Bach flower remedies are in a special place in my heart; I first encountered them during a session. The One Brain branch of kinesiology uses them with care. The kinesiologist tests which essence supports the subconscious, and then the associated thought is introduced and absorbed as information into the subconscious.
I would also receive the drops themselves, with a few drops placed under my tongue.
Bach essences don’t only work during sessions; Dr. Bach’s goal was precisely to make them easy for anyone to learn and use as emotional support in everyday life.
The Rescue Remedy is primarily for emotional support, although many recommend it for physical first aid as well. When applied to stings or wounds, it can speed up healing. I tried it on a sting, and it worked. In cases of fainting, in addition to the usual steps, it’s suggested to place a drop on the lips.
Dr. Bach created this remedy from five flower essences, recommending it for emotional emergencies.
When to Use It:
Physical Trauma:
- After accidents or the shock following an accident
- During recovery after surgery
- To relieve sudden pain, headaches, or toothaches
- For menstrual discomfort and cramps
- For sudden symptoms of illness, allergic reactions
- Externally (compresses): to ease the effects of wounds, swelling, or stings
Emotional Trauma:
- Emotional shock (breakups, bereavement, bad news, traumatic experiences)
- Fear and fright
- Intense stress, strong fears
- After serious family arguments
As a Preventative for Anxiety:
- Exam nerves
- Before a job interview
- Fear of the dentist or flying
Which Flowers Are Included?
Rock Rose (Helianthemum nummularium)
Dr. Bach called it the flower of courage. This small, fragile flower with golden-yellow petals only faces the light in sunshine and blooms for just one day. It is recommended for those who feel desperate, terrified, or at their limit, unable to endure any more. It’s also useful for those living in deep-seated fear, which can be difficult to detect. It is effective for acute fear and panic, combating them with the power of the sun.
Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera)
Dr. Bach called this the flower of calmness. It’s the first tree to bloom in the year, ahead of other fruit trees, with its bright white flowers heralding the arrival of spring. This essence is for those who fear losing control. It’s for people under extreme mental strain or those who are highly emotionally sensitive.
Clematis (Clematis vitalba)
Known as the flower of reality among the essences. In common speech, it's referred to as “old man’s beard” or “traveller’s joy.” It thrives in calcareous soil, and its fluffy seed heads cling on throughout winter until the spring winds carry them away. A climber without a trunk, Clematis is recommended for dreamers who are detached from reality and prefer to be alone. In severe cases, they lose interest in life, withdraw into themselves, and distance themselves from their own bodies to escape pain. It can also be used during fainting or unconsciousness, when we lose contact with our physical bodies, helping us to reconnect.
Impatiens (Impatiens balsamina)
This is the flower of time—our own time. It is also the essence for impatience. A fast-growing annual plant, Impatiens comes in various colors. If you touch the seed capsule, it explodes, scattering the seeds far away. It likes sunny, semi-shady areas near water and forms colonies, pushing out all competitors. The personality it represents is similarly unique—explosive, brimming with energy. If irritated, they are quick to anger and prefer to act on their ideas immediately. Restless by nature, they find it difficult to sit still and often feel they can do things faster and better themselves, making delegation hard.
Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)
Known as the comforter and helper in times of grief. Its flowers have a perfect geometric structure, with six-part white petals blooming from late April to July. Sensitive to sunlight, it only opens its petals on bright, sunny days. This essence is for those who suffer from their circumstances, are in a state of shock, or have experienced loss, bad news, or an accident. They may feel paralyzed and unable to accept comfort. The essence helps reduce anxiety, restore harmony and peace, and activates the body's self-healing mechanisms. It is a comfort to the soul and eases pain.
How It Helps:
These five flowers together support our emotional reactions to acute, unexpected situations, easing panic, grief, anger, and fear, and helping us during stressful moments. This essence should only be used temporarily, not for long-term use.
In times of severe stress, it can be taken in water (4 drops in 200 ml), sipped every 10 minutes if necessary, or a few drops can be placed directly under the tongue without water.
If we’re anxious about the future (e.g., exams or other stressful situations), it can be taken daily as needed.
Important: These essences do not replace medical treatment. They are emotional aids that can help reduce stress, making it easier for the body’s self-healing powers to work. However, they should be used alongside, not instead of, conventional medicine.
Sources:
- Julian Barnard: The Role of Plant Form in Healing
- Mechthild Scheffer: The Original Bach Flower Therapy
- Konnektív Felnőttképző: Bach Flower Therapy Notes (Dr. Sarolta Várhegyi, Edit Kassai)