everything in life is gain, even if we cannot always directly perceive the
benefits:
'The understanding that there is no failure when you are doing
your utmost, whatever the apparent result'. [Edward Bach]
The key phrase there, perhaps, is ‘doing your utmost’, with the inference that these are
souls who know what they are to do in life, who find it easy to apply themselves but
subsequently become discouraged.
Gentian is Gentiana amarella, the autumn felwort. It flowers, as the common name
suggests, in August and September. Centaury is also in the same Gentian family and they
hold in common certain aspects in the pattern of growth. As biennials they have been
delayed, as it were, in the journey to flowering. But the Gentian delays for longer and
chooses conditions that are more difficult. It is altogether a smaller plant and more
vulnerable, less able to assert itself in the face of competition. That is why it keeps to the
downland where dry, thin calcareous soils (chalk and limestone) make for short grass. On
germination the seedling puts most of its effort into growing a root; during the first year it
forms a few pairs of leaves that die back in the autumn. The small, swollen, yellow root
cannot be seen but it will produce new leaves in the spring. The root contains a mildly bitter
principle used in herbal medicine (more usually taken from the related species Gentiana
lutea). The accumulation of life experience may be stored in the root this bitterness
suggests the disappointment of being let down by life. We find the same bitterness with
Chicory which feels let down by others and with Willow.
GORSE
Very great hopelessness...
One of Bach’s Seven Helpers, prepared by the sun method.
Indication
Very great hopelessness, they have given up belief that more can be done for them. Under
persuasion or to please others they may try different treatments, at the same time assuring
those around that there is so little hope of relief. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies
1936]
Affirmation
Now let us think about those who have been ill for some time, or even a long time. There is
again every reason to be hopeful of benefit, either improvement or recovery. Never let
anyone give up hope of getting well. [Bach]
Chronic Conditions
Gorse is for those who have suffered much and whose courage, as it were, has failed; who
have lost the heart to try any more. They say they have been told that nothing can be done,
that they are past all medical help, and even if they do start treatment they say that they
have been ill for so many months or years as the case may be, that they will not expect
improvement for a long time. People who need Gorse are generally sallow and rather
darkish in complexion, often with dark lines beneath the eyes. They look as though they
needed more sunshine in their lives to drive away the clouds. [Bach]
Habitat
General
Gorse grows on most soils but will avoid chalk and lime, preferring the slight acidity of
moorlands and dry sandy commons. In summer the ripe seeds explode and so a thick clump
of Gorse will slowly spread and dominate an area. It grows mainly on the western fringe of
Europe and can be killed by severe frosts.
Britain
Gorse can be found throughout Britain. It is frequently planted in western Britain and in
Ireland.
Gorse details
Latin Name:Ulex europaeus
Group:Seven Helpers
Chronic condition:Hopelessness
Method:Sun
Gorse - Form and Function
In his description for Gorse Bach says nothing of the plant and looks only at the state of
mind, adding some notes on the physical appearance of such people (sallow complexion,
dark rings around their eyes). Nevertheless, the plant succinctly describes the remedy,
reflecting exactly the gesture. To raise the energy of the Gorse state, to prick the person
back towards life, we need a powerful plant with a ferocious will to live; something brilliant,
resilient, tough and tenacious, a flower that is sensitive and delicate yet strong and ablaze
with light. Bach left no clue as to how he made his choice (except the ‘message’ received on
the bank of the river Thames at Marlow). But if we examine the Gorse plant and its
conditions for living we can see a precise correspondence to the message of hopelessness
and renewal.
Gorse grows on the open hillside, on wasteland, on heaths and commons. We may see the
occasional single plant but it generally grows in massed clumps, often covering acres of
neglected pasture. It is the collective strength of the species that is needed to lift the energy
of the Gorse state; it lacks the individuality of the earlier type remedies. Look at a bank of
Gorse and you will find it hard to see individuals either in the stems and branches or among
the flowers. As one writer observed, it is a landscape plant. Its golden-yellow flowers, offset
by the vivid green stems, blaze with colour, painting the hillside. As with Heather, another of
the Helpers, there is a sense that the Gorse bushes draw down the light and burn like flames
upon the land.
Bach’s Gorse is Ulex europaeus, a woody shrub grows to about 2 metres. It flowers over a
long period from November to June. It has a smaller counterpart, Ulex gallii (which is not
Bach’s Gorse), that flowers in the second part of the year. Together they form an annual
cycle for this type of plant that flowers throughout the year. Hence the oft quoted ‘when
Gorse is out of flower, then kissing’s out of fashion’. It points up an interesting link between
the Gorse state of desolation and the life-affirming act of making love.
HEATHER
Those who are always seeking the companionship of anyone who may be available....
One of Bach’s Seven Helpers prepared by the sun method.
Indication
Those who are always seeking the companionship of anyone who may be available, as they
find it necessary to discuss their own affairs with others, no matter who it may be. They are
very unhappy if they have to be alone for any length of time. [Bach: Twelve Healers and
Affirmation
We must steadfastly practice peace, imagining our minds as a lake ever to be kept calm,
without waves, or even ripples, to disturb its tranquillity and gradually develop this state of
peace until no event of life, no circumstance, no other personality is able under any
circumstances to ruffle the surface of that lake. [Bach]
Chronic Conditions
The characteristic of the Heather people is that they worry over the troubles of others, not
the big things of life, but the affairs of everyday. They try all means in their power to
persuade or even compel others to do what they think right. Their diseases are often not
very severe until towards old age, but they may suffer a considerable amount of
inconvenience and interference with their daily life for years at a time through minor
maladies. They are inclined also to be a little afraid for themselves if they get even slight
trouble. They like people to be dependent upon them, and they take pleasure in feeling that
they are being of use and help to any in difficulty. Heather people are often well-built and of
high colour, full-blooded, strong in body and full of energy and activity, and are unsparing of
themselves in exertions for others. [Bach]
Habitat
General
Heathers like acidity and tolerate wet, boggy ground and dry sandy heaths. They are most
obviously found in mountains and moorland.
Britain
Heathers grow on many infertile soils throughout Britain. Bach mentions the mountains of
Scotland and Wales although Devon or Yorkshire would do equally well.
Heather details
Latin Name:Calluna vulgaris
Group:Seven Helpers
Emotional GroupLoneliness
Chronic condition:Talkative
Method:Sun
Heather - Form and Function
These people have become lonely and they react by talking obsessively about themselves to
anyone who will listen. From the earliest commentary upon this remedy, written by Victor
Bullen in 1956, we learn that any one of us may suffer from this at times. We feel that we
must talk about ourselves, becoming unduly self-concerned, despite knowing that we are
boring to others. If we think about it for a moment we see that it is another of the ways to
react to our chronic life problems. We may talk obsessively about our divorce, about our
bereavement, about our illness, leg operation, whatever. Just as with Oak and Gorse, this
happens, said Bach, because we have lost hope, although we may not be conscious of that
as the cause. When anxiety begins to replace our normal healthy optimism then some of us
may find ourselves in the Heather state.
This thought is implicit in Bach’s own written account of how he found the Heather remedy
for a woman he knew. She was ‘self-centred and utterly worldly’ and he said ‘what do you
think is the most beautiful sight in the world? Have you ever seen anything that makes you
think it possible that there is a God?’ Her reply was ‘yes, the mountains covered with
heather’. She associated the wilderness landscape and the flowering Heather with the
immanent Godhead. Bringing God into this may not simplify the matter! Or perhaps for
some people it does. The sense of isolation that drives us towards the Heather state is
based upon an anxiety about meaning in life; we become insecure, we are secretly worried
about life and death.
HOLLY
For those who are sometimes attacked by thoughts of such kind as jealousy, envy, revenge,
suspicion...
Indication
For those who are sometimes attacked by thoughts of such kind as jealousy, envy, revenge,
suspicion. For the different forms of vexation. Within themselves they may suffer much,
often when there is no real cause for their unhappiness. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other
Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
The ultimate conquest of all will be through love and gentleness, and when we have
sufficiently developed these two qualities nothing will be able to assail us, since we shall
ever have compassion and not offer resistance. [Bach: Collected Writings]
Emotional State
For any kind of strongly negative state: anger, jealousy, bitterness, rage, envy, suspicion,
revenge, hatred, violence, bad temper, contempt, vexation, selfishness, frustration – all
states antipathetic to love.
Habitat
General
Holly grows in thickets and woodland, being seeded by birds. It is found in woods, scrub,
hedges and rocky ravines.
Britain
Holly grows throughout Britain but is rather less common in the eastern counties.
Holly details
Latin Name:Ilex aquifolium
Emotional response:Hatred and anger
Method:Boiling
Holly - Form and Function
The Holly state is really very serious for it describes all kinds of strongly negative emotions
that not only burn within a person but express themselves in destructive, even violent
behaviour. It is for ‘jealousy, envy, revenge, suspicion, the different forms of vexation’. Now
vexation is a nicely old-fashioned word but here it does not mean a trifling ill humour but a
kind of agitation, intensely malicious and more particularly the experience of being shaken
by violent feelings (Latin vexare, to shake). Of course, we all know what it feels like, both to
be shaken by our own anger and to be shaken by the anger of others. It has been suggested
that this is the most important of the 38 Bach remedies since it is for hatred and rage. But
Bach put it another way, saying that it was a protection ‘from everything that is not
Universal Love’. In this he was attempting to avoid the usual negative characterisation of
emotions which only grow larger the more we concentrate upon them. Anger is not wrong
of itself, but the lack of love can cause us problems. We only feel hatred when we cannot
feel love; the two are mutually exclusive. Holly is for any strongly negative emotion that
violates the sanctity of life.
To understand why Dr Bach chose holly we must understand what it is that happens when a
person gets jealous or in a rage. Contemporary neuroscience takes the view that ‘emotions
are complicated collections of chemical and neural responses’ leading to ‘circumstances
advantageous to the organism’. Yet while there may be occasions when anger is useful and
appropriate it is essentially a negative reaction to life circumstances not a ‘part of
homeostatic regulation’, or ‘survival-oriented behaviour’, at least as far as Bach remedies
are concerned. Anger is a reaction to the invasion of an individual’s sense of self; this may
mean a breach of integrity, of standards of behaviour, an awareness of something far
stronger, a loss of what makes me feel what I am. Having been invaded (by physical or non-
physical interference) I may react with outrage. To that extent it is a natural and appropriate
response. But the problem arises when this becomes habitual. If I am habitually angry then
there must be an habitual stimulus.
That is to say that the invasion or attack that breached my sense of self has so broken down
the natural integrity and defences that a part of me is taken over, occupied territory. Anger
then is the reaction to a foreign pattern of activity within the boundaries of my being. So far
from being an indication that homeostasis is at work it indicates that homeostasis has failed.
This is an important concept since invasive diseases like cancer may be related to anger and
the Holly condition.
HONEYSUCKLE
Those who live much in the past...
Indication
Those who live much in the past, perhaps in a time of great happiness, or memories of a lost
friend, or ambitions which have not come true. They do not expect further happiness such
as they have had. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
Finally, let us not fear to plunge into life; we are here to gain experience and knowledge,
and we shall learn but little unless we face realities and seek to our utmost. [Bach: Collected
Writings]
Emotional State
For nostalgia, homesickness, those who live much in the past, past loves, happiness, regrets,
success or failures, those who live on their memories, desiring to escape the present in a
romanticised view of the past. [Barnard: Guide to the Bach Flower Remedies]
Habitat
General
Red Honeysuckles are either wild hybrids or garden escapes. They are native to the
Mediterranean. Because it is the redness allied to the pattern of growth that gives its
quality, a garden plant will embody the nature of this remedy state. It often grows strongly
in an old cottage garden.
Britain
Wild red honeysuckles, though uncommon, can be found in woodlands and hedges in south-
east England.
Honeysuckle details
Latin Name:Lonicera caprifolium
Emotional response:Living in the past
Method:Boiling
Honeysuckle - Form and Function
Nora quoted Dr Bach as saying of Honeysuckle:

This is the remedy to remove from the mind the regrets and sorrows of the past, to
counteract all influences, all wishes and desires of the past and to bring us back to the
present….
It is rather as if Pine had pushed Bach back towards childhood to re-evaluate family
involvements and mentally, he had become stuck there – and so needed Honeysuckle to get
back to the present.
Honeysuckle also links to Clematis. This is the way of it: Clematis looks to the future,
dreaming of better times to come, Honeysuckle dreams of the past and does not expect
such happiness again. In a letter, written July 1st 1935, about the time that Honeysuckle was
found, Edward Bach wrote:
The prescription of these new remedies is going to be much more simple than at first
appeared, because each of them corresponds to one of the Twelve Healers or the Seven
Helpers.
For example: supposing a case is definitely Clematis and does fairly well but not a complete
cure, give the corresponding new remedy further to help the cure.
Crucially, he did not leave us with the full information as to which of the new remedies
corresponded with which of the old. ‘Enclosed a list of those already worked out’, he wrote
in the same letter, ‘the rest we shall receive in due time’….
The remedies Clematis and Honeysuckle are like the two faces of the god Janus – one
looking forward to the New Year, the other looking to the old – after whom January is
named. Significantly, Lonicera caprifolium, which is Bach’s Honeysuckle, begins to break into
leaf in December-January, when the sun is in the constellation of Capricorn. True,
caprifolium is derived from the Latin capri, ‘of goats’, and this is followed in French by
‘Chevre-feuille’, the German ‘Geisblatt’ and in Italian ‘Capri-foglio’. But apart from goats
having an appetite for young leaves at any time of year, caper the goat, takes us nowhere.
However, the astrological sign Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, slow planet of memories and old
age, does have a mythology and symbolism which speaks of Honeysuckle’s link to the past.
Yet, caprifolium is only a name after all.
HORNBEAM
For those who feel that they have not sufficient strength... to carry the burden of life placed
upon them....
Indication
For those who feel that they have not sufficient strength, mentally or physically, to carry the
burden of life placed upon them; the affairs of everyday seem too much for them to
accomplish, though they generally succeed in fulfilling their task. For those who believe that
some part, of mind or body, needs to be strengthened before they can easily fulfil their
work. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
Thus every moment of our work and play will bring with it a zeal for learning, a desire to
experience real things, real adventures and deeds worth-while…[Bach: Collected Writings]
Emotional State
For a temporary state of mental/physical tiredness when a lack of energy causes loss of
interest, weariness and inability to cope with mundane affairs. Good for convalescents who
feel unable to return to work though perfectly fit. Symptoms are predominant fatigue,
lassitude, inclination to lie in bed in mornings, feel they cannot face the burden of the day.
Habitat
General
Hornbeam grows in woods and hedges, and is often coppiced or pollarded.
Britain
Hornbeam grows wild only in south-east England; elsewhere in Britain it is planted. It is
found throughout the Home Counties (around London) especially in Hertfordshire and in
Epping and Hainault Forest. Bach found it growing in the Thames Valley.
Hornbeam details
Latin Name:Carpinus betulus
Emotional response:Mental or physical tiredness
Method:Boiling
Hornbeam - Form and Function
Male and female flowers are found on the same tree. The male catkin is showy and appears
a little before the leaves are fully open. The females are very inconspicuous, looking like
unfolding leaf-buds at the end of the twigs. But when pollinated two small red styles
protrude. The seed is a nut that is carried by a three-winged bract that acts as a sail. It flies
like a helicopter and may be blown up to 100 yards (92 ms) from the tree before coming to
rest. Like Clematis the fruits stay on the tree well into the winter. There is a parallel here in
the need for the Hornbeam person to get down into life, to get deeply involved with the
world around them. The wing of the seed is emblematic of the tendency to remain detached
from the earth.
Hornbeam is one of those remedies that needs to be taken if we are to fully appreciate the
quality of the emotional state. Then we can feel the difference. People can become so
habituated to the Hornbeam feeling that ‘the affairs of everyday seem too much for them to
accomplish…’. Lethargy creeps up upon us. The sudden flowering of the Hornbeam, like the
remedy, brings a sudden access of strength and determination. We feel the gears engage
(like the cogs of the mill of the mind) and become active and purposeful once more.
IMPATIENS
Those who are quick in thought and action and wish all things to be done without hesitation
or delay...
One of Bach's original twelve healers prepared by the sun method and one of the Five
Flower essence combination.
Indication
Those who are quick in thought and action and wish all things to be done without hesitation
or delay. When ill they are anxious for a hasty recovery. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other
Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
You are striving for exquisite gentleness and forgiveness, and that beautiful mauve flower,
Impatiens, which grows along the sides of some Welsh streams, will, with its blessing, help
you along the road. [Bach]
State of Being
At all times when there is impatience. Impatient with themselves, wanting to hurry things,
wanting to do things quickly, wanting to get well at once, to be out and about again.
Impatient with others, irritable over little things, difficult to keep their temper. Cannot wait.
This state is common and often a good sign during convalescence, and the restfulness this
remedy brings hastens recovery. There is often impatience in severe pain and so Impatiens
is of great value at those times to relieve the pain and calm the patient.
[Bach]
Combinations
Impatiens is in Five Flower and Five Flower Natural Cream and also Rest combination.
Habitat
General
Impatiens grows along the banks of streams and rivers, the seeds travelling in the water. It
will grow in full light or shade and accepts varying soils, unless markedly acid. It prefers
damp ground. Frost sensitivity may be a limiting factor in its distribution outside of its native
land.
Britain
Impatiens is found throughout Britain.
Impatiens details
Latin Name:Impatiens glandulifera
Failing:Impatient
Personality:Irritable
Virtue:Forgiveness
Method:Sun
Impatiens - Form and Function
Now, a strange thing happens with the Impatiens plant. When the pods are ripe the seeds
are shot away from the plant with an explosive force, like bullets from a gun. You can
experience this if you touch the pods or if any movement nearby triggers them. The sides of
the pod break open, drawing back like a coiled spring, and all with such force (action and
reaction being equal and opposite) that the seeds can be fired several yards. You hear them
splattering like lead shot on to the leaves nearby.
This explosive tension is very illustrative of the Impatiens type. Remember Victor Bullen’s
comment on Dr Bach - ‘quick to anger, but quickly over’? This is the sparky irritability of the
Impatiens which shows itself in unexpected outbursts of energy. Clairvoyants who see
auras, the colourful energy fields that surround the physical body, speak of the constant
sparky explosions of irritation and tension that we see in such people: small bursts of fire
which accompany the irritation of ‘…tschk! Oh for goodness sake! If you can’t do it properly
give it to me.’
LARCH
For those who do not consider themselves as good or capable as those around them....
Indication
For those who do not consider themselves as good or capable as those around them, who
expect failure, who feel they will never be a success, and so do not venture or make a strong
enough attempt to succeed. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
We chose the earthly occupation, and the external circumstances that will give us the best
opportunities of testing us to the full: we come with the full realization of our particular
work: we come with the unthinkable privilege of knowing that all our battles are won before
they are fought, that victory is certain before ever the test arrives, because we know that
we are children of the Creator, and as such are Divine, unconquerable and invincible. [Bach:
Collected Writings]
Emotional State
For those who lack confidence in themselves, they expect failure and feel they will never
succeed and so do not try hard enough, they are hesitant and procrastinate, succumb easily
and feel inferior. Their sense of failure makes them despondent though in fact they are
perfectly capable if they could persevere. Symptoms may include general depression and
this is often associated with impotence.
Combinations
Larch is in Exam combination.
Habitat
General
Larch was brought to England in the early seventeenth century from the mountain regions
of central Europe. There it was adapted to a brief summer growing period and harsh
winters. It is a native of the tundra where winter temperatures freeze the ground so no
water can be taken up into the trees; they must shed their leaves to survive.
Britain
Larch is not a native of Britain but has been widely planted, especially as a plantation tree
for commercial purposes. It is a native of the mountains of Europe, introduced to Britain
about 1620.
Larch details
Latin Name:Larix decidua
Emotional response:Loss of confidence
Method:Boiling
Larch - Form and Function
The Larch condition is not something that we are born with. It is not integral to the soul.
Rather it grows up as a response to trauma of some kind, a response to a particular setback.
We have an accident and subsequently lose confidence in ourselves and what we want to
do. Larch is there for those who have engaged with life, taken a knock and subsequently feel
defeated. Larch calls for us to make the attempt, even if we feel that we are likely to fail.
Bach describes this situation by saying that these are people who ‘do not venture or make a
strong enough attempt to succeed’….
Larch is a pioneer species, it grows on the frontier where conditions are hostile: cold, wet,
poor soils. Only a tree with great determination can make it. The tree has developed a
strategy that allows it to wait for favourable conditions. But it is not just self-propagation
that is planned for. Because Larch is deciduous, dropping its leaves each year, it slowly
builds a nourishing loam on the ground. It is a tree that helps to build soil; this is said to be
because it puts in calcium. Most conifers poison the earth with acidity. Larch has leaves that
rot more quickly and is ‘by far the best improver of heath or moor pasturage known in this
country’. This is success for the tree and then success for the land use thereafter. When we
overcome a tendency to expect failure and act with determination and success we
contribute strongly to the evolving consciousness of life on earth.
MIMULUS
Fear of worldly things, illness, pain, accidents, poverty, of dark, of being alone, of
misfortune....
Indication
Fear of worldly things, illness, pain, accidents, poverty, of dark, of being alone, of
misfortune. The fears of everyday life. These people quietly and secretly bear their dread,
they do not speak freely of it to others. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
Fear in reality holds no place in the natural human kingdom, since the Divinity within us,
which is ourself, is unconquerable and immortal, and if we could but realise it we, as
Children of God, have nothing of which to be afraid. [Bach]
State of Being
To combat all fear. Fear of disease, of accidents, of unknown things. Fear of people, of
relatives, of strangers, of crowds, of noise, of talking or of being questioned, of being alone.
Fear of damp, of cold, of heat, of the dark. Fear of complications in illness, or of being
incurable. [Bach]
Habitat
General
Mimulus grows on wet ground. Found naturally in the west of North America in damp places
from sea level to over 3000m in the Rockies and other mountains. It is very variable.
Britain
Mimulus is now naturalised and grows on watercourses throughout Britain. But it is
becoming more local as it will not tolerate the chemical pollution that washes into most
streams and rivers from farmland. Where Bach found Mimulus ‘growing to perfection’ along
the River Usk it is now little in evidence. He spoke of ‘crystal streams where the water is
clear’- they are now a rarity in lowland Britain.
Mimulus details
Latin Name:Mimulus guttatus
Emotional GroupFear
Failing:Fearful
Personality:Nervous fear
Virtue:Sympathy
Method:Sun
Mimulus - Form and Function
In his earliest description, Bach spoke of Mimulus types as having ‘a marked desire for
quietness, aversion to talking and to being questioned’. Later he mentioned ‘fear
of…crowds, of noise, of talking of being alone’. This has been extended to indicate a
generally nervous disposition and a desire for tranquillity. Mimulus people are
hypersensitive to their environment, and avoid conflict. Their delicacy and sensitivity lead
them to shy away from the rough and tumble of life. We might picture a child covering its
ears and running away from fireworks, seeking protection.They are delicate flowers we
might say. Yet here we have a plant which lives in mountain streams, often overhanging the
water, on the edge of rocks, or tumbling down a rock face. Perhaps it is driven to the edge.
As much as anything it is this fact that Mimulus lives dangerously which speaks of the inner
nature of the plant. Other plants, with less of a firm hold on life, might be swept away by
the flooding stream in winter. Other plants choose to live securely in the hedge or shelter
safely at the edge of a wood; not Mimulus. It can be found clinging, precariously to a ledge
in the water-shoot of a mill wheel, where the driving force of the millstream pours
constantly across its roots, splashing the stems and flowers. The roaring of the cascade ever
present. Or it grows next to a limestone swallow-hole, where the water plunges into the
ground.
Buffeted by such a flood, then by wind and rain, the stems can be broken and bruised.
MUSTARD
Those who are liable to times of gloom...
Indication
Those who are liable to times of gloom, or even despair, as though a cold dark cloud
overshadowed them and hid the light and the joy of life. It may not be possible to give any
reason or explanation for such attacks. Under these conditions it is almost impossible to
appear happy or cheerful. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
In all things cheerfulness should be encouraged, and we should refuse to be oppressed by

doubt and depression, but remember that such are not of ourselves, for our Souls know
only joy and happiness. [Bach: Collected Writings]
Emotional State
For depression that comes for no apparent reason from an unknown cause, gloom, deep
sadness, melancholy, usually serious people who feel that they suffer periodic affliction
from a malefic star. Depression is intense and cannot be alleviated until it lifts as
unexpectedly as it came. All joy and peace is driven out of life for the duration. [Barnard:
Guide to the Bach Flower Remedies]
Habitat
General
Mustard is most commonly found on the verges of new roads. It avoids acid soils.
Britain
Mustard is a common weed on arable land throughout Britain causing considerable
problems for farmers; consequently it is being cut, sprayed and generally attacked. But since
it reappears every time the soil is disturbed it is not too difficult to find.
Mustard details
Latin Name:Sinapis arvensis
Emotional response:Depression
Method:Boiling
Mustard - Form and Function
As an emotional state Mustard is a kind of depression which waits, unseen, for an

opportunity to surface. Its origins will have been in the past, buried deeply, even beyond
memory. By looking at the natural history of the plant we can conclude two things about
this. One, that the darkness which clouds the ‘light and joy of life’ comes from within the
earth; it is born of past experiences, karma if you will, which the individual carries as
unresolved material, the un-germinated seeds. To use another analogy, it is like the
psychological baggage many of us carry, filled with we know not what. The second point is
this: the Mustard plants only develop at a time when the field is left empty, the soil bare.
The Mustard state follows disturbance of the settled pattern of life (ploughing) and only
takes root in the mind because there is some inactivity in the will (an empty field). It is for
this reason that Mustard is alongside Honeysuckle and Wild Rose in the sequence of
discovery – Nora Weeks puts Mustard there and so did Bach, in the group for Not Sufficient
Interest in Present Circumstances.
Mustard, then, is an opportunist pattern of interference, a form of possession, which takes

up residence only because of the weakness of the host. This idea is hinted at by some
writers who speak of dark forces overshadowing the soul, of separation and a fall from
grace. The image of an empty, ploughed field or even upturned earth, invites such thoughts.
There is something unnatural about land devoid of all plants and today, when farmers spray
fields with weed-killer, before planting and ploughing, we must wonder as to the effect on
the psyche of the planet. Eradicate all plants from a field and what will then enter? The
psyche of the planet may be too abstruse a concept but the complex relationships of plant
to earth, of biodiversity and subtlety in thought are the very things forced under by the
bulldozer of materialism. The farmer increases his yield at harvest by removing unwanted
competition from weeds: charlock hardly grows in arable land today. But does its extinction
as a species leave us less protected from the ‘cold, dark clouds’ of depression?
OAK
For those who are struggling and fighting strongly to get well....
One of Bach’s Seven Healers prepared by the sun method.
Indication
For those who are struggling and fighting strongly to get well, or in connection with the
affairs of their daily life. They will go on trying one thing after another, though their case
may seem hopeless. They will fight on. They are discontented with themselves if illness
interferes with their duties or helping others. They are brave people, fighting against great
difficulties, without loss of hope or effort. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
Our whole object is to realise our faults, and endeavour so to develop the opposing virtue
that the faults will disappear from us like snow melts in the sunshine. Don’t fight your
worries: don’t struggle with your disease: don’t grapple with your infirmities: rather forget
them in concentrating on the development of the virtue you require. [Bach]
Chronic Conditions
Oak is for the type of people who, although they feel hopeless of any cure, still struggle and
are irritated that they are ill. These people have physical diseases which tend to go on for
years and, although they feel quite hopeless about themselves, they still go on trying and
struggling. The illnesses of this type are where much balance is lost, mental and physical.
Mental, such as severe nervous breakdowns, or such types of insanity which can be
described as completely unbalanced (where there is great loss of control); and the same in
the bodily state, where the patient loses control over parts of the body or its functions.
[Bach]
Habitat
General
The oak grows on neutral or lime-rich heavy clays and loams.
Britain
Oaks are native to Britain and grow throughout the country. Sessile Oaks predominate in
the north and west on the poorer soils while Q. robur is more common in the south- east of
the country. It is one of the most common native woodland trees.
Oak details
Latin Name:Quercus robur
Group:Seven Helpers
Chronic condition:Persevering
Method:Sun
Oak - Form and Function
It is fashionable to look upon the pattern of growth as an expression of the selfish gene, to
see any characteristic as being evolved to further the selfish prospects of the individual
species. With Oaks such an idea does not square with reality; functionalism is given the lie
by this tree which adapts its behaviour to help others rather than oppose them. True the
jays bury the acorns, just as do the squirrels and mice and in that they do a service to the
Oak but this illustrates cooperation and not a selfish cunning. The same is true of other
relationships throughout nature. The blue tit builds its nest in a hole in the Oak tree and
then gathers the nearby insects to feed its young. The relationship between bird, food and
nest is clear enough but the advantage does not accrue to the Oak, rather to life at large.
….At the end of it all we can look at the Oak tree and ask ourselves what was it that Bach
saw and felt in you that gave a clue to this remedy state? These are people, he said, ‘who
are struggling and fighting to get well…they will fight on…they are brave people, fighting
against great difficulties.’ That is the Oak. It is the Oak tree and the Oak person: the gesture
of the tree corresponds to the gesture of the emotional state. The emotional state
corresponds to the tree. Those who take the remedy do not gain in strength and
determination. They gain in understanding and that allows them to look afresh at the
chronic life difficulty that they face. They begin to see a new way to grow.
OLIVE
Those who have suffered much mentally or physically....
Indication
Those who have suffered much mentally or physically and are so exhausted and weary that
they feel that they have no more strength to make any effort. Daily life is hard work for
them, without pleasure. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
We each have a Divine mission in this world, and so our souls use our minds and bodies as
instruments to do this work, so that when all three are working in unison the result is
perfect health and perfect happiness. [Bach]
Chronic Conditions
For those who are pale, worn-out and exhausted, perhaps after much worry, illness, grief, or
some long struggle. In every way they are very tired and feel as if they had no more strength
to fight on, and at times hardly know how to keep going. They may depend very much upon
others for help. In some, the skin is very dry and may be wrinkled. [Bach]
Habitat
General
Olive trees are native to the Mediterranean. Any country where wild olive trees are found
can serve as a place to make the remedy essence– Bach mentioned Italy. Commercial olive
groves, which overwork the land, are not suitable. It is better to go into the mountains.
Where there is a great variety of wild flowers you have the assurance of healthy and strong
land.
Britain
The remedy essence is not made in Britain. Here it will grow in a sunny position but in mild
areas only.
Olive details
Latin Name:Olea europaea
Group:Seven Helpers
Chronic condition:Exhaustion
Method:Sun
Olive - Form and Function
In the Mediterranean, wild vines grow in the cooler shade of any small valley or seasonal
water-course but olives grow on the open hillside. Here they are exposed to the full force of
the sun. It is this burning dryness that the olive trees can withstand, indeed they love the
intensity of the light and crave the warm of the sun. To obtain moisture in a dry land the
olive tree has an enormous and wide-spreading root structure that can extend far beyond
the canopy of the tree: the reason that they are set well apart within a grove. Wide spacing
also allows the maximum light to reach all parts of the tree. The leaf is narrow, a slender
ovate form, dark above and pale grey beneath: the dark absorbs light and heat whilst the
white-grey reflects. The two-tones allow for the regulation of absorbed light as the curved
stalk rotates the leaf to moderate the effects of temperature so that in high summer some
of the leaves move to face into the stem. This gives a shimmering effect of light and dark. As
the leaves alternately absorb and reflect light there is a dynamo effect of building energy
within the tree. Stand or sit beneath an olive tree on a hot summer day and you will feel the
refreshing coolness of the shade but you may also enjoy the benefits of the stored energy
that pulses with vitality within the tree.
Olive trees have provided useful products for mankind since the beginning of recorded
history: as food, as oil for cooking, preserving, for lights, as cosmetics, medicine and as
useful wood in building and ornamentation. All this has given them a central place within
society. Consequently there are strong traditions that surround the olive and its
cultivation…. Job may have had the olive in mind when he lamented the short life for ‘man
that is born of woman’ and compared it to a tree:
For there is hope for a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that its shoots will
not cease. Though its roots grow old in the earth and its stump die in the ground, yet at the
scent of water it will bud and put forth branches like a young plant.
There is also the reference in Psalm 128 which calls for a blessing from the Lord:
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.
Both quotations allude to the capacity of the olive for regeneration, sending up young
shoots (children) from the table of the cut stump. The olive tree links the experiences of
exhaustion, life, apparent death and regeneration.
PINE
For those who blame themselves...
One of Bach’s second 19 remedies. Prepared by the boiling method
Indication
For those who blame themselves. Even when successful they think they could have done
better, and are never content with their efforts or the results. They are hard-working and
suffer much from the faults they attach to themselves. Sometimes if there is any mistake it
is due to another, but they will claim responsibility even for that. [Bach: Twelve Healers and
Affirmation
Health is, therefore, the true realisation of what we are: we are perfect: we are the children
of God. There is no striving to gain what we have already attained. We are merely here to
manifest in material form the perfection with which we have been endowed from the
beginning of all time. [Bach: Collected Writings]
Emotional State
For self-reproach, guilt, those who blame themselves, self-condemnation, often assuming
responsibility for a situation that is not their fault. They are discontented and critical of
themselves, over-conscientious, apologetic and over-humble. The constant effort they make
to improve themselves may lead to tiredness and depression. Helps to alleviate any feelings
of guilt. [Barnard: Guide to the Bach Flower Remedies]
Habitat
General
Scots Pine is a native of woodlands on acid soils in the Scottish Highlands, but is widely
planted and regenerates from self-sown seed elsewhere.
Britain
Pines grow throughout Britain, often on the poorer thin soils, on gravel and greensand.
Pine details
Latin Name:Pinus sylvestris
Emotional response:Self-blame
Method:Boiling
Pine Form and Function
Pine is an emotional condition which develops over time. Like a mole it burrows out of sight,
reappearing unexpectedly. Or, as with certain traumatic events, it remains buried in
memory only to surface years later. This time delay can be seen in the process of pollination
and growth of the seed. While the flowers of Red and White Chestnut change colour almost
immediately, to signal fertilisation, Pine has a prolonged period of incubation during which
the seed embryo develops. The process is complex. It takes nearly a year for the male pollen
grain and the female ovule to fully mature inside a cone and for fertilisation to occur. During
this time cones remain outwardly unchanged; in January or February they are still the small
brown knobs, seen last summer, bending over at the end of the shoots. When spring arrives
a new shoot will grow upwards and produce flowers. Meanwhile the cone, now sitting
under the branch, swells and begins to form seeds, internally. These will not be ready until
the following spring, however, when the cone is two years old. It is for this reason that we
can see three stages of cone growth on a branch, together: the female flower, the immature
cone of last year and the ripe cone of the year before. It is a picture of successive
generations: grandparent, parent and child….
Clearly Pine is a complex remedy state. It involves more than guilt and self-blame. It
contains a personal life story for the individual, parts of which may be hidden or suppressed.
Pine helps to establish way-markers in the biography or life journey, like the hilltop clumps
of trees which are prominent in a landscape. Acting within the detail of our feelings Pine
also helps to straighten out tangled and confused emotions – just as Pine’s needle-leaves
are narrow and straight. The leaves are similar to those of Larch and offer the same thought
of needing to clarify and reassess self-worth. But Pine, being an evergreen, keeps its leaves
through the winter, hanging on to the past. Each year some new leaves appear with the new
shoots which also bear flowers – the older leaves fall after three or four years. The dark red
female flowers, so strong and upright at first, bend around through 90° during the summer.
Later they continue to turn and face downwards towards the ground as the cone develops.
It is an expression of turning again to look at the past, the experience of your life on earth.
RED CHESTNUT
For those who find it difficult not to be anxious for other people...
Indication
For those who find it difficult not to be anxious for other people. Often they have ceased to
worry about themselves, but for those of whom they are fond they may suffer much,
frequently anticipating some unfortunate thing may to happen to them. [Bach: Twelve
Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
Everyone of us also has sympathy with those in distress, and naturally so, because we have
all been in distress ourselves at some time in our lives. So that not only can we heal
ourselves, but we have the great privilege of being able to help others to heal themselves,
and the only qualifications necessary are love and sympathy. [Bach: Collected Writings]
Emotional State
For those who find it difficult not to be anxious for other people, anticipate trouble, imagine
the worst, worry over other’s troubles, over-concern for problems of the world, fear that a
small complaint of another will become a serious problem, project anxiety. [Barnard: Guide
to the Bach Flower Remedies]
Habitat
General
Red Chestnut trees were created as a hybrid. They are found in gardens worldwide and are
often planted in avenues and groups where they may show off their colour to advantage.
They grow in medium shade, rarely wild.
Britain
Red Chestnut trees are generally found throughout Britain in parks and avenues.
Red Chestnut details
Latin Name:Aesculus carnea
Emotional GroupFear
Emotional response:Imagining the worst
Method:Boiling
Red Chestnut - Form and Function
Bach described the Red Chestnut state as ‘for those who find it difficult not to be anxious for
other people’. The story goes that he was doing some work in the garden at Mount Vernon,
when he cut himself. According to Nora Weeks’ account he was chopping wood – though we
might wonder what he was doing chopping wood at the end of May – when the axe slipped
and he ‘gashed his wrist’. He was in shock and given first aid but, although ‘pale and shaky
and almost fainting from loss of blood’, it was the reaction of Nora and friends which
claimed Bach’s attention. He felt that their fear and anxiety at his condition made matters
worse. Nora noted that at this time, so acute was his sensitivity, Bach experienced any
worry, depression or fear in other people as an ‘actual physical hurt’. Feeling the worry of
his friends, he declared that he had just experienced the emotional state for his next
remedy: Red Chestnut’s fear for the safety of others. A day or two later he found the
flowers and made a mother tincture by the boiling method.
The story of Red Chestnut led Nora Weeks to conclude that we are all susceptible to the
influence of other people’s thoughts, for good or ill. Negative thoughts, even if unexpressed,
have a powerful impact. Thoughts for safety, health and success, likewise. So the connection
between Red and White Chestnut is here in the process of thinking: how to break or change
the pattern of thought. Not surprisingly, therefore, the gesture of the two types of tree is
similar. They have the same structure of trunk and branches, the same flaky bark, similar
buds, similar leaves. But there are distinct differences. In all respects a Red Chestnut tree is
less robust, more liable to disease and damage. The seeds are much smaller, the casing
smooth and often empty – no valuable conkers here! The strength of the remedy comes
more from the power in the colour of the flowers.
ROCK ROSE
Called by Dr Bach the rescue remedy. The remedy of emergency for cases where there even
appears no hope....
One of Bach’s original twelve healers prepared by the sun method and one of the Five
Flower essence combination.
Indication
The rescue remedy. The remedy of emergency for cases where there even appears no hope.
In accidents or sudden illness, or when the patient is very frightened or terrified, or if the
condition is serious enough to cause great fear to those around. If the patient is not
conscious the lips may be moistened with the remedy. Other remedies in addition may also
be required, as, if there is unconsciousness, which is a deep, sleepy state, Clematis; if there
is torture, Agrimony, and so on. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
All fear must be cast out; it should never exist in the human mind, and is only possible when
we lose sight of our Divinity. It is foreign to us because as Sons of the Creator, Sparks of the
Divine Life, we are invincible, indestructible and unconquerable. [Bach]
State of Being
This is the rescue remedy. In cases of urgency and danger. Whenever things are desperate.
In all cases of danger of life. When the patient is terrified or in a panic. In cases when all
hope is lost. When there is danger to the mind, of threatened suicide or insanity, or nervous
breakdown, fear of death or hopeless depression. [Bach]
Combinations
Rock Rose is in Five Flower and Five Flower Natural Cream combination.
Habitat
General
The Rock Rose is uncommon, native to the Mediterranean area. It can grow up to an
altitude of 500m.
Britain
Rock Rose is found in southern England in upland pastures on dry, rocky soils, generally on
chalk.
Rock Rose details
Latin Name:Helianthemum nummularium
Emotional GroupFear
Failing:Terrified
Personality:Terrified
Virtue:Courage
Method:Sun
Rock Rose - Form and Function
We might wonder how terror can be one of the ‘twelve primary types of personality’.
Indeed, among the majority of people using Bach’s remedies today Rock Rose is seen as only
a treatment for acute fear, panic or distress (he called it ‘the rescue remedy’). While it does
work in that way it also has a deeper resonance with a certain type of person: one who lives
life mutely under the intense pressure of fear. It is a particular kind of fear, however, not the
nervous fear of Mimulus but rather a deeply hidden fear of life itself. Being hidden it is
perhaps hard for others to recognise. Like the secrets of the twelfth house in astrology the
Rock Rose secret is not apparent to the outer world. Only those who resonate with the blind
panic of the Rock Rose soul will recognise its quality.
Rock Rose has had a variety of Latin names but is now generally called Helianthemum
nummularium, the flower of the sun, like gold coins. The golden-yellow flowers are round
and flat, lying on the ground like scattered gold pieces that have fallen among the grass. The
five-petalled flowers are notably frail with an appearance like that of creased silk or
crumpled tissue paper. They last only for a day and the petals quickly fall. It is the extreme
delicacy of the petals that shows the tenuous, febrile nature of the type who have such a
loose grip upon life – Bach says that this is the remedy to use when there is an accident,
emergency or intense fear in both the patient and the people around. The soul type lives
with such a fear throughout the life. The strength and hope comes from the golden light of
the sun, which is reflected in the golden light of the flowers, they brings courage, fortitude
and the brave will to win.
ROCK WATER
Those who are very strict in their way of living....
One of Bach’s Seven Helpers, prepared by the sun method.
Indication
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. They are hard
masters to themselves. They wish to be well strong and active, and will do anything which
they believe will keep them so. They hope to examples which will appeal to others who may
then follow their ideas and be better as a result. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies
1936]
Affirmation
This remedy brings great peace and understanding, broadens the outlook that all people
must find perfection in their own individual way, and brings the realisation of ‘being’ and
not ‘doing’; of being in ourselves a reflection of Great Things and not attempting to put
forward our own ideas. [Bach]
Chronic Conditions
These people are people of ideals. They have very strong opinions about religion or politics,
or reform. Well-meaning enough and wishing to see the world different and better, they
tend to confine their efforts of help to criticism instead of example. They allow their minds
and largely their lives to be ruled by their theories. Any failure to make others follow their
ideas brings them much unhappiness. They want to plan the world according to their own
outlook, instead of quietly and gently doing a little in the Great Plan. [Bach]
Habitat
Source
Any well or spring which has been known to be a healing centre and which is still left free in
its natural state, unhampered by the shrines of man, may be used. Sites where the water
has been channelled or controlled should be avoided. The source should be protected by
natural forces but unfettered by man.
Rock Water details
Latin Name:Aqua
Group:Seven Helpers
Chronic condition:Strict idealist
Method:Sun
Rock Water - Form and Function
Rock Water is not a flower remedy in the strict sense of the phrase: it is not made from
flowers. Rock Water, said Bach, should be taken from any well or spring ‘which has been
known to be a healing centre and which is still left free in its natural state, unhampered by
the shrines of man’. Later he modifies ‘healing centre’ to having had ‘healing power’. Water
from the spring is taken in a thin glass bowl and set down nearby so that it may receive
clear, uninterrupted sunshine. That’s it, that’s all. The water is cold and condensation
immediately forms on the outside glass. After some time the condensation clears as the
water in the bowl warms and later the familiar bubbles appear and the winking, spectral
colours grow stronger until the essence is made. Bach said this remedy only needed about
half an hour although Nora Weeks speaks of three hours: she erred on the side of caution.
Rockwater is for idealists who ‘have very strong opinions about religion, or politics, or
reform’. They are ruled by theories, are disapproving, critical and strict ‘and so lose much of
the joy of life’. They want to lead by example but end up giving themselves and everybody
else a hard time. Was this Bach’s perception of himself at this time? Certainly much of his
writing has a kind of passionate idealism and we might suppose that he found the
Rockwater remedy by the same process of sympathetic resonance that applied to
Impatiens; significantly he mentions the severity of ‘the inquisitor’ in relation to both.
SCLERANTHUS
Those who suffer much from being unable to decide between two things....
Indication
Those who suffer much from being unable to decide between two things, first one seeming
right then the other. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
Instability can be eradicated by the development of self-determination, by making up the

mind and doing things with a definiteness instead of wavering and hovering. Even if at first
we may sometimes make errors, it were better to act than to let opportunities pass for want
of a decision. Determination will soon grow; fear of plunging into life will disappear, and the
experiences gained will guide our mind to better judgement. [Bach]
State of Being
Those who are unable to make up their minds as to what they want, first one thing seems
right and then another. Their wishes, like their bodily symptoms, seem to come and go. If
they have temperatures these swing up and down. They are undetermined and unable to
decide quickly or definitely, and their decisions quickly change. Uncertainty of bodily
actions, giddiness, shaking, jerky uncontrolled movements, unsteady walking. Their moods
change quickly, first cheery then depressed. Their conversation may rapidly jump from one
subject to another. [Bach]
Habitat
General
Scleranthus grows on sandy soil (not calcareous), in dry, or well drained conditions. Bach
and the authors of some early Floras list it as common, notably in cornfields. But with
modern agricultural practices it has become quite scarce and being small it is difficult to find
in any case. It will be found growing on uncultivated land where natural grazing has broken
the surface of the ground. This may be done by rabbits, who also like sandy soil for their
burrows!
Britain
Scleranthus is rare in Britain, found mostly in England on loam and sand soils.
Scleranthus details
Latin Name:Scleranthus annuus
Failing:Full of indecision
Personality:Indecision
Virtue:Steadfastness
Method:Sun
Scleranthus - Form and Function
One of the smallest of the Bach flowers, Scleranthus hugs the ground, a tangle of green
stems, leaves and flowers that is of so little significance and stature that we might easily
overlook it. To those of us who know what we want, what we want for breakfast or what we
want to do with our lives, this soul condition of indecision may seem of little significance as
well. But there are those who suffer, silently according to Bach’s observation, ‘unable to
decide between two things, first one seeming right then the other’. This alternating energy
leaves them powerless to act, trapped in an oscillation between left and right, up and down,
good and bad, between any polarity of choice. This state of mind paralyses the will and
prevents the individual from moving, from acting in life.
Looking back at some of the earlier remedies we might draw a contrast with Impatiens, or
Vervain. Here the gesture, of both the plant and the person, speaks of an active will driven
by a soul who knows what it wants to do in life. It is portrayed in the upright stature of the
plant, its main stem vertical and strong, growing in a clear direction, like a tall tree. This is in
contrast to the languid, clambering gesture of the Clematis and the loose, shrubby form of
Cerato. These two lack the definition of the ‘I’ form, the upright stance of the fully
incarnated self. The same is true of Scleranthus which grows higgledy-piggledy, tumbling
over itself, without main stem, direction or apparent purpose. Mimulus, too, lacks this
upright form, draping itself across the rocks, falling out over the water.
STAR OF BETHLEHEM
For those in great distress under conditions which for a time produce great unhappiness...
One of Bach’s second 19 remedies and one of the Five Flower essence combination.
Prepared by the boiling method.
Indication
For those in great distress under conditions which for a time produce great unhappiness.
The shock of serious news, the loss of someone dear, the fright following an accident, and
such like. For those who for a time refuse to be consoled this remedy brings comfort. [Bach:
Twelve Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
…to remain in such a state of peace that the trials and disturbances of the world leave us
unruffled, is a great attainment indeed and brings to us that Peace which passeth
understanding; and though at first it may seem to be beyond our dreams, it is in reality, with
patience and perseverance, within the reach of us all. [Bach: Collected Writings]
Emotional State
For shock, grief, distress, for those who need consolation and comfort, for bad news, an
accident, a fright, a narrow escape, for delayed shock, to neutralize effects of any shock past
or present, even the shock of birth. [Barnard: Guide to the Bach Flower Remedies]
Combinations
Star of Bethlehem is in Five Flower and Five Flower Natural Cream combination.
Habitat
General
Star of Bethlehem grows in open grassland on drier soils.
Britain
Star of Bethlehem is not uncommon but is most likely to be found in the south and east of
England. Old flower books speak of it as being an introduced species to be found in cottage
gardens, though if it is not a native species it has generally naturalised.
Star of Bethlehem details
Latin Name:Ornitholagum umbellatum
Emotional response:Needing comfort from shock
Method:Boiling
Star of Bethlehem - Form and Function
It is not difficult to imagine that Bach would have occasion to need, or to see the need for,
such a remedy, although there is no record of any particular event that prompted its
discovery. Nor can we be sure that it came before or after Walnut and Holly in the
sequence. It flowers from April through to June, reaching a peak in mid-May. Star of
Bethlehem is one of the most significant remedies in the whole Bach system. It is a vital
ingredient in Bach’s five flower rescue combination. The action of the remedy brings
balance and calm when we are caught up in the swirling whirlpool of life trauma – just such
a picture as Leonardo drew. It is the geometry of the flowers that helps us to reassemble the
structure of our life when it has been tumbled and broken by shock.
The six-pointed star of this plant is unique among Bach’s flowers. The others are mostly five-
petalled, like the rose family (Crab Apple and Wild Rose) or four-petalled (like Mustard and
Holly). To see the significance of this, take a piece of paper and a pair of compasses; draw a
circle. This circle is one. It is a perfect construction, a line without beginning or end, symbol
of unity, complete in itself.
Place the point of the compasses upon the circumference of the circle, anywhere on the
circumference and using exactly the same setting (radius) draw another circle. The second
circle passes precisely through the centre of the first. One leads to both two and three since
there are now two circles and the area between where they overlap – that which joins
them. Where the second circle crosses the line of the first there are two more points on
which a circle may be drawn. Continue in this way and you will find, if the setting of the
compasses is maintained, that six circle fit precisely around the first.
SWEET CHESTNUT
For those moments which happen to some people when the anguish is so great as to seem
to be unendurable...
Indication
For those moments which happen to some people when the anguish is so great as to seem
to be unendurable. When the mind or body feels as if it had borne to the uttermost limit of
its endurance, and that now it must give way. When it seems there is nothing but
destruction and annihilation left to face. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
But in the darkest hours, and when success seems well-nigh impossible, let us ever
remember that God’s children should never be afraid, that our Souls only give us such tasks
as we are capable of accomplishing , and that with our own courage and faith in the Divinity
within us victory must come to all who continue to strive. [Bach: Collected Writings]
Emotional State
For a time of terrible anguish and despair when we are at uttermost limits of endurance,
there appears to be no light or love left in the world, nothing but destruction and
annihilation left to face, utter desolation, unable even to pray, the ‘dark night of the soul’.
Habitat
General
Sweet Chestnut prefers a light and well-drained soil (especially sand) but it is tolerant of
most conditions except for lime.
Britain
Sweet Chestnut grows in many parts of Britain although only in the south does it do well
and seed itself in the wild. Elsewhere specimens have been planted as ornaments in
parkland.
Sweet Chestnut details
Latin Name:Castanea sativa
Emotional response:Utter desolation
Method:Boiling
Sweet Chestnut - Form and Function
Each of the previous emotional states has its difficulty; each represents a particular pain or
problem to overcome. Combine the worst of all of them, amplifying the feeling to the
greatest intensity, and we arrive at the last of the 38 Bach flower remedies: Sweet Chestnut.
There can be no doubt but that Edward Bach himself felt great anguish. Nobody could
describe it succinctly without knowing, intimately, what the experience was:
…when the anguish is so great as to seem to be unbearable. When the mind or body feels as
if it had borne to the uttermost limit of its endurance, and that now it must give way.
Nora Weeks mentioned that Bach suffered from a ‘virulent rash which burned and irritated
incessantly’ throughout June and July but that was a small, outward, physical symptom of
the mental and spiritual distress with which he was struggling. The Sweet Chestnut state, he
wrote, is for ‘when it seems there is nothing but destruction and annihilation left to face’.
The very light of life has been extinguished: it has been called the dark night of the soul.
Many of the remedy plants have been described in terms of light (all plant life works to
mediate light on earth), and the theme of darkness and light most strongly characterises this
remedy. There is something subterranean about the Sweet Chestnut state, a depth of
feeling like the oppression of underground mines where sunlight never enters. Yet, even in
the darkest labyrinth there is a luminous thread of meaning which guides the soul, here that
thread is lost. The point has been made that overcoming difficulties leads to the evolution of
soul qualities and that remedies of the Second Nineteen are concerned with this process of
turning suffering into learning; and, that the boiling method, using fire from within the
earth, speaks of this transformation. So here, with the last of the boiling remedies, we
witness a final darkening of the light as soul-flame certainties are extinguished by
materiality and suffocation of the spirit.
VERVAIN
Those with fixed principles and ideas....
Indication
Those with fixed principles and ideas, which they are confident are right, and which they
very rarely change. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
We should strive to be so gentle, so quiet, so patiently helpful that we move among our
fellow men more as a breath of air or a ray of sunshine: ever ready to help them when they
ask: but never forcing them to our own views. [Bach]
State of Being
The strong-willed. Those who are intense of mind, who tend to over-exert themselves
mentally and physically. They refuse to be beaten and will carry on long after others would
have given in. They go their own way. They have fixed ideas and are very certain that they
know right. They may be obstinate in refusing treatment until compelled. They may be
carried away by their enthusiasm and cause themselves much strain. In all things tend to be
too serious and tense. Life is a very arduous thing for them. They have their own strong
views and sometimes wish to bring others to their point of view and are intolerant of the
opinions of others. They do not like to listen to advice. They are often people with big ideals
and ambitions for the good of humanity. [Bach]
Combinations
Vervain is in Rest combination.

Habitat
General
Vervain grows on bare, dry ground where grass is sparse. Hedges and roadside verges are
the most likely sites although the chemical sprays that were used on verges some years ago
destroyed many plants. Now it is found on recently cleared ground where competition is not
strong.
Britain
Vervain is rather local, growing mostly in southern England, especially on chalk.
Vervain details
Latin Name:Verbena officinalis
Failing:Intense
Personality:Fervent
Virtue:Tolerance
Method:Sun
Vervain - Form and Function
Vervain types are said to be strong willed and just as Dr Rudolf Steiner observed that the
human will is in the limbs so in the plant world we may say that the will is represented by
the stalk and the stem. So the will in Vervain is strong and directed, they know what they
want to do. Compare Scleranthus to see a contrast. In Vervain the stalk, while pliable and
soft at first becomes dry and woody. It is ribbed and more or less square in section, having
flat sides. This tough, ridged material is very strong and speaks of whipcord and sinew, the
stringy quality of determination. It is in contrast to the fleshy stems of Impatiens where the
water element is dominant and the stems collapse almost immediately when they are
damaged.
The flowers express the way that Vervain comes to the simplicity and elegance of doing
things ‘gently without strain and stress’. Pale mauve and five-petalled, like the Water Violet
Vervain flowers are as understated as the foliage is overgrown. Here the plant almost laughs
at itself for producing so little after so much effort. Like the oak tree the smallest flowers
come from the greatest strength. Looking at the mature plant in flower we can see the
subtle gesture of the Vervain as the little stars of light that create a picture of the electric
impulses of the brain, tiny explosions of energy that combine to create concept and
purpose.
VINE
Very capable people, certain of their own ability....
Indication
Very capable people, certain of their own ability, confident of success. Being so assured,
they think that it would be for the benefit of others if they could be persuaded to do things
as they themselves do, or as they are certain is right. Even in illness they will direct their
attendants. They may be of great value in emergency. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other
Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
If we set everybody and everything around us at liberty, we find that in return we are richer
in love and possessions than ever we were before, for that love that gives freedom is the
great love that binds the closer. [Bach]
Chronic Conditions
Those who are very particular. They are so sure that they know right, both for themselves
and for others, how things should be done that it makes them critical and exacting. They
wish for everything just in their own way, and give orders to those helping them. Even then
they are difficult to satisfy. [Bach]
Habitat
General
Wild and cultivated vines are found throughout the world where the climate is right.
Britain
Some cultivated vines grow with difficulty in England but they are not suitable.
Vine details
Latin Name:Vitis vinifera
Group:Seven Helpers
Chronic condition:Domineering
Method:Sun
Vine Form and Function
People in the Vine state, said Bach, are ‘sure that they know what is right, both for
themselves and for others….they wish for everything just in their own way.’ This is a
widespread condition, surely, where we try to control the world around us (as widespread
as grapes and wine, perhaps). We can observe this urge for dominance in the vineyard
where every other plant is eradicated and bare soil is measured out by the serried lines and
symmetry of planting. Wild vines run riot by comparison in a fluid growth of freely
expressed form: let it be, let it explore the life opportunity, that is the message. Vine people
‘give orders to those helping them’ and it is this domineering control that is damaging;
where Rockwater is strict with self, Vine is strict with others. Like the Rockwater remedy,
the Vine essence softens and gentles the heart; we can sense this in the softness of the Vine
flowers and the sweetness of their scent.
Vine flowers have no petals and this shows a lack of emotional sensitivity, there is a lack of
empathy towards other people and how they feel. When the buds open, the cap (calyptra)
is pushed off by the developing stamens beneath. Again the gesture is one of force and
pressure rather than the gentle receptive unfolding of other flowers. Yet the flowers lead to
fruits that are sweet and full of juice, carrying a generosity in a dry land. And, if as the
Gospels say ‘each tree is known by its fruit’ then vines are renowned for their flavour and
usefulness. Vine, therefore, is a story of almost violent contrasts.
WALNUT
For those who have definite ideals and ambitions in life...
Indication
For those who have definite ideals and ambitions in life and are fulfilling them, 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 gives constancy and
protection from outside influences. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
We must gain our freedom absolutely and completely, so that all we do, our every action –
nay even our every thought – derives its origin in ourselves, thus enabling us to live and give
freely of our own accord, and of our own accord alone. [Bach: Collected Writings]
Emotional State
For those who need protection from outside influences when the foundations of life are
unsettled during a major change in life – teething, puberty, starting a new
school/career/job, any fundamental alteration in mental, emotional or physical state. Helps
to break with the old and establish pattern of the new. Guards against anything which
interferes with the workings of normal life, protects those who are attacked by subtle
forces. Known as the link breaker. [Barnard: Guide to the Bach Flower Remedies]
Combinations
Walnut is in Rest combination.
Habitat
General
Walnuts are often found near old farmhouses, preferring rich soil and plenty of space in
which to grow.
Britain
Walnuts are not native to Britain but have traditionally been planted for the nut as well as
for timber. Walnuts are mostly found in the southern half of the country where the fruits
will ripen.
Walnut details
Latin Name:Juglans regia
Emotional response:Unsettled during life change
Method:Boiling
Walnut - Form and Function
Like Crab Apple this contains the idea that something has entered into the person that is
distorting or damaging to the life. Having cleared the poison out of the system Walnut is
there to close the door and make sure that it does not get back in. ‘This remedy’, he said,
‘gives constancy and protection from outside influences’. We are all subject to outside
influences whether through advertising, electro-magnetic signals, peer pressure or psychic
attack. The intent here was to so protect the person that they do not lose control of their
own soul’s purpose. Bach’s purpose at this time was to find these new remedies. That is
surely clear. So the prompt for Walnut was that something was interfering in his work.
For those who have definite ideals and ambitions in life and are fulfilling them, 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.
We can recognise Bach himself in the phrasing ‘definite ideals and ambitions in life’ – it
carries an echo of the Elm description, ‘doing good work and following their calling in life’.
And the temptation to be led away from his own ideas must have come from some specific
experience that he had. It is rather as though he came under the influence of a Vervain type,
someone convinced that they knew better. But it could equally be that he was experiencing
some more subtle form of psychic interference – ideas being put into his mind that were
subverting his own mental processes. The action of the Walnut remedy rebuilt the integrity
of Bach’s thinking so that he was once again clear as to his path and direction.
WATER VIOLET
For those who in health or illness like to be alone....
Indication
For those who in health or illness like to be alone. Very quiet people, who move about
without noise, speak little, and then gently. Very independent, capable and self-reliant.
Almost free of the opinions of others. They are aloof, leave people alone and go their own
way. Often clever and talented. Their peace and calmness is a blessing to those around
them. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
…you are learning to stand absolutely alone in the world, gaining the intense joy of
complete freedom, and therefore of perfect service to mankind. And when this is realised it
is no longer sacrifice but the exquisite joy of helpfulness even under all conditions. [Bach]
State of Being
These are very beautiful people in mind and often in body. They are gentle, quiet, very
refined and cultured and yet are masters of their fate and lead their lives with a quiet
determination and certainty. Like to be much alone. In illness they may be a little proud and
aloof and if so this reacts upon them. Even so, they are very brave and try to fight alone and
unaided and be of no anxiety or trouble to those around. They are brave souls indeed who
seem to know their work in life and do it with a quiet certain will. They do not often form
strong attachments even to those nearest them. They bear adversity and illness calmly,
quietly and bravely without complaint. [Bach]
Habitat
General
Water Violet grows in drainage ditches and other slow moving water. Many of its traditional
habitats have been destroyed- mechanical ditching has cleared the channels too efficiently,
many of the wetland fens have been drained by lowering the water table and various
chemicals pollute the dykes.
Britain
Water Violet is increasingly hard to find but in general terms it grows in the southern and
eastern counties of England.
Water Violet details
Latin Name:Hottonia palustris
Failing:Aloof
Personality:Isolated
Virtue:Joy
Method:Sun
Water Violet
The flowers are pale mauve, rather the same hue as the pale Impatiens and both are
remedies for loneliness. With a yellow centre the Water Violet flower points to self-
knowledge and the calm assurance of an unemotional understanding, it has knowledge of
life, a certain calm detachment. The stem is glabrous (smooth, without hairs) and we should
note a general lack of that responsive, emotional sensitivity found in Chicory.
Water Violet is unusual in the structure of the flowering stems. The flowers are arranged in
whorls around the stalk, like a coronet of lights that shine with a soft intensity. Three, five or
sometimes up to seven individual flowers open at the same time, while on the whorl above,
the buds are still developing. Six or seven rings of flowers will usually develop, depending
upon the weather in May and June. We can tell, at a glance, what stage this plant has
reached, reading off a clear calendar the stage of life development. This is in distinct
contrast to plants like Chicory or Cerato where, looking at a photograph, one would be hard
put to say whether the flowers were the first or even the last of the season. In its structure,
Water Violet demonstrates a clear and straightforward purpose in life.
WHITE CHESTNUT
For those who cannot prevent thoughts, ideas, arguments which they do not desire from
entering their minds...
One of Bach’s second 19 remedies. Prepared by the sun method.
Indication
For those who cannot prevent thoughts, ideas, arguments which they do not desire from
entering their minds. Usually at such times when the interest of the moment is not strong
enough to keep the mind full. Thoughts which worry and will remain, or if for a time thrown
out, will return. They seem to circle round and round and cause mental torture. The
presence of such unpleasant thoughts drives out peace and interferes with being able to
think only of the work or pleasure of the day. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies
1936]
Affirmation
…the perfect method of learning this is by calm thought and meditation, and by bringing
ourselves to such an atmosphere of peace that our Souls are able to speak to us through our
conscience and intuition and to guide us according to their wishes. [Bach: Collected
Writings]
Emotional State
For a pattern of thoughts which constantly repeats and gives no rest to the mind, continual
internal argument, worry and chatter, mental congestion. Thoughts circulate without
resolution, going over and over the same conflict, preoccupation that obstructs clarity, a
drama forever re-enacted in the mind and gives no rest. Symptoms may include tiredness,
insomnia, confusion, depression, guilt feelings, repetition of a topic in conversation, lack of
calmness, nervous worry, often causes headaches.
Combinations
White Chestnut is in both Rest and Exam combinations.

Habitat
General
Chestnut is tolerant of most soils and conditions but requires full light and space to grow. It
is generally seen as a planted tree in parkland and gardens.
Britain
The Horse Chestnut tree is a relative newcomer to the English countryside. (See Chestnut
Bud)
White Chestnut details
Latin Name:Aesculus hippocastanum
Emotional response:Mental congestion
Method:Sun
White Chestnut - Form and Function
Where Star of Bethlehem is needed to reassemble a pattern with clear lines of geometry
and structure, White Chestnut dispels a repeating pattern of thoughts. These thoughts, said
Bach, ‘seem to circle round and round and cause mental torture’. The link to Star of
Bethlehem can easily be seen if we imagine an accident and attendant shock. Star would
bring comfort and ease the trauma. But suppose, as often happens, we play and replay the
sequence of events within our mind, a tape recorder on an endless loop. Then we
experience the White Chestnut state: ‘thoughts which worry and will remain, or if for a time
thrown out, will return’.
The flowers of White Chestnut, Aesculus hippocastanum, lack any defined shape or design.
Single flowers, 30 – 40 of them, are held in a loose pyramid on a central stem. A complex
spiral of small side branches hold sets of two, three or four flowers. The effect is made more
irregular by the fact that on these smaller stalks the blooms open randomly through the
weeks of early summer. Bursts of varying intensity pulse through the massed light of the
flowering candles. Each single flower has five amorphous white petals, delicate and
beautiful, but uneven in form. The centre of each flower is splashed with yellow which
quickly turns to red upon pollination. Fringed with hairs, the petals grow larger as the bud
opens. The botanical form varies: some flowers are infertile – this helps to limit the number
of seeds once the first flowers are fertilised, setting a restraint upon the future generation.
In a perfect White Chestnut flower there are five sepals, five petals, seven stamens, one
pistil and a three-chambered ovary containing two rudimentary seeds. Another contrast
with the clear form of Star. The seven stamens are most prominent, curving out like tongues
from a mouth. Altogether the impression is one of change, movement and asymmetry. The
flowers are not disorderly but do not conform to a clear pattern or geometry.
WILD OAT
Those who have ambitions to do something of prominence in life....
Indication
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 take life to the full. Their
difficulty is to determine what occupation to follow; as although their ambitions are strong,
they have no calling which appeals to them above all others. This may cause delay and
dissatisfaction. [Bach: Twelve Healers and Other Remedies 1936]
Affirmation
Let us find one thing in life that attracts us most and do it. Let that one thing be so part of us
that it is as natural as breathing; as natural as it is for the bee to collect honey, and the tree
to shed its old leaves in autumn and bring forth new ones in the spring. If we study nature
we find that every creature, bird, tree and flower has its definite part to play, its own
definite and peculiar work through which it aids and enriches the entire Universe. [Bach:
Collected Writings]
Chronic Conditions
It is a remedy that may be needed by anyone, and in cases which do not respond to other
herbs, or even when it seems difficult to decide which to give, try this for at least a week.
If the patient does well, continue with it so long as they improve before changing to another
remedy.
Habitat
General
Wild Oat likes a moist soil and prefers a little shade. Look for it where mowers and grazing
animals cannot reach on steep banks and among the trees.
Britain
Wild Oat grows throughout the country on hedge-banks and along the edge of woodland.
Wild Oat details
Latin Name:Bromus ramosus
Group:Seven Helpers
Chronic condition:Lack of direction
Method:Sun
Wild Oat - Form and Function
Wild Oat is pivotal among the 38 as the only remedy that can help to orientate us towards
our true direction. At one point Dr Bach grouped the remedies in formation and put Wild
Oat in pole position. Another time he set all the remedies in a circle but placed Wild Oat at
the centre. If the different remedies so far discovered help us to understand our soul
lessons or to overcome chronic problems, then Wild Oat is there to help us, like a compass,
to rediscover our true path in life….
Nora Weeks’ account of Wild Oat and what Bach had in mind focussed on the need that we
have for ‘a definite purpose in life’. People are often bored, she says, or lack any real
interest in their lives, they do uncongenial work devoid of creativity and this saps strength
leading, inevitably, to ill health. In truth, Bach put it more strongly (as we can read in
Collected Writings, see particularly Free Thyself Chapter 6) and emphasised the need for
every individual to recognise and respond to their life purpose. This is the calling of the soul
to fulfil our potential and so to develop those innate qualities that we each possess so that
we become true human beings. Our challenge, says Bach, is that we may realise our
Divinity…for through that Divine Power all things are possible to us’. If the terminology
(Divine Power) is the obstruction then substitute ‘the power to dream’ for what we dream,
that we become.
WILD ROSE
Those who without apparently sufficient reason become resigned to all that happens...
Indication
Those who without apparently sufficient reason become resigned to all that happens, and
just glide through life, take it as it is, without any effort to improve things and find some joy.
They have surrendered to the struggle of life without complaint. [Bach: Twelve Healers and
Affirmation
Resignation, which makes one become merely an unobservant passenger on the journey of
life, opens the door to untold adverse influences which would never have an opportunity of
gaining admittance as long as our daily existence brought with it the spirit and joy of
adventure. [Bach: Collected Writings]
Emotional State
For resignation, apathy, surrender, failure to make effort, fatalism, just drift down hill,
dullness, lack of interest, no spark or vitality, sense of monotony, expressionless drone to
voice, weariness, a dull companion. [Barnard: Guide to the Bach Flower Remedies]
Habitat
General
The rose is an extensive genus widely cultivated and hybridised. Dr Bach chose the genuine
wild variety of rose.
Britain
Wild Rose is a true native rose that grows throughout the country though it is more
numerous in the south. It is the common briar of the hedgerow.
Wild Rose details
Latin Name:Rosa canina
Emotional response:Apathy
Method:Boiling
Wild Rose - Form and Function
Wild Rose, Rosa canina, can be either white or rose pink: shades of both Clematis and
Honeysuckle. And the same gesture is there in the stems which, although they start off
energetically, thrusting up vertically, when free of support they curve over and turn back
towards the earth. Roses put out new growth in August and September, at the end of the
summer, and so leave it late in the year. These gracefully arching stems, fresh green and
flexible, are an echo of spring. The thorns, which are a bright, flesh-pink when young, act as
hooks, helping the plant to gain stability. This is important since the long stems would
otherwise be blown about by the wind, damaging the plant. When a person becomes
‘resigned to all that happens’ they are indeed blown as the wind wills, without structure or
direction of their own. Hiding in the hedge, Wild Rose usually gains support from others.
The hooks or thorns are fiercely prominent and extremely sharp. Approach Wild Rose and
you will never escape without a scratch; blood will be drawn. Here we see again the image
of forceful stimulus found in Gorse which will jab at apathy and weak will. The thorns are
curved downwards, shaped like a canine tooth (hence Rosa canina) and they share the
tooth’s ripping and tearing disposition. In the converse of the Wild Rose state a person takes
hold and will not let go; with terrier-like determination they keep working at a problem until
it is solved. Rosa canina is also known as Dog Rose though it is generally supposed that Dog
derives from dague, Old French for dagger. The sharpness of the prickles is followed by the
jagged edge of the leaves. The surface of the leaf is smooth, without the hairs which
indicate sensitivity to the environment around.
WILLOW
For those who have suffered adversity or misfortune...
Indication
For those who have suffered adversity or misfortune and find these difficult to accept,
without complaint or resentment, as they judge life much by the success it brings. They feel
that they have not deserved so great a trial, that it was unjust, and they become
embittered. They often take less interest and less activity in those things of life which they
had previously enjoyed.
Affirmation
We are not all asked to be saints or martyrs or men of renown; to most of us less
conspicuous offices are allotted. But we are all expected to understand the joy and
adventure of life and to fulfil with cheerfulness the particular piece of work which has been
ordained for us by our Divinity.
Emotional State
For those who suffer any small adversity with bitterness and resentment, they blame others
and feel hard done by, they are self-centred, self-pitying, self-justifying, feel wronged, sulk
and bear grudges, will feel slighted and constantly dissatisfied, lack humour. Symptoms may
include constant frowning, grumbling, spread a gloom and negative feeling, a difficult
patient since nothing pleases, reluctant to admit improvement.
Habitat
General
Willows like damp, low-lying land, often lining the banks of rivers and streams. It is a
common tree, which is often pollarded.
Britain
White Willow trees grow throughout Britain, and the sub-species S. vitellina is widespread.
Willow details
Latin Name:Salix vitellina
Emotional response:Resentment and self-pity
Method:Boiling
Willow - Form and Function
There are other, more tangible pointers that illustrate the gesture of the Willow state in the
tree. Bach inferred that Willow people are concerned by their success in the material world.
The way that the tree roots deeply into the earth shows this. It has a massive fibrous root
system that searches everywhere for water; it is well known that willow roots can block a
house’s drains. But this affinity for water shows how Willow people feed upon the
emotional drama of complaint and blame. There is an intensity of feeling in all the water
plants. Willows grow by the water, by rivers and in marshy land. It was this characteristic
that gave rise to the idea that it contained help for rheumatics and the aches and pains
associated with damp places. In 1763 the Rev. Edmund Stone experimented with willow
bark (S. alba) thinking that the bitterness was reminiscent of Peruvian bark (cinchona), used
in the preparation of quinine, a treatment for malaria. He claimed that some 50 people with
rheumatic disorders were helped by willow bark. His report to the Royal Society was
ignored, perhaps because ‘pious folk belief held that God planted cures where diseases
originated’ – a case of an infant science dismissing the traditional Doctrine of Signatures.
But later research showed that the salicin found in Willow was related to our present-day
manufactured aspirin, so he was probably right.
An Introduction to Bach Flower Essences
Dr Bach believed that our emotional state was the cause of physical health problems. He
developed 38 flower remedies based around our emotional responses to help support us in
our daily lives. He grouped these remedies according to personality and emotional
responses.
The Twelve Healers
The Twelve Healers are the plants that Dr Bach associated with personality types.
The Seven Helpers
The Seven Helpers are the essences to be selected for long term emotional states like
hopelessness or lack of direction. These are the support essences.
The Second Nineteen
The Second Nineteen are the essences to be selected for emotional responses. They help us
to develop greater inner strength and fortitude and bring out our best qualities.
The Seven Emotional Groups
Dr Bach grouped the 38 flower remedies into seven emotional groups based around feelings
such as loneliness, despair or uncertainty.
Twelve Healers
The Twelve Healers are the plants that Dr Bach associated with personality types. They
relate to our essential nature and are the most common starting point for selecting
essences. It is useful to if you can identify the one that best describes the kind of person you
are.
Agrimony
Worry hidden by a carefree mask
Centaury
For those who are kind, anxious to serve

Cerato
For distrust of self and intuition, easily led and misguided
Chicory
For self-pity, self-love, possessive, demanding, hurt and tearful
Clematis
For dreamers, those who are absent minded
Gentian
For discouragement and despondency
Impatiens
For those who are irritated by constraints, quick, tense, impatient
Mimulus
For those who are shy, nervous, fearful
Rock Rose
For those feeling alarmed, intensely scared, horror, dread
Scleranthus
For indecision
Vervain
For those who are wilful, opinionated and stressed
Water Violet
For those who are withdrawn, aloof, proud

Seven Helpers
The Seven Helpers are the support essences and are selected for long-term emotional
states. Dr Bach found these chronic conditions often obscure a person’s true nature as it is
expressed within the Twelve Healers group.
Gorse
Hopelessness
Heather
Talkative
Oak
Persevering
Olive
Exhaustion
Rock Water
Strict idealist
Vine
Domineering
Wild Oat
Lack of direction
Second Nineteen
The Second Nineteen are the essences that reflect our emotional responses to traumatic
events. They help us to develop greater inner strength and fortitude and bring out our best
qualities. They are clearly focused on immediate issues.
Aspen
Unreasoning fears
Beech
Critical
Cherry Plum
Loss of control
Chestnut Bud
Unable to learn from mistakes
Crab Apple
Feeling unclean
Elm
Overwhelmed
Holly
Hatred and anger
Honeysuckle
Living in the past
Hornbeam
Mental or physical tiredness
Larch
Loss of confidence
Mustard
Unexplained Gloom
Pine
Self-blame
Red Chestnut
Imagining the worst
Star of Bethlehem
Needing comfort in distress
Sweet Chestnut
Utter desolation
Walnut
Unsettled during life change
White Chestnut
Mental congestion
Wild Rose
Apathy
Willow
Resentment and self-pity
The Seven Emotional Groups
The seven emotional groups pull Dr Bach’s 38 remedies into headings which support you in
choosing the right essence according to your emotions.
1. Over-care for the welfare of others

Beech
Critical
Chicory
For self-pity, self-love, possessive, demanding, hurt and tearful
Rock Water
Strict idealist
Vervain
For those who are wilful, opinionated and stressed
Vine
Domineering
2. Despondency or despair
Crab Apple
Feeling unclean
Elm
Overwhelmed
Larch
Loss of confidence
Oak
Persevering
Pine
Self-blame
Star of Bethlehem
Sweet Chestnut
Utter desolation
Willow
Resentment and self-pity
3. Over-sensitive to influences and ideas
Agrimony
Worry hidden by a carefree mask
Centaury
For those who are kind, anxious to serve
Holly
Hatred and anger
Walnut - Unsettled during life change

4. Loneliness
Heather
Talkative
Impatiens
Water Violet
For those who are withdrawn, aloof, proud
5. Insufficient interest in present circumstances
Chestnut Bud
Unable to learn from mistakes
Clematis
Honeysuckle
Living in the past
Mustard
Unexplained Gloom
Olive
Exhaustion
White Chestnut
Mental congestion
Wild Rose
Apathy
6. Uncertainty
Cerato
For distrust of self and intuition, easily led and misguided
Gentian
For discouragement and despondency
Gorse
Hopelessness
Hornbeam
Mental or physical tiredness
Scleranthus
For indecision
Wild Oat
Lack of direction
7. Fear
Aspen
Unreasoning fears
Cherry Plum
Loss of control
Mimulus
For those who are shy, nervous, fearful
Red Chestnut
Imagining the worst
Rock Rose

5 Flower Essence - the ‘rescue’ formula
Cherry Plum
Loss of control
Clematis
Impatiens
Rock Rose
Star of Bethlehem

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Bach Flower Essences

Discovery of the essences

Awarded the degrees MB (Medicinae Baccalaureus, Bachelor of Medicine) and BS (Bachelor

January 14, 1913

On 14 January at the Parish Church of Hendon in Middlesex, Edward Bach marries

Park Cresent, London

February 20, 1920

1924 Senior Deacon, London Warwickshire Lodge

1925 Senior Warden, London Warwickshire Lodge, until 1927

1926 Worshipful Master, Royal Hampton Court Lodge

April 29, 1929

1929 Installs successor, London Warwickshire Lodge (29 April)

December 12, 1929

The Rediscovery of Psora, published in The British Homoeopathic Journal.

Dr Bach's movements 1931 Abergavenny, Monmouthshire Lewes, Sussex where he found

'Free Thyself' published.

November 24, 1932

Dr Bach's movements 1933 April in Marlow, Bucks Cromer in May

September 24, 1936

November 27, 1936

November 27, 1936

Publication New edition of The Twelve Healers

'To Thine Own Self be True' by Mary Tabor

'The Medical Discoveries of Edward Bach Physician'. Nora Week's biography of Dr Bach.

An Introduction to Bach Flower Essences

One of Bach's original Twelve Healers prepared by the sun method

Agrimony is in the Rest combination.

Latin Name:Agrimonia eupatoria

Group:The First Twelve Essences

Emotional GroupOver-sensitive to influences and ideas

Agrimony - Form and Function

One of Bach’s second 19 remedies. Prepared by the boiling method.

Latin Name:Populus tremula

Emotional response:Unreasoning fears

Aspen - Form and Function

One of Bach’s second 19 remedies. Prepared by the boiling method.

Latin Name:Fagus sylvatica

Emotional GroupOver-care for the welfare of others

Beech - Form and Function

One of Bach’s original twelve healers prepared by the sun method.

Latin Name:Ceratostigma willmottianum

Group:The First Twelve Essences

Cerato - Form and Function

One of Bach’s original twelve healers prepared by the sun method.

Centaury - Form and Function

For desperation, fear of insanity, loss of control, an uncontrollable impulse, nervous

Cherry Plum details

Latin Name:Prunus cerasifera

Emotional response:Loss of control

Cherry Plum - Form and Function

One of Bach’s second 19 remedies. Prepared by the boiling method.

Chestnut Bud details

Latin Name:Aesculus hippocastanum

Emotional GroupInsufficient interest in present circumstances

Emotional response:Unable to learn from mistakes

Chestnut Bud - Form and Function

One of Bach’s original twelve healers prepared by the sun method.

Latin Name:Chicorium intybus

'The Medical Discoveries of Edward Bach Physician'. Nora Week's biography of Dr Bach.