The original Flower Remedies were formulated in the UK in the 1930s by Dr Edward Bach, an English physician and homeopath who took a more holistic approach to health and healing than the more traditional doctors of his generation. The theory behind the use of the Bach essences is that each of the flowers embodies a particular soul energy (‘vibrational quality’, or energy frequency).Dr Bach believed that these precious natural essences could be captured andused to treat many different types of illness, and many people swear by theremarkable healing effects of flower remedies used in the treatment of even

some very serious illnesses. To quote Bach himself: “The action of these Essences is to raise our vibrations and open up our channels for the reception of the Spiritual Self, to flood our natures with the particular virtue we need, and wash out from us the fault that is causing the harm.”

Bach believed that symptoms of physical illness are outward manifestations of an internal or emotional imbalance, or a disharmony between body and mind. He classified various emotions into seven principal categories (which included fear, loneliness and uncertainty), and these categories were further divided into 38 negative feelings, each of which was assigned a particular therapeutic plant – hence there are 38 different Bach Flower Remedies. For example, larch is used forpeople who lack confidence; pine is for feelings of guilt; willow for self-pity and resentment.

These remedies can be selected and combined according to the individual’s requirements. In addition, there is the widely-used Rescue Remedy, a popular treatment for shock and trauma which is also available as a topical cream. Rescue Remedy is a composition of four of the Bach Flower Remedies, including Rock Rose and Star of Bethlehem, which treat terror/fright and shock respectively.

The production of Bach flower remedies follows two different processes: Using the "sun method," flowers are picked at its peak blooming period (i.e., the point of peak physical perfection). The flowers are placed in spring water, and then placed in the sun for two to four hours to potentise. According to Dr. Bach, the sun transfers the vibration of the flowers into the medium of the water, which in this way becomes energetically infused. The flowers are then removed from the water, and alcohol is added for preservation (Bach originally used brandy, and this is generally the preservative of choice today, too). This solution is stored in a stock bottle with a dropper, so doses can be easily administered – the usual dose is four drops four times a day – and these can be on their own straight on to the tongue or dropped in to everyday drinks, including tea and coffee.

The second method of preparation is the "cooking method." This is perhaps more widely employed because not all flowers, shrubs, bushes and trees bloom at a time of year with plenty of sunshine. In the cooking method, flowers and buds are picked according to the sun method and boiled down. The extract is filtered several times and then, as with the sun method, mixed with alcohol to preserve it.

Inspired by the work and philosophy of Dr Bach, Ian White - a naturopath and fifth generation herbalist - is a more recent pioneer of the flower remedies. Using his extensive research of the remedial qualities of the abundant and diverse range of lush plants that flourish in the unspoiled bush areas of Australia, he has developed the 62 Australian Bush Flower Essences – “catalysts to unlock your full potential, resolve negative beliefs and create emotional health and well being”. These remedies are becoming increasingly popular, outselling the original Bach remedies by four to one in some parts of the world.

They are currently being offered in a number of hospitals across Australia and practitioners worldwide are now incorporating the Australian Essences to form an integral and essential part of their therapy. Although there are obvious similarities between the two, in terms of composition and preparation, the Bach remedies are mainly linked to traditional disorders and address the “here

and now” moods and imbalances, while the Australian Bush Remedies are designed to help resolve problems more relevant to today’s society – e.g., sexuality, spirituality and creativity. They have established a reputation for being incredibly quick-acting and having a profound effect on the physical body. Australian Bush Flower Essences were the first to introduce combination essences, creams and sprays with product names that clearly identify the health issue. This makes it very easy for consumers to self-prescribe, which, together with their natural, safe and subtle qualities, have made them one of the highest growth retail categories in natural health today.

Summary
One of the major appeals of flower remedies is that they are completely natural and gentle (children, pets and even plants can be treated) and yet powerful enough to act as “catalysts for positive change”. They are compatible with other methods of treatment and there are no side-effects and it doesn’t matter if you take the “wrong” type of remedy or the “wrong” dose.

The quantity of alcohol in a single dose is negligible, although some may consider its presence a contraindication for pregnant or breast-feeding women. Treatment with Bach or Bush Flower Remedies, or indeed any kind of alternative therapy, should not delay consultation with a professional medical or healthcare advisor, such as a local GP, if the illness in question is potentially serious or chronic.

Bach Flower Remedies, and subsequent systems of botanical treatments derived from Bach’s work, such as the Australian Bush Essences, have been recommended for many psychological and emotional conditions, including stress and depression.There are countless anecdotes about successful treatment with flower remedies, and millions of advocates all over the world, but long-term efficacy and benefits have not been thoroughly investigated scientifically as yet.

As they are steadily increasing in popularity, this may change. It is not an exact science, and while it is good to keep an open mind and an optimistic outlook, the remedies will not work for everyone.
However, while traditional medical research may have still failed to offer an explanation about the effectiveness of the flower remedies, it is generally accepted that there is a physiological basis for its benefits, although some cynics claim this is no more than a “placebo effect”.

While they are not intended to replace existing available medical treatment where necessary (it is important to emphasise that these are complementary, not alternative, treatments for serious illnesses), they can be used safely in conjunction with any other form of medication. Furthermore, they are affordable, and readily available from most health food shops, with a wide range of choice to suit everyone, regardless of age, state of health and nature of malady – whether it be a deep-rooted emotional problem, a temporary or persistent mental blockage, or even a physical disease. The first step is to recognise that many of our stresses and ailments are a symptom of something more abstract and esoteric than just the physical body, and that the purpose of the flower remedies, as with homeopathy, is to rebalance and harmonise the patient internally and psychologically in order to help heal the patient physically.

“The mind is a tool that is not to be underestimated. It is through it that we are able to create what we want and so it is important that we each stimulate it in a way that pleases us as individuals. We all respond differently to different things and it is the power of our responses, our emotions, that holds the key to healing. The best form of holistic treatment for one person will therefore not necessarily be the best form of treatment for someone else.”
- Barry Durdant-Hollamby and Winifred Boon, The Dorothy Boon Trust, Sussex, England