A Guide to Bach Flower Remedies

1

Index Introduction ...............................................................................................................................................3 Bach Flower Remedies..............................................................................................................................4 Holistic approach ......................................................................................................................................5 Bach Flower Remedies Therapy ...............................................................................................................6 Prescribing Remedies.................................................................................................................................7 Taking Remedies........................................................................................................................................9 Agrimony.................................................................................................................................................10 Aspen........................................................................................................................................................11 Beech........................................................................................................................................................12 Centaury...................................................................................................................................................13 Cerato.......................................................................................................................................................14 Cherry Plum.............................................................................................................................................15 Chestnut Bud............................................................................................................................................16 Chicory.....................................................................................................................................................17 Clematis...................................................................................................................................................18 Crab Apple...............................................................................................................................................19 Elm...........................................................................................................................................................20 Gentian.....................................................................................................................................................21 Gorse........................................................................................................................................................22 Heather.....................................................................................................................................................23 Holly.........................................................................................................................................................24 Honeysuckle.............................................................................................................................................25 Hornbeam.................................................................................................................................................26 Impatience................................................................................................................................................27 Larch........................................................................................................................................................28 Mimulus...................................................................................................................................................29 Mustard....................................................................................................................................................30 Oak...........................................................................................................................................................31 Olive.........................................................................................................................................................32 Pine...........................................................................................................................................................33 Red Chestnut............................................................................................................................................34 Rock Rose................................................................................................................................................35 Rock Water...............................................................................................................................................36 Scleranthus...............................................................................................................................................37 Star of Bethlehem....................................................................................................................................38 Sweet Chestnut........................................................................................................................................39 Vervain.....................................................................................................................................................40 Vine..........................................................................................................................................................41 Walnut......................................................................................................................................................42 Water Violet..............................................................................................................................................43 White Chestnut........................................................................................................................................44 Wild Oat...................................................................................................................................................45 Wild Rose.................................................................................................................................................46 Willow......................................................................................................................................................47 2

Introduction It is always very special to see a change in someone, to see the opening, how a different light shines in their eyes. I found it fascinating to observe this change after giving someone a correct remedy, whether it was a Bach Flower Remedy or a homeopathic remedy and to see a return of joy to their lives. I have written this book to make the Bach Flower Remedy therapy accessible to anyone and to make the possibility of treatment more easy and accessible. I hope that with this book you will be able to help yourself and anyone who needs it and to bring a little bit of light into your life. I hope you will find it usefull and enjoy using the system of Bach Flower Remedies to help yourself and others.

3

Bach Flower Remedies Bach flower remedies are remedies developed by English homeopath and physician Edward Bach in 1930s, that target mainly emotional and spiritual problems. They are used all over the world by people seeking relief from today's stressful life and that want to rebalance their energy and emotional state. Original Bach Flower Remedies consist of 38 flower essences that target very specific emotional and spiritual states, ranging from, anxiety, fear, depression to inability to learn from own mistakes. The prescription and use of Bach Flower Remedies is very easy and intuitive process. Indications for every remedy create an unmistakable picture of emotional state that can be usually summarized in couple of words. Based on this remedy picture, it is very easy to decide, which remedy is useful for a specific situation.

4

Holistic approach The Bach Flower Remedy System is based on the holistic approach to the patient. Unlike modern medicine, it acknowledges the importance of treating the patient as a whole, rather than focusing on a condition of an organ or a tissue. Every patient is considered to be an unique human being with rich mental, emotional and spiritual life that simply cannot be reduced to an organ or a tissue. When a modern physician sees a patient with kidney problems, he tries to treat the kidney and not the patient. Patient as a person is not considered to be important. The holistic approach to the patient casts a different light on the disease and the role of the patient and the physician. The disease is not taken out of context of being only a fraction of the whole picture. The focus is still on the patient as an unique and complex being that is not reduced to his physical body, but experiences emotional, mental and spiritual realities. These experiences cannot be considered insignificant and unrelated to the condition of the patient. The disease of a physical body is not seen as a origin of the problem, but as a consequence. When a patient suffers for a long time emotionally, the whole emotional trauma is not contained in the realm of emotions only. He starts to change. At first we can observe that he is unhappy and that he does not find joy in his life. The way how he experiences the reality is filtered through the his suffering. Nothing brings joy anymore and his whole emotional world gets after a while centered around the suffering. This can after a while bring a change in mental sphere. He may become pessimistic and he assumes a new range of belief systems. This will condition the way how he sees solutions to problems and how he relates to people and to the world. The initial emotional problem has entered the mental sphere, and it changes patients thinking and rationalizing. After a while the patient assumes a different appearance. He seems troubled, his shoulders are stooped, his face seems different. He might look pale and worried and he his sleep might be disturbed. He does not eat or drink, because he might get lethargic and apathetic. The suffering has changed his habits and the way how he relates to his physical body. After a longer time of disturbed sleeping, changes in diet and constant suffering, he starts changing on the physical level. The signs of his problem are obvious, because they have entered the realm of physicality. It is imaginable, that his physical immune system will get weaker and the first signs of disease on the physical level will emerge. From this example, that is indeed very real and can be seen in every day life, we can conclude, that the emotional, mental and physical worlds are interconnected. When a problem occurs on an emotional level, if unsolved will eventually transcend to the mental and finally to the physical level. Now, let's say that we would recognize the problem and that we could treat it in the phase when it was still in the realm of emotional suffering. We could solve the problem in the beginning and none of the mental and physical consequences would manifest. But it also means, that when a patient has already manifested a physical disease, it is our duty to find the real cause of his condition. If the patient is sleepless and cannot concentrate, we have to keep looking for a cause of his sleeplessness. The sleeplessness is seen as a consequence and not as a cause of the problem.

5

Bach Flower Remedies Therapy The therapeutic system by using Bach Flower Remedies is designed to tackle the original emotional and spiritual problems before they manifest into a physical disease. This does not mean, that Bach Flower Remedies can only be used to treat emotional and spiritual problems. It means, that instead of focusing on the physical disease, they try to solve the original problem of the disease and to bring a change and opening on spiritual, emotional and mental level. The system of Bach Flower Remedies consists originally of 38 flower essences developed and used by Dr. Edward Bach. Each flower essence is unique and is used to treat a different problem. Dr. Edward Bach has put a lot of effort into making the remedy pictures as clear and as understandable as possible, to make this system useful for practitioners and patients alike. Truly, the system of Bach Flower Remedies makes it easy for patients to help themselves by analyzing their problem and by finding the matching flower essence.

6

Prescribing Remedies The process of prescribing remedies is based on an idea of holistic approach to the patient. The practitioner tries to understand the problem behind patient's current situation. The whole process is done by means of an interview. The practitioner asks questions about the patient, about how he feels, how his life looks like, how he relates to the people and tries to determine the cause of the problem. The process of asking the right questions is highly intuitive and depends on the individuality of the practitioner and also on the individual patient. Some patients require a different approach than others and the whole process depends on the intuitive know how of the practitioner. He must feel what the patients tries to tell him, how he feels and what is really hiding behind his words. A perfect example for this need to intuitively feel the patient can be seen in the remedy Agrimony. Agrimony patients try to hide their problems behind a mask of happiness and the practitioner must be able to feel the suffering behind this mask and not to be swayed aside by the appearance. What usually helps is asking for a reason, why the patient has come to see the practitioner and from there to try to discern the real problem hidden behind the appearance. The usual areas that you might want to approach are the problems in personal life, career, interpersonal relationships, to find out what is missing in patients life and what are his needs that are not met. Always remember, that you are not limited to prescribing a single remedy in a case, but that you might end up prescribing a mixture of remedies (although the maximum number of remedies in a mixture should not exceed seven remedies). Sometimes the case can be quite complex and you might be tempted to mix more than seven remedies. This was however not proven to be beneficial. The remedy pictures of Bach Flower Remedies can be usually summarized in couple of words or in a sentence, thus making the prescription very easy. These provide you only with simple indications to get you started. The remedy pictures described in the book give you a complete reference to study the complete remedy picture. Agrimony - emotional torture behind a cheerful mask Aspen - fear of the unknown Beech - intolerance Centaury - inability to say 'no' Cerato - lack of trust in one's own decisions Cherry Plum - fear of losing control Chestnut Bud - failure to learn from own mistakes Chicory - selfish, possessive love Clematis - dreaming of the future without being present right now Crab Apple - cleansing remedy Elm - overwhelmed by responsibility Gentian - discouragement after a setback Gorse - despair and hopelessness Heather - self-concern, self-centeredness Holly - jealousy, hatred, envy Honeysuckle - living in the past memories 7

Hornbeam - tiredness at the thought of doing something Impatiens - impatience Larch - lack of confidence Mimulus - fear of specific things Mustard - deep gloom without a reason Oak - hard-worker who keeps going past the point of exhaustion Olive - exhaustion after mental or physical effort Pine - feelings of guilt Red Chestnut - over-concerned for the welfare of loved ones Rescue Remedy - sudden state of shock or grief Rock Rose - intense terror and fright Rock Water - rigidity, self-denial and self-repression Scleranthus - inability to choose Star of Bethlehem - state of shock Sweet Chestnut - extreme mental anguish, everything has been tried and there is nothing left Vervain - over-enthusiasm Vine - inflexibility and dominance Walnut - protection from changes and influences Water Violet - pride White Chestnut - unwanted thoughts and mental arguments Wild Oat - uncertainty over the life direction Wild Rose - apathy, resignation Willow - resentment and self-pity

8

Taking Remedies The Bach Flower Remedies are made from a tincture of flower essences that is usually diluted in a high quality brandy, to preserve them. Since the alcohol content of the remedy is quite high and the taste of the alcohol might be unpleasant to some, the usual method of taking remedies consists of diluting the remedy in a glass of water and drinking it couple of times per day.

9

Agrimony Botanical: Agrimonia Eupatoria Family: Rosaceae Homeopathic remedy: Agrimonia Eupatoria (Agri.) Description: The Agrimony plant consists of a long, black, woody root, the erect cylindrical stem that has mostly unbranched, or slightly branched limbs with numerous leaves of pinnate form. The flowers are numerous and grow closely to the terminal spikes that are longest in the time when seeds are maturing. The whole plant is covered by fine, soft hairs and is softly aromatic. The leaves and flowers are used as a substitute or an addition to the tea, or a diet drink that was used to cleanse the blood in the spring. Medicinal uses: Diuretic, Astringent tonic, Liver complaints, Skin problems, Blood diseases Keywords: Sad clown, Mask of happiness, Anguish, Pretends that he is happy, Mental torture, Internal unhappiness, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Evening agg., Weekend agg., Holiday agg. Dr Bach's description: 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 in excess, to stimulate themselves and help themselves bear their trials with cheerfulness. Essence: This remedy is suitable for people, who use a mask in order to assure the outside world, that they are perfectly happy, jovial and without troubles. This means that these people are very closed and that they do not confide their troubles to no one, but use a easier way to deal with the outside world – they pretend that they are perfectly happy. The truth lies hidden under this mask and Agrimony patients are internally unhappy and they feel anguish. These persons are so closed to the outside world, that even the closest friends do not know the internal suffering of these people. The coping mechanism for their unhappy life is seeking out parties, company of other people and amusement. Another usual coping mechanism is seeking out alcohol, drugs as these help to bear the internal torment and enable them to show a cheerful face on the public. It is clear, that the evenings, weekends and holidays are worst for the Agrimony people. They feel all the anguish, sadness and unhappiness and at the full degree and they cannot hide it under the mask. It is only understandable, that work amel. since it gives an excuse to concentrate on something different than on the feelings and on the internal world of the Agrimony person.

10

Aspen Botanical: Populus tremuloides (MICHX.) Family: N.O. Salicaceae Homeopathic remedy: Populus Tremuloides (Pop.) Description: Aspen grows mainly in the America continent. The tree grows up to 100 meters in height. It has a pale yellowish bark with fine hairs on margin of leaves. The effects of this tree are similar to the Peruvian Bark (China Officinalis - Cinchona calisaya), since the bark of this tree is a safe substitute for the China officinalis bark and has the same effects on intermittent fevers (trembling = chills). Medicinal uses: Febrifuge and tonic mainly in Intermittent fevers, Diuretic, Gonorrhea, Debility, Chronic diarrhea. Keywords: Nameless fear, Foreboding, Anxiety, Terror, Night-time terror, Effects of nightmares, Causeless fear, Compare: Rock rose, Mimulus, Red Chestnunt, China officinalis Dr Bach's description: 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 often are afraid to tell their trouble to others. Essence: The main idea of this remedy is the fear, that something bad is going to happen. This idea is embodied in the very name of the tree – Quaking Aspen, or Trembling Poplar, since the trembling is the basic reaction of the body to the fear. The fear in Aspen is a fear that does not have a cause, the person needing this remedy cannot describe the cause of his fear. It can range from a vague sense of foreboding of a danger, to a real terror with all the physical constituents (goose-skin, hair standing on end). Aspen is therefore specific for the effects of nightmares, when a person wakes up from a nightmare, still clinging to the emotional stress caused by the nightmare, fearing something unknown. The fears of Aspen may arise during the daytime or during night and it is quite often, that the persons needing the Aspen remedy are afraid to speak about their fears. The idea of the fear of an unknown cause is very important in this remedy. If the patient can describe exactly the cause of his fear, then the Aspen remedy is not the correct remedy. Mimulus is for example very similar to Aspen with one major difference. Mimulus has a fear of dark, which means, that the person fears something specific and therefore we can identify the correct remedy as Mimulus and not Aspen, since Aspen fears something non-specific. If the person is however so terrified, that he cannot make a conscious decision and when he is completely controlled by the fear reactions, the specific remedy in this case is the Rock Rose. The fear as a process often start in a state needing Aspen, Red Chestnut or Mimulus and ends with the state of a panic characteristic for the Rock Rose.

11

Beech Botanical: Fagus sylvatica Family: N.O. Corylaceae Homeopathic remedy: Fagus Sylvatica (Fagu.) Description: One of the largest trees growing in the Europe. Since the wood of the beech is brittle and short-grained, it is not suitable for the purposes that require a hard and durable wood. The nuts are used to feed farm animals except for horses. They should not be fed on the beech nuts or wood. Beech wood was in the times of distress used by humans as a food and even farm animals may be fed on the beech wood. The beech has a unique circulation system of roots, that assists in the circulation of oxygen through the soil and conserves the productive capacity of the soil better than any other kind of tree. Beech tree improves the growth of other trees that are planted with it. Medicinal uses: Stimulant, Antiseptic, Expectorant in the chronic bronchitis, Various skin diseases Keywords: Intolerant of others, Faultfinding, Does not accept differences of other people, Irritable Dr Bach's description: For those who feel the need to see more good and beauty in all that surrounds them. And, although 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. Essence: The central idea of Beech is the intolerance of others. The Beech person has no understanding for the differences of other people. They lack the necessary understanding that other people chose different paths in the world and that they cannot walk the same path as the Beech person. Beech person has the central idea, that his path is the correct one and that there are no different paths leading to the same goal. Beech person fails to see, that other people, even if they are different may be working to achieve the same goal as the Beech person. This state is sometimes manifested as a sudden outburst of irritability. The person needing this remedy is irritable, faultfinding and intolerant of others. The Beech tree teaches us an important lesson. Beech tree helps other trees through its unique root system in growing, since it improves the soil condition so that other trees can benefit from it. The Beech can therefore teach a valuable lesson in accepting the differences of other people and in accepting the fact, that even though other people may be different, it is possible, that they work towards a noble and correct goal.

12

Centaury Botanical: Erythraea centaurium Family: Gentianaceae Homeopathic remedy: Not used Description: Centaury grows in Europe and North Africa. It is an annual plant with a woody root, a stiff stem, that is erect and squre-shaped. The leaves are of a pale green color and are smooth and shiny. The flowers are usually rose-colored, although yellow or pink types of flowes exist in certain parts of the world. Medicinal uses: Stomach stimulant and tonic, Liver diseases, Kidney diseases, Blood purifier, Overall tonic, Muscular rheumatism, Wounds, Sores, Gout, Dropsy Keywords: Kind, Gentle, Helpful, Slaves, Cannot refuse to help, Cannot say “no” Dr Bach's description: 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. Essence: Centaury people are the natural “helpers”. Most of their time and thought is occupied by helping other people. But we must not confuse these people with the strong, enthusiastic, rigid helpers, who see their life’s mission in helping other people by putting them at the right track. Centaury people are very gentle and kind people who are unable to say “NO” and to refuse the request even in case that the request would mean a substantial trouble for them or if the request would exceed their skills. Typically this situation ends up into an exploitation scheme, where others continually demand services and the Century person is pushed beyond the point of exhaustion and he becomes a slave to the person he helps. The core problem of Centaury people is their inability to draw a line between the outer world and his inner world. This may originate in the fact that they view themselves as unimportant and inferior. Gradually they will become slaves and are unable to free themselves from the demands of the outer world.

13

Cerato Botanical: Ceratostigma willmottiana Family: Plumbaginaceae Homeopathic remedy: Not used Description: A deciduous shrub from western China (region of Himalayas and Tibet) named after Miss Ellen Ann Willmott, a celebrated English gardener. The fragile-looking flowers are beautifully blue with the color tones ranging to reddish violet. They consist of five petals with a small white-colored centre. The plant grows to a height of 60 cm. The small (about 1 cm tall) flowers last for only a few hours. Keywords: Indecisive, Lack of self-faith, Mistrust about own decisions Compare: Scleranthus Dr Bach's description: Those who have not sufficient confidence in themselves to make their own decisions. They constantly seek advice from others, and are often misguided. Essence: Cerato people do not trust their own decisions. They feel that they are unable to decide correctly and constantly doubt their decisions. Once they make a decision based on their intuition and they feel that the decision is correct, the mind starts doubting the basis of such a decision and the person becomes less and less sure about the correctness of this decision. In the end, the person becomes very confused and is totally unable to make even simple decisions. The Cerato people are reliant about the opinions and advice of other people. They constantly ask for advice in all their decisions and they often are misguided and decide against intuitive feeling . The uncertainty about the correctness arises from the fact, that Cerato people do not trust themselves and think that they are unable to make a correct decision. They do not trust their instincts and the fact that they are able to feel whether they have decided correctly or not. It is important to understand, that Cerato people fear the results of incorrect decisions. They are afraid of the potential results of incorrect decisions and about the impacts on their life. They do not trust their ability to deal with the results of such decisions.

14

Cherry Plum Botanical: Prunus cerasifera Family: Rosaceae Homeopathic remedy: Not used, although several trees of Prunus genus are used – Prunus Spinosa (Prun.), Prunus Cerasus (Prun-c.), Prunus Padus (Prun-p.), Prunus Virginiana (Prun-v.) Description: Cherry plum is a small tree producing a large quantity of small, white, single flowers in early spring. The fruits are small, edible and are produces only by the single-flowered species of Prunus. Double-flowered trees do not produce any fruits at all. The Purple-leaved plum (Prunus Cerasifera) has new foliage which unfolds as ruby-red, then turns reddish-purple, and finally matures to greenish-bronze by the end of the summer. The small, white to light pink, springtime flowers, which usually appear before the leaves unfold, are followed by a heavy crop of edible, purple fruits. Medicinal uses: Not commonly used for medicinal purposes. Keywords: Fear of losing self-control, Impulse of hurting someone of himself, Loss of self-control with screaming and irrational rage, Fear of going mad Dr Bach's description: 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. Essence: The Cherry plum is one of fear remedies. The fear is however very specific. The Cherry plum person fears of losing self-control. He fears, that he will lose self-control and that he will cause harm to the people around him or to himself. The basis for this kind of fear is an irrational impulse of hurting other people or himself. This does not mean that these people consciously wish to harm others, but it means, that the person is sometimes driven by a strong, even irresistible impulse, which he fears. The fact, that the person fears that he may do something terrible to others means, that he is aware of the fact, that he has something dark within himself, something he fears, but he tries to control it and tries to suppress these impulses. Cherry plum is not only specific for the fear of losing the self-control, but also for the state when the loss of self-control has actually taken place. Best image to describe this kind of behavior is an image of a small, frightened child screaming, driven by dread and irrational rage.

15

Chestnut Bud Botanical: Aesculus hippocastanum Family: N.O. Sapindaceae Homeopathic remedy: Aesculus hippocastanum (Aesc.) Description: The Horse Chestnut tree should not be confounded with the Sweet Chestnut, which is not even distantly related to the Horse Chestnut. The Horse Chestnut tree is very erect and columnar. It grows very rapidly to great heights with widely spreading branches. he bud will sometimes develop the season's shoot in the course of three or four weeks. The unfolding of the bud is very rapid when the sun melts the resin that binds it so firmly together. The flowers are mostly white, with a reddish tinge, or marking, and grow in dense, erect spikes. The fruit is a brown nut, with a very shining, polished skin, showing a dull, rough, pale-brown scar where it has been attached to the inside of the seed-vessel, a large green husk, protected with short spines, which splits into three valves when it falls to the ground and frees the nut. Medicinal uses: Tonic, Narcotic, It has febrifuge properties, Intermittent fevers, Ulcers Keywords: Unable to learn from past mistakes, Repeating same mistakes, Moving around in circles Dr Bach's description: 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. Essence: The main idea of the Chestnut bud remedy is the inability to learn from past mistakes. The people needing this remedy repeat the same mistakes over and over again without learning the important lessons that would enable them to move forward. Thus they become trapped in a cyclic behavior and are unable to move forward, but keep on repeating the incorrect behavior without learning the required lessons. The Chestnut bud people too easily let go of the past, and thus they are forced to repeat the same situations over and over again. If they fail to see the mistakes and stop repeating them, they will become trapped in their past without the possibility to free themselves from it. Another indication for this remedy is a state, when the same thoughts are repeated in the mind and the person is unable to stop these same thoughts and to break the chain. It can be useful in a case when the sleep does not come because the flow of ideas in the head does not allow the mind to rest.

16

Chicory Botanical: Cichorium intybus Family: Asteraceae Homeopathic remedy: Cichorium intybus (Cich.) Description: A plant native of Europe, growing also in the Northern America. The plant contains a white, milky sap that appears if the stem is broken. Flowers are blue, remaining on the plant for only a single day. Chicory is used as a caffeine-free variant of the coffee. Medicinal uses: Laxative, Eruptions connected with Gout, Diuretic Keywords: Overly possessive, Self-pity, Self-love, Over-full of care Dr Bach's description: 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. Essence: The central idea of Chicory can be described with a picture of a overly caring mother, who wants to keep the children close, overly protecting them from any harm with the tendency to correct any mistakes that the children make. This situation is naturally harming the children as they are not entrusted with any form of independence. The Chicory parent can in this way bind his children to himself unable to release them even until they are adult. However, the love of Chicory is not given unconditionally, but the Chicory person always expects to receive the love from the people he cares about and feels hurt if this does not happen. The state when the Chicory person does not receive the love it gives back, can lead into a feeling of self-pity. There exist two polarities of the Chicory state. Compensated Chicory person is loving, caring and mindful of the needs of the people it cares for. Collapsed Chicory is full of self-pity, unable to free loved ones from their influence, always correcting the mistakes they make and overly possessive.

17

Clematis Botanical: Clematis erecta Family: Ranunculaceae Homeopathic remedy: Clematis erecta (Clem.) Description: Clematis recta (erecta) is found in Middle and Southern Europe. It has an erect, herbaceous stem, about two feet high, and is probably the most acrid-tasting species of Europe. It is a high, leafy, poisonous plant with large opposite leaves. The leaves and flowers have an acrid burning taste, the acridity being greatly diminished by drying. Medicinal uses: Diuretic, Diaphoretic, Syphilitic ulcers, Cancerous ulcers, Eye affections, Gonnorheal affections, Inflammatory conditions Keywords: Dreamy, Quiet, Fantasies about the future, Fantasies about alternative versions of the present, Unhappy with the present conditions, Escapes into his fantasies Compare: Honeysuckle Dr Bach's description: 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. Essence: Clematis person is unhappy with the present conditions he lives in. He lives an uninteresting, conventional life that is dissatisfying and the only possibility to escape the present is the imaginary world, where he can be whoever he desires to be. The fantasies are either the fantasies of the future, or the fantasies of the alternative versions of the present where the person is successful, making great achievements and is being very creative. People needing clematis appear to be very quiet, uninterested in the outer world, dreamy and drowsy. They prefer the imaginary world to their unfulfilling present reality. They are not anchored in this reality and are freely floating in their fantastic worlds. Honeysuckle remedy is quite similar to the Clematis with one major difference. Honeysuckle person lives in the past, where he nostalgically relives the old events and old hurts. Clematis lives in the alternative version of the present or the future. Honeysuckle people feel, that the future will not bring them happiness, but instead they dwell on the past happiness, or past unhappiness. Clematis person feels that the future in his version of the reality is the place, where he will achieve all his goals and that he will be successful. Clematis is also indicated for the light-headed feeling that is specific for the time of emergency and as such is used in the Rescue Remedy. Seriously sick Clematis people make no effort in getting better, but look forward to the death, since they view death as a possibility to meet the beloved whom they have lost or the possibility of a better existence. 18

Crab Apple Botanical: Malus pumila Family: Rosaceae Homeopathic remedy: Not used Description: The Crab apple is basically the wild apple tree, that bears fruit of the diameter of less or equal to 5 centimeters (2 inches). If the diameter of the fruit is greater than 5 centimeters, then the tree is classified as a common apple tree. Crab apples freely hybridize and up to this time more there exist more than 1000 varieties. Color of flowers can range from white to the crimson red. Crab apples are very adaptable and hardy trees that withstand cold weather well. Medicinal uses: Anti-scorbutic Keywords: Unclean, Dirty, Poisonous, Repetitive behavior, Anxious, Compulsive behavior Dr Bach's description: 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. Essence: The Crab apple is described as the “great cleaner”. Whenever a person thinks that he is unclean, that the poison should be drawn from their body, or simply if he dislikes and is ashamed of a certain aspect of their personality, physical symptom or physical features. This great cleaner cleanses repetitive and ritualistic compulsive behavior, that poisons the mind (such as repetitive hand-washing, checking whether the doors are locked, or whether the gas stove is turned off). It is typical for the people needing this remedy, that in time when they are seriously sick, they disregard the sickness as unimportant, but focus on the thing they dislike about themselves. The Crab apple people focus on one thing they regard as unclean or poisonous and they try to get it cured. If the treatment fails, they become very anxious and depressed. The Crab apple is sometimes prescribed for the people characterized as anxious perfectionists, that rely on their rituals and are unable to free themselves from their routines. They become trapped in their ritualistic behavior, because it assures their safety. This remedy is usable even in cases, when the person has a reason to believe, that he was poisoned and that the poison should be drawn out. This is the main reason why it is the sixth ingredient in the Rescue cream.

19

Elm Botanical: Ulmus procera Family: Ulmaceae Homeopathic remedy: Not used, but another specimen of the Ulmus genus is used- the Slipper Elm (Elmus Fulva – Ulm.) Description: The branches of Elm tree are numerous and spreading, the bark rugged, the leaves alternate, ovate rough, doubly toothed and unequal at the base. The flowers are small and numerous appearing in March and April before the leaves, in purplish-brown tufts. In age and size, the Elm closely approaches the Oak, but is more varied, a large number of named varieties being grown. Medicinal uses: Tonic, Demulcent, Astringent, Diuretic, Cutaneous diseases of a leprous character e.g. Ringworm Keywords: Loss of self-confidence, Effects of overworking, Effects of too much taken on responsibility Compare: Larch Dr Bach's description: 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. Essence: Elm is specific for the situation, where the person is overwhelmed by the enormous amount of responsibility he has taken on, or if he feels that he has set his goal too high and he might not achieve it. The person begins to doubt whether he is able to achieve his goals, or if he will fail, because the goals are not within the powers of a human being. Genuine Elm persons carry out the work they believe in. They are convinced, that their work is important and they are following the calling of their life. If the person is having self-doubts and he is carrying out work he does not believe in, or if he is not enthusiastic for his work, the Elm remedy might not be specific. It is important that the Elm person wants to achieve his goals and that the believes, that his work is important, or that it serves the humanity. A similar remedy for the self-doubt if the Larch remedy. The Elm person takes up the work willingly and only after a period of time, the self-doubts begins to occupy his mind. The Larch person is convinced from the beginning, that he will fail and he tends not to try the tasks in the first place.

20

Gentian Botanical: Gentiana Amarella Family: Gentianaceae Homeopathic remedy: Not used, but homeopathy uses the Yellow Gentian – Gentiana Lutea (Gent-l.), Cross-leaved Gentian – Gentiana Crucinata (Gent-c.) and Five-flowered Gentian – Gentiana quinqueflora (Gent-q.) Description: The Autumn Gentian has an annual root, twisted and yellowish, somewhat thready. The stem is square, erect, bearing several pairs of stalkless, dark green leaves, each with three prominent veins, and clothed from top to bottom with flowers on short stalks in the axils of the leaves, one flower terminating the stem. In sunshine, the lobes of the corolla are spread wide horizontally, forming conspicuous blue stars. Fresh Gentian root is used in Germany and Switzerland for the production of an alcoholic beverage. Medicinal uses: Tonic in the debility states, Weakness, Digestive organs, Antiseptic, Keywords: Easily discouraged, Doubtful, Pessimistic, Hesitant Compare: Gorse Dr Bach's description: 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. Essence: The typical Gentian person is very easily discouraged. Even a small hindrance causes doubts and the person becomes more and more discouraged and pessimistic. Gentian person lacks faith in the success and even the smallest and unimportant hindrances can cause despondency and doubts. It is however important, that the discouragement of the Gentian is temporary. The Gentian people will soon pick up and the faith in the success is restored. Gentian is only used to accelerate the improvement, but even without the Gentian remedy, the Gentian person will soon be back on the track. The best example for the lack of faith of a Gentian person is the state of illness. Ill person needing the Gentian remedy may be progressing towards the cure and may be improving rapidly, but as soon as first unimportant obstacles turn out, the hope of cure is suddenly lost. This makes the cure even more complicated, since it is clear, that the person who has faith in the curing process will improve more rapidly, than the person that does not believe that the cure will take place. It is however fortunate, that the persons needing Gentian remedy are able to pick up again and even without the Gentian remedy, they will progress and the faith in the cure is restored. The Gentian remedy is similar to the Gorse remedy. While the person needing Gentian is temporarily discouraged, but even without a remedy he will soon pick up and start anew, the Gorse needing person is completely without hope. Gorse person has abandoned all hope and even if others persuade him to make an effort to solve his situation, he feels that it will have no effect and that he will fail.

21

Gorse Botanical: Ulex Europaeus Family: Fabaceae Homeopathic remedy: Not used Description: The plant is dense, branched, stunted shrub. The leaves are very small and fall off early, not being present in the older stages, when they take the form of long, thread-like spines, which are straight and furrowed. The stem is hairy and spreading. Gorse grown mainly in waste places and on commons. It is uses as a soap substitute and as a fodder for farm animals. Medicinal uses: Jaundice, Scarlet-fever, Purgative, Cardiac dropsy Keywords: I give up, Hopelessness, Pessimism, Depression Compare: Sweet Chestnut, Gentian Dr Bach's description: 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. Essence: The central theme of Gorse remedy is the willful belief, that their case is hopeless. The Gorse people exchange the hope of success for the consciousness of failure. The typical Gorse situation may be a situation of a person, that is ill for a long time and he is so used to the illness, that he consciously refuses the fact that he may get better. He uses many arguments as the affirmation of this state (inherited diseases, incurable chronic diseases etc.). We must not however confound the hopelessness of the Gorse remedy for the despair of the Sweet Chestnut, even though these two remedies are closely related. Gorse hopelessness is not really a despair, because the situation offers many solutions, but the Gorse person is unwilling to use them. Sweet Chestnut represents a person in a typical despair situation, since the situation of the Sweet Chestnut is really a dead-end. There are no solutions left and the only possible reaction is despair. Another closely related remedy is Gentian. We can differentiate these two remedies quite easily. Gentian state represents a milder discouragement which will get better by itself after a time. Gorse state is more severe hopelessness and the person is unwilling to accept that there are solutions for his situation, even though the solutions present themselves readily.

22

Heather Botanical: Calluna Vulgaris Family: Ericaceae Homeopathic remedy: Calluna Vulgaris (Callun.) Description: Heather is a highly branched evergreen shrub. The numerous stems take root at the base, and there are also a large number of short side shoots. The leaves are very small and scale-like, their sides are often curled back so much that they are triangular in cross-section. The small reddish-purple flowers are borne on narrow spikes. Medicinal uses: Antiseptic, Diuretic, Urinary tract, Rheumatism, Arthritis, Astringent, Cholagogue, Depurative, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Sedative, Vasoconstrictor, Bladder, Kidneys Keywords: Self-absorbed, Self-centered, Being alone agg., Company of people amel., Talks about himself Dr Bach's description: 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 whom it may be. They are very unhappy if they have to be alone for any length of time. Essence: The people needing this remedy are very self-centered and self-absorbed. In a very negative state they can even think that they are the most important people and that the universe keeps spinning around themselves. One of typical situations where you may easily discover a Heather person is in the company of others where he keeps talking about himself and his problems. He sees other people as the receptors of his thoughts and his feelings. He does not appreciate the feelings of other people at all. This behavior however means that people needing Heather are usually excluded from company. It is not pleasant to hear about one persons troubles all evening and Heather people keep always talking about this subject. Very important aspect of this remedy is the aggravation when not in the company of others. It seems as if the talking about problems ameliorated the emotional state of the Heather person and keeping troubles to himself aggravates these problems.

23

Holly Botanical: Ilex Aquifolium Family: Aquifoliaceae Compare: Vervain, Impatines, Chicory Homeopathic remedy: Ilex Aquifolium (Ilx-a.) Description: A dense pyramidal, heavily branched tree that bears red, yellow and orange berries. It grows very slowly: when planted among trees which are not more rapid in growth than itself. The leaves are thick and glossy, edged with prickles, whose direction is alternately upwards and downwards, and of which the terminal one alone is invariably in the same plane as the leaf. The upper leaves have mostly only a single prickle. The leaves have neither taste nor odor. They remain attached to the tree for several years, and when they fall, defy for a long time the action of air and moisture, owing to their leathery texture and durable fibres, which take a long time to decay. The berries, though eaten by birds, are injurious to human beings, and children should be warned against them. Medicinal uses: Catarrh, Pleurisy, Smallpox, Intermittent fevers and rheumatism (used when China fails, its active principle is like that of China very bitter) Keywords: Jealousy, Suspicion, Envy, Revenge, Negative feelings toward others, Absence of love, Suffering without a real cause Dr Bach's description: For those who sometimes are 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. Essence: The person needing this remedy feels negative feeling towards others. They may take the shape of jealousy, envy or suspicion. These variants are only the facets of the central idea of this remedy, which is the lack of love. The essence of this remedy is nicely shown on the symbolism of the tree. The leaves are the organs of the tree that realize the breathing of the tree. Breathing means the acceptance of surroundings and the acceptance and the giving of love. The leaves of the Holly are covered with stout thorns that symbolize the negative feelings that the person feels. The leaves themselves are tasteless and odorless. This symbolizes the emptiness of the person, the lack of love. The leaves, although eaten provide the consumer with no pleasure and they do not return the given love back. Although three other remedies are very close to Holly, we can easily distinguish between them. The anger of Impatiens has the roots (as the name of the remedy indicates) in the impatience. The cause of anger in Vervain the the feeling of injustice and the Chicory anger is caused by feeling that other people have hurt the Chicory person by their ingratitude.

24

Honeysuckle Botanical: Lonicera caprifolium Family: Caprifoliaceae Homeopathic remedy: Lonicera caprifolium (Lon-c.) Description: A common plant, not a true native, though it occurs occasionally in a naturalized state. The flowers, borne in clusters, have long tubes, yellowish and blush tinted, and very fragrant. It is a robust twiner, and grows wild in chalky districts in hedges and woods. The Honeysuckles should not be planted near any other living shrub, but should be supported by a dead tree trunk or trellis, as then the Honeysuckles get all the food from the soil. Medicinal uses: Diuretic, Cutaneous and Mucous Tonic Keywords: Living in the past, Homesickness, Nostalgia, Attached to Loved-ones, Regrets about Past, Failure to see happiness in the future Dr Bach's description: Those who live much in the past, perhaps 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. Essence: The Honeysuckle plant should not be planted near living trees, but should be supported by a dead tree or trellis. This beautifully shows the true nature of a Honeysuckle person. As the Honeysuckle thrives near dead trees (the past) and dislikes the presence of living flowers (the present), the Honeysuckle person lives in the past and fails to see anything positive in the present of the future. Person needing honeysuckle keeps thinking about the past events. The past can be either in a form of sentimental feelings (presence of lost loved-ones, feeling of happiness of the home) or a time of unfortunate events which the Honeysuckle person regrets, but is unable to correct them in the present. A typical example of a collapsed Honeysuckle person is a woman that has lost her partner. She keeps his room in a perfectly preserved state, takes care of his things and serves two meals in a hope that her partner will return. This shows another important feature of Honeysuckle - the inability to change and the adhering to routines. Honeysuckle person can become trapped in a negative past event and although he can change the outcome of such a event in the present, he rather sticks to it and does not change anything.

25

Hornbeam Botanical: Carpinus Betulus Family: Betulaceae Homeopathic remedy: Not used. Description: The trunk of the Hornbeam is usually flattened, and twisted as though composed of several stems united. The hornbeam thrives well on stiff, clayey, moist soils, into which its roots penetrate deeply. Although it is not a very interesting tree it is very durable and lives very long. Its wood is white, of close-grained structure. It is of considerable tenacity and little flexibility, and is extremely tough. Medicinal uses: Difficult urination, Diarrhea Keywords: Tiredness, Exhaustion, Prostration, Cannot cope with the demands, Weariness Compare: Olive Dr Bach's description: 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 every day 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. Essence: The main problem of the Hornbeam person is that he feels exhausted and that he feels that he is unable to cope with the problems he must struggle with. The important thing is that the Hornbeam person feels exhausted before he has made an effort. He does not even try to cope with the problems, because he feels that the demands are too great and that he is unable to cope with it. Olive as well as Hornbeam is a remedy suitable for exhaustion. Yet the exhaustion of the Olive is a physical kind of exhaustion. This does not mean that the Olive would not be suitable for the mental weariness from too much mental work. The Olive is suitable for the exhaustion caused by too much work, which means, that the physical body of the patient is exhausted and needs resting. The exhaustion of the Hornbeam is solely the exhaustion of the soul. The causes are not the exhaustion of the body, but the soul is exhausted by the incorrect lifestyle and by the way the Hornbeam person lives his everyday life (watching TV too often, passive lifestyle, no physical or mental motion etc.). The exhaustion of the Hornbeam person is amel. once he has started to work and the feeling of weariness will vanish. The physical exhaustion of the Olive person is agg. after starting to work. The Hornbeam is a very durable and long-living tree that has a very durable and extremely tough wood. The person needing Hornbeam lacks these qualities and the Hornbeam teaches him the necessary endurance and perseverance to achieve his goals.

26

Impatience Botanical: Impatiens Glandulifera Family: Balsaminaceae Homeopathic remedy: Not used Description: Impatiens glandulifera is an herbaceous annual that is succulent and glabrous (smooth and hairless), and it can range from three to ten feet tall. The overall flower shape resembles an English policeman’s helmet The fruit is a five chambered capsule. When touched, the mature capsule explodes and ejects up to 800 seeds. It is considered extremely invasive to moist, natural areas. It is considered extremely invasive to moist, natural areas. It can distribute itself very quickly through a large area, since each plant produces 800 seeds in a single fruit. Medicinal uses: Jaundice, Dropsy, Diuretic, Hepatitis, Warts, Ringworms, Ulcers, Rhus poisoning Keywords: Quick, Hasty, Fast, Impatient, Hurried Dr Bach's description: Those who are quick in thought and action and who wish all things to be done without hesitation or delay. When ill they are anxious for a hasty recovery. They find it very difficult to be patient with people who are slow, as they consider it wrong and a waste of time, and they will endeavour to make such people quicker in all ways. They often prefer to work and think alone, so that they can do everything at their own speed. Essence: The main theme of the Impatiens remedy is the Speed. People needing this remedy are quick in making decisions, they are very fast and efficient in their work and they try to finish everything as fast as possible. Many people can at times end up in this hurried state, but there are also genuine Impatiens people, that need this remedy constitutionally. As the remedy name implies, Impatiens people are very impatient, when they feel that they are hindered in their work and that they cannot work fast enough. They can get very irritated and frustrated at the presence of other, more methodical and slower people. The impatience is also shown at times of illness. They get very anxious for a quick recovery. They fail to see, that the healing process takes time and they always try to speed it up. The whole essence of speed is also shown in the original plant. Impatiens is a very invasive plant. It produces a large amount of seeds in each fruit and can therefore quickly spread over large areas of suitable land. This idea corresponds with the fast and hurried person, who tries to finish everything as soon as possible. Impatient flower teaches a lesson about the need to slow down and to relax in order to regain the inner harmony.

27

Larch Botanical: Larix Decidua Family: Pinaceae Homeopathic remedy: Not used. Description: The Larch is a member of the Pines family. It is a conifer tree with a grayish brown outer bark. Loose elongated plates reveal a reddish inner bark young stems, that are yellowish and furrowed. Flowers are monoecious, both male and female strobili cover tree in early spring. The purple cones (fruits) dry to brown young cones somewhat showy ovoid, with pubescent scales on backside, overlapped but not reflexed. The soft, flat needles, bright green in spring, darkening with maturity, found in groups on spurs or in a spiral arrangement down long branches turn yellow in the autumn and fall down. Medicinal uses: Cough, Cold, Frostbite Compare: Elm Keywords: Expecting to Fail, Not as good as anyone else Dr Bach's description: For those who do not consider themselves as good or capable as those around them, who expect failure, who feel that they will never be a success, and so do not venture or make a strong enough attempt to succeed. Essence: The Larch tree is a deciduous conifer. This means, that unlike other conifers, it drops its foliage in the autumn. This symbolizes, that the Larch does not even attempt the long fight for survival in the winter as other conifers. It drops it's foliage to the ground in the symbol of surrender. The Larch person has similar traits to the Larch tree. He considers himself to be worse than the people surrounding him. He feels, that he is not as good and not as capable as they are. He is pessimistic about the outcome of his efforts and he expects his failure in all his actions. This results in a situation, where the Larch person doesn't try hard enough to succeed and the pessimistic anticipation of his failure causes the negative outcome. The problem is, that during the course of life (based on a series of unfortunate events), the Larch has learned to accept the fact, that he will always fail, and knowing that he does not even try to succeed. This can, of course lead only to another failure. The Larch people must learn to forget their past failures, not to anticipate a negative outcome, but to hope for the success in their lives.

28

Mimulus Botanical: Mimulus Guttatus Family: Scrophulariaceae Homeopathic remedy: Not used Compare: Aspen, Rock Rose Description: Mimulus guttatus is an annual to sometimes perennial that grows in seeps, springs or along creeks. It has yellow flowers with little red spots, with the interior part of flowers covered by fine hairs. The name Monkeyflower comes from the appearance of the flower, that resembles a a grinning monkey. The leaves of the Mimulus are edible, of slightly bitter taste and they are used in vegetable salads. Medicinal uses: Wound, Burns Keywords: Fear, Quiet, Shy, Closed, Nervous, Timid Dr Bach's description: 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 freely speak of it to others. Essence: The main essence of the Mimulus if the fear of concrete things, e.g. of things that can be named. All sorts of different fears, such as the fear darkness, snakes, public appearance or diseases has a clearly defined source of fear. Even phobias can be treated with the Mimulus, because nearly all phobias have a definite event, that triggers the fear response. This fear of concrete things distinguishes the Mimulus from the other major fear remedy – Aspen. Aspen type of fear is a fear, that has an unknown source – the patient cannot say exactly what causes the fear. Another very similar fear remedy is the Rock Rose. However, the difference between the Mimulus and the Rock Rose lies in the intensity of the fear. The Rock Rose fear is perhaps the most intense fear of all remedies, that can be described as a shear terror paralyzing every conscious thought of the patient. The Mimulus people can be generally described as quiet, shy and timid persons, that hide their fears from the public. They usually avoid social events, because this could expose them to uncomfortable situations.

29

Mustard Botanical: Sinapis Arvensis Family: Brassicaceae Homeopathic remedy: Not used, although members of the Sinapis genus, such as Sinapis Alba and Sinapis Nigra are used. Description: Probably the most common yellow-flowered plant. It has upright stems, branched, grooved and often clothed with short rough hairs. The leaves are rough, unequally cut and serrated, and the flowers, which are yellow and large, are followed by nearly erect, angular, knotty pods, longer than their flattened conical beak. The seeds form a good substitute for Mustard, but are not equal to them in quality. They yield a good burning oil. Medicinal uses: Not commonly used Compare: Agrimony Keywords: Depression, Sadness, Black clouds, Unhappy, Joyless, Gloomy, Hopeless Dr Bach's description: 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. Essence: The essence of the Mustard is a deep depression, that has no apparent reason. The patient is unable to explain the reason for his sadness, and although he tries to cheer-up, nothing works and he sinks further into the depression. It seems as if a dark cloud suddenly filled the whole sky and the sun ceased to shine. Everything looks hopeless, and it is impossible to find anything in this life, that would be worth living for. The Mustard is similar to another great depression remedy – the Agrimony. The essence of Agrimony is the sad clown, that hides his unhappiness under a mask of joy and good spirits. The Mustard has no power to cover-up his sadness and the outside world is aware of the terrible situation, of the Mustard patient. The Mustard depression also is specific in the onset of this depression. It is unexpected and the patient is not aware of any causative factors.

30

Oak Botanical: Quercus Robur Family: Fagaceae Homeopathic remedy: Quercus Robur Description: The Oak is noted for the slowness of its growth, as well as for the large size to which it can grow. In eighty years the trunk is said not to exceed 50 centimeters in diameter, but old trees reach a great circumference. The Greeks held the Oak sacred, according to the Romans the Oak was dedicated to the Jupiter, and the Druids held great respect to the Oak trees. Although Box and Ebony wood is harder and the Yew and Ash wood is tougher than that of an Oak, the Oak combines both these qualities in the best possible way. The oak wood is both tough and hard and is an excellent material for the most demanding construction purposes, such as ship-building. Medicinal uses: Antiseptic, Diarrhea, Good substitute for Quinine in intermittent fever esp. when given together with Chamomile, Dysentery, Sore throat Keywords: Endurance, Perseverance, Steadfastness, Determination, Sense of duty, Busy, Diligent, Stubborn Dr Bach's description: 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. Essence: The Oak tree is characterized by its perseverance and endurance. It grows slowly, but as it grows, it steadily builds up its body from the most durable and enduring wood. This trait is characteristic for the Oak persons. They never give up, no matter how much they must endure in live, no matter what the goals are, and how hard the work is. They are the typical fighters. They struggle with all kinds of obstacles and try one thing after another even if the case seems hopeless. The Oak people have a very great sense of duty and the determination to achieve their goals. If they are unable to continue their work because of a disease, or an injury, they are discontented with themselves and can even get angry at themselves, because they feel, that no matter how sick, or tired they are, they must fulfil their duties. Although this kind of perseverance looks like a perfect character trait, it has its negative sides. After a while people will start exploiting an Oak person and due to his sense of duty, he will perform all duties imposed on him. This will put an Oak person into a never ending cycle of accepting and performing duties that are beyond his power. Another major problem of Oak persons is the stubborn refusal of rest. No matter how tired, or stressed they are, they will never give up, but they will work beyond their powers. They will not rest, even when the need for rest is obvious. The Oak tree teaches to recognize, when it is time to strive and when it is time to rest. 31

Olive Botanical: Olea europaea Family: Oleaceae Homeopathic remedy: Not used. Compare: Hornbeam Description: Olive is a neatly shaped evergreen tree with a dense spreading crown of glossy greygreen to dark-green foliage. Leaves are grey-green to dark-green above and greyish below. The rough, grey bark sometimes peels off in strips. The live is a very resistant tree. It is frost-, drought- and windresistant. It can live a very long life. Average life expectancy of an olive tree is between 300 – 600 years. In Israel there live olive trees, that are more than 2000 years old and while appearing old and dry, they still bear fruit. The oldest olive is supposedly a 5000 years old tree that grows in in Pano Vouves, in Kolymvari, Chania. Medicinal uses: Eye lotions, Diseases of kidneys, High Blood pressure, Diarrhea, Throat inflammation Keywords: Prostration, Weariness, Exhaustion, Fatigue, Exertion agg. Dr Bach's description: Those who have suffered much mentally or physically and are so exhausted and weary that they feel they have no more strength to make any effort. Daily life is hard work for them, without pleasure. Essence: The essence of the Olive is the exhaustion that can take the form of either physical or mental fatigue. The cause of such exhaustion can be is the mental or physical overexertion. The aftereffects of such fatigue is the feeling, that everything is too difficult, that there is not enough power to accomplish even the basic tasks and the lack of pleasure in the daily life. The Olive is quite similar to the Hornbeam remedy, but it is fairly easy to distinguish between these two remedies. Hornbeam is suitable for the mental exhaustion - the exhaustion of the soul. The Hornbeam person is fatigued even before he makes an effort, which means that his soul is tired of the work and the fatigue not usually caused by the overworking, but by the lifestyle and attitude towards the daily life. The Olive tree is full of energy. It is very resistant and can live a very long life while still bearing fruits. The Bach Flower Essence prepared from the Olive teaches the ways if regenerating powers and replenishing the energy, just like the live trees regenerate in order to live a long and productive life.

32

Pine Botanical: Pinnus Sylvestris Family: Pinaceae Homeopathic remedy: Not used Description: A coniferous tree 25 to 40 m tall with a straight stem, with 4-7cm needles that are slightly flattened of blue-green color, having a slightly silvery or white tone. It has a thin, reddish-brown bark, which turns grey and sheds in papery or scaly plates. Medicinal uses: Anti-rheumatic, Antiseptic, Aromatherapy, Diuretic, Expectorant. Keywords: Feelings of Blame, Perfectionists, Guilt complex, Discontented with themselves, they are not good enough, Perseverance, Hard-working, Humble Dr Bach's description: For those who blame themselves. Even when successful they think that 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. Essence: The most characteristic feature of the Pine people is that they feel that they are not good enough. If something fails, they place the blame on themselves and even if they are sometimes successful, they feel that they could have been better. Since, they fell that they are inferior they even claim responsibility for mistakes that they are not responsible for. This also means that they are every perseverant, hard-working and that they are at the same time humble about these positive characteristics. This guilt complex drives them into a perfectionistic approach towards everything and they work hard and strive to accomplish everything as best as they can. They strive towards perfection, but they subconsciously refuse the rewards in the form of a good feeling form the successful efforts. They only feel blame, because they are inferior and therefore everything that they do MUST be wrong. In such a situation it is understandable, that the only thing, that the Pine person feels is despair and that he asks for forgiveness concerning his mistakes. Although acceptance of own failures is a good trait, dwelling too much on previous mistakes results in a guilt complex and turns this positive trait into a negative one. The Pine teaches to accept the mistakes without dwelling too much on them. Every mistake only serves to teach us something and the learning of this lesson improves us.

33

Red Chestnut Botanical: Aesculus Carnea Family: Hippocastanaceae Homeopathic remedy: Not used, although members of the Aesculus genus - Aesculus Hippocastanum and Aesculus Glabra are used. Description: The Red Chestnut has a hybrid origin. It is the cross between the Horse chestnut (Aesculus Hippocastanm) and Red Buckeye (Aesculus Pavia). Pyramidal in shape when very young, Red Horsechestnut develops slowly into a round, very dense shade tree by five to seven years of age, and is outstanding in the landscape for its beautiful springtime display of blossoms. It produces poisonous nuts enclosed in large husks. The multitude of pink to bright scarlet blooms appear on erect, panicles at each branch tip and are quite attractive to bees and hummingbirds. Medicinal uses: Not known. Compare: Chicory Keywords: Worry, Anxiety about others, Anticipation of something unfortunate event happening to others, Caring for others Dr Bach's description: 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 that some unfortunate thing may happen to them. Essence: The Red Chestnut is useful in situations, where the patient is anxious for other people. He may even stop worrying about himself, but he still worries about what will happen to the ones he is fond of. This can take the form of either a fear, anxiety or uneasiness with anticipation, that something terrible is about to happen to someone. The Red Chestnut has certain similarity with the Chicory. The Chicory in one of its phases can be overly caring about the people he loves. The difference is that the Chicory looks after the closest persons in every aspect (making decisions, helping), while the Red Chestnut reaction is that he expects something bad to them. Yet the major difference lies in the fact, that the Chicory expects something in return for the caring and the Red Chestnut worries so much about others, that he forgets his own problems.

34

Rock Rose Botanical: Helianthemum Nummularium Family: Cistaceae Homeopathic remedy: Cistus Canadensis Description: A perennial herb, with a simple, ascending downy stem. Its flowers are large and bright yellow, some with petals. Rock Rose opens its flowers only in the sunlight, a fact that explains the genus name, which is derived from the Greek helios ("the sun") and anthemon ("flower"). The common name refers to the ice crystals that form from sap exuding from cracks near the base of the stem in late fall. The flower lasts only one day and produces many seeds. Medicinal uses: Scrofula, Scarlatina, Secondary syphilis, Diarrhea Keywords: Terror, Fear, Panic, Sudden Shock Dr Bach's description: The rescue remedy. The remedy of emergency for cases where there even appears no hope. In accident 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, for example, if there is unconsciousness, which is a deep, sleepy state, Clematis ; if there is torture, Agrimony, and so on. Essence: The Rock Rose is one of the components of the Rescue Remedy and as such it is specific for the fear. The fear of the Rock Rose can start as a Red Chestnut, Mimulus or Aspen type of fear, but the intensity of the fear of the Rock Rose is much greater. A fitting word for this type of fear is terror. Patient is totally hopeless, the extreme fear can produce the state of panic, where every conscious thought is impossible. The typical situations, that require the Rock Rose remedy are accidents, serious injuries, shocks of all kinds, natural disasters, sudden serious illnesses. These situation however describe only the sudden shock-like experiences, that would require the Rock Rose. Yet the rock Rose terror can evolve from the fears, that can be easily managed under normal circumstances. If however the conditions are not favorable the easily managed fear gains strength and evolves into terror and panic. In extreme situations, where the patient is unconscious or where he cannot drink, the lips of the patient can be moistened by the remedy and the healing will take place. The Rock Rose has a great power in calming the patient even in the state of panic and terror and it brings balance and courage. The inner strength is regained and the patient can face his fears with a better chance of success.

35

Rock Water Homeopathic remedy: Not used Medicinal uses: Not used Keywords: Inflexible, Adamant, Hard, Ascetic, Setting high standards, Typical “mineral persons”: inflexible, hard, black-or-white perception, achievements, rules. Dr Bach's description: 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 and strong and active, and will do anything which they believe will keep them so. They hope to be examples which will appeal to others who may then follow their ideas and be better as a result. Essence: The Rock Water is suitable for the introspective people, who always seek ways to improve themselves. They usually set themselves very high goals and are very hard on themselves, if they fail to achieve these goals. The reason for the setting of high goals can be a feeling of inferiority. The person feels that he is not good enough and that he must try his best to improve. If he fails to succeed, he will punish himself and he will set the next goal even higher. It is quite symbolic, that the Rock Water bears the characteristics of a Saturnian person. Saturn is the ruler of the Aquarius sign, which symbolizes water. The Rock water bears is a typical Saturn type of person: hard, inflexible, adamant, everything must be achieved to 100%, he sets himself rules that must be adhered to etc. Such behavior naturally restrains and inhibits the person and he becomes trapped in the network of his own goals and rules. The Rock Water person can sometimes have the need to influence others, but the influence is based solely on setting a good example and trying his best to appear at 100%. The Rock Water remedy does not diminish the need for self-perfection, since it can be a positive trait, but it equalizes the extremes of this kind of behavior and brings loosens the restraining and inhibiting behavior.

36

Scleranthus Botanical: Scleranthus annuus Family: Caryophyllaceae Homeopathic remedy: Not used Description: This little plant is often overlooked in the field because it is quite small and it has indistinct green flowers. The linear leaves grow in opposite directions and are about 1cm long and 1mm wide. Medicinal uses: Not used. Keywords: Indecision, Unable to choose, Unable to decide Dr Bach's description: Those who suffer much from being unable to decide between two things, first one seeming right then the other. They are usually quiet people, and bear their difficulty alone, as they are not inclined to discuss it with others. Essence: The keyword of the Scleranthus is indecision. The Scleranthus people are unable to make their mind about many things. It can range for the indecision in important matters, which is quite common, but can become quite pathologic, when the person is unable to decide between unimportant options and is mentally torn apart between these choices. This chronic indecision can manifest also on the physical plane. The decision-making is a process that takes the person further, and brings motion into his life. If the person is unable to decide, he does not progress and is unable to move forward. On the physical plane this can manifest as a car-sickness, seasickness or any other form of motion-sickness. Another way in which this indecisiveness can manifest is on the emotional plane. The person can experience mood swings and frequent changes of mood. Although these external manifestation can be leading symptoms in the process of prescription, its value must not be exaggerated. They can be common also for other remedies, where there is a problem with the motion. The important feature of these people is that they are mostly introverted and they do not share their problems with other people. They experience inner struggle, but they do not discuss about the things that they cannot decide between and they keep it to themselves.

37

Star of Bethlehem Botanical: Ornithogalum umbellatum Family: Liliaceae Homeopathic remedy: Ornithogalum umbellatum Description: The flowers of the Star of Bethlehem are white and have six regular parts. Blooms first appear in early spring and continue into late spring. The center of the flower looks like a small crown. The whole plant is considered to be poisonous, especially the bulbs. The symptoms of poisoning are not very severe and include skin irritation, nausea, salivation etc. Medicinal uses: Not used. Keywords: Shock, Trauma Dr Bach's description: For those in great distress under conditions which for a time produce great unhappiness. The shock of serious news, the loss of some one dear, the fright following an accident, and such like. For those who for a time refuse to be consoled this remedy brings comfort. Essence: The Star of Bethlehem is useful for the after-effects of shocks or traumas. It is not important whether these traumas are recent, or whether they have occurred in the past. Such traumas can include short-term traumas such as: car accidents, injuries, bad news, death of close persons or the long-term traumas suffered in the childhood. The after-effects of traumas can manifest as fear, anxiety, restlessness, but the Star of Bethlehem is very useful for the feelings of great emptiness that occur, when a close person dies and leaves an empty space, that cannot be fulfilled. This feeling does not have to be accompanied by the typical feelings of discomfort (such as fear, anxiety or restlessness), but it can be only the feeling of emptiness, loneliness and sadness. The Star of Bethlehem can be prescribed for the acute after-effects of the shocks and traumas characterized by the typical post-traumatic feelings as well as the chronic aftereffect, where the symptoms have changed and have become latent. This remedy is the part of the Rescue Remedy and helps comforting and calming people in the post-traumatic situations and brings inner peace and harmony in their lives.

38

Sweet Chestnut Botanical: Castanea Sativa Family: Fagaceae Homeopathic remedy: Castanea Vesca Description: Sweet Spanish chestnut is a large and handsome tree that can get 30 m tall with a crown spread about half its height. The flowers are in showy spikelike creamy yellow catkins. Chestnuts have both male and female flowers on the same tree but they are largely self-incompatible so it is necessary to have at least two trees in order to produce the nuts. Sweet chestnut is the source of the edible chestnuts . In southern Europe, a flour from chestnuts is made that is similar to wheat flour in protein, starch and fat but lacks the gluten; breads and cakes made with chestnut flour tend to fall apart unless some wheat flour is added. Before the potatoes and cord was infroduced, the chestnut nuts were the primary source of nutrition in the poor countries. Medicinal uses: Anti-inflammatory, Astringent, Expectorant Compare: Gorse, Gentian Keywords: Despair, Anguish, No-way situations, End of the line, Hopeless, No escape, It is over Dr Bach's description: For those moments which happen to some people 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. When it seems there is nothing but destruction and annihilation left to face. Essence: A person needing Sweet Chestnut is in a hopeless situation with no way out. He has arrived at the end of the line and no solution of his problems can be seen. The patient feels that he has endured as much as he could and that it is time to finally surrender. He feels that he has no energy left to fight, but that he has lost. The difference between the Gorse and the Sweet Chestnut is that while the situation of the Gorse has a clearly visible solution, the Gorse patient is unwilling to accept it, because he feels that there is no hope, the situation of the Sweet Chestnut has not solution and if a one solution would exist, the Sweet Chestnut would use it. The major feeling of the Gorse is dejection and hopelessness, while the major feeling of the Sweet Chestnut is despair and anguish. It is clear that the despair of the Sweet Chestnut is more intense and critical than the dejection of the Gorse. The difference between the Gentian and the Sweet Chestnut is even clearer. The Gentian person feels downhearted when something has gone wrong, but he will soon pick up and will continue to struggle. The situation of Sweet Chestnut is really the end of the line. The Sweet Chestnut will help remain in control of the life and perhaps it will uncover an option that was not previously visible.

39

Vervain Botanical: Verbena Officinalis Family: Verbenaceae Homeopathic remedy: Verbena Officinalis Description: Vervain has a history of being a sacred herb. According to the legend the vervain was used to stanch the bleeding of Christ’s wounds. It is a common ingredient in various love mixtures and protective and prosperity spells. The Vervain has tiny purple flowers that grow on tall spikes. Medicinal uses: Nerve tonic, Sedative, Cholagogue, Not to be taken by pregnant women Compare: Oak Keywords: Willpower, Endurance, Enthusiasm, Positive, Fighter, Perfectionist, Persistence, Always going forward Dr Bach's description: Those with fixed principles and ideas, which they are confident are right, and which they very rarely change. They have a great wish to convert all around them to their own views of life. They are strong of will and have much courage when they are convinced of those things that they wish to teach. In illness they struggle on long after many would have given up their duties. Essence: The Vervain people are governed by the combination of Mars and Saturn energy. They focus their energy to the outside and they try to change the surroundings by their fixed ideas and actions. They are positive (they achieve a change in the outside environment) and confident that their way is the best one. This would be impossible without the correct driving force. The Vervain people have plenty of this energy. It manifests as the enthusiasm, optimism, persistence and extreme willpower. A possible similarity between the Vervain plant and the Vervain essence can be seen in the function of long spikes on which the flowers grow. The long spikes put the flowers of the Vervain on a higher position so that it can attract insects. The Vervain person uses his enthusiasm (he puts his ideas on a higher position) to attract people and to motivate them. Although this kind of enthusiasm and willpower can seem like a very good personality trait, it has its negative aspects. The Vervain people can become overly zealous and can even become fanatics. They can have problems with relaxation, as they spend too much energy and they do not waste time in relaxing and regaining strength. The Vervain is quite similar to the Oak. The difference between these remedies is that the Oak lacks the enthusiasm of the Vervain. Oak performs his duties because of a very strong sense of duty that does not allow him to rest or to stop. The Vervain performs his duties because of his enthusiasm and because he wants to accomplish it. The Oak must finish the work at all costs (sense of duty) and the Vervain wants to finish the work (motivation is his own need to accomplish the task).

40

Vine Botanical: Vitis Vinifera Family: Vitaceae Homeopathic remedy: Not used. Description: Perennial, woody climbing vine; the stems can grow up to 35 m length, but in cultivation usually reduced by annual pruning to 1–3 m. The leaves ar equite thin, circular to circular-ovate with branched tendrils. The fruits of the are used to produce vine or juice that can be directly consumed. Medicinal uses: Analgesic, Antiinflammatory, Astringent, Demulcent, Diuretic, Hepatic, Laxative, Lithontripic Compare: Vervain Keywords: Confident, Persuasive, Tyrannical, Self-assured Dr Bach's description: 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. Essence: The Vine is a very capable person that is confident of his skills, ability and knowledge. He is certain that he is right and he feels that other people should persuaded by him to follow his goals, because these goals are the correct ones. In the positive state, this kind of people are very valuable in the crisis situations, because they have a clear idea about what should be done and they will guide others from the uncertainty. In the negative state, the Vine tends to be very stubborn, overly self-confident and he forces other to do exactly as he commands. He may even use force to persuade them to what he wants. He tends to be tyrannical and he suppresses all opposition with all means necessary. This train manifests in the times of sickness. Although the Vine person may have no knowledge of the medical procedures, he will command the hospital personnel and he will direct them as he sees fit. The difference between the Vervain and the Vine is that while the Vervain persuades others to follow his way by the means of example and with his enthusiastic energy, the Vine person is not interested in setting an example. He will force others to do as he commands without any thoughts whether this is right or not.

41

Walnut Botanical: Juglans Regia Family: Juglandaceae Homeopathic remedy: Juglans Regia Description: Deciduous, monoecious tree, rarely up to 60 m tall; brown or grey bark, fissured; leafscars without prominent pubescent band on upper edge. The fruits (walnuts) occur singly or in groups of 2 or 3. They are of spherical shape. The outer husk is yellow-green, but quickly darkens and turns black when it falls to the ground. The inner nut has a very hard shell, it is dark brown in color, deeply ridged and has a sweet tasting edible nut. Medicinal uses: Anti-inflammatory, Astringent, Blood purifier, Cancer, Depurative, Detergent, Diuretic, Laxative, Lithontriptic, Pectoral. Compare: Cerato Keywords: Need for the protection from the outside, Influence of others, Need for stability Dr Bach's description: 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. Essence: The essence of the Walnut flower is clearly shown in the Walnut fruit. As the Walnut fruit has a very hard nutshell that protects the inner parts of the fruit against the outside influences, so the Walnut essence teaches a person to protect himself from the outside influences. The life and work of the Walnut person are very fulfilling and they are on the right path, but they can become influenced by the ambitions and ideas of other people and they may tend to abandon their correct way. The Walnut helps to perceive the outside influences in a way that does not harm the ambitions and enthusiasm of the person who walk the right way. He will walk the right way and he will not stray from the right path. The Walnut essence gives the stability and the strength to constantly see the important goal of the person’s life and by changing the perception of the outside influences; it allows to create a shield against the outside influences. Although the Walnut may appear similar to the Cerato remedy, the essence is very different. The Cerato person mistrusts his own ideas and decisions and he actively seeks helps from the outside. He is uncertain about whether he is correct or not and he trusts outside influences more than himself. The Walnut does not seek an outside influence, since he is convinced that his ideas are correct, but he may get influenced by others.

42

Water Violet Botanical: Hottonia Palustris Family: Primulaceae Homeopathic remedy: Not used. Description: The Water Violet is an aquatic plant, and is not related to the familiar Violets and Pansies, but is a member of the Primrose tribe. It is common in ponds and ditches. From the abundance of its finely divided leaves, which are all submersed, it was also called Millefolium by older writers and Water Milfoil, Water Yarrow and Feather Foil popularly. It flowers in May and June, the flowers being large and handsome, pink or pale purple, with a yellow eye, arranged in whorls one above the other around a leafless stalk, which raises several inches out of the water and forms a handsome spike. Medicinal uses: Not used. Keywords: Independent, Self-reliant, Capable, Quiet, Proud, Clever, Talented Dr Bach's description: 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. Essence: The Water Violet is suited for the independent and capable people that don’t seek contact to others. They are very self-reliant, and since they can be also very talented, they do not even need the contact to other people. They are usually quiet and dignified; even if they are in contact with others, they build a barrier between themselves and other people. Even in times of crisis, such as the sickness, the Water Violet tries to be self-sufficient and does not seek contact or help from the outside. Unlike Vine or Vervain, they are not interested in leading others or showing them the correct way. They follow their own goals and they prefer not to interact with others; even the ideas and opinions of others are not important. The negative side of such a personality is that the Water Violet people are apart from the company of closest people isolated form the outside world. The dignified and quiet appearance can turn into a pride and disdainfulness. In this situation the Water Violet helps restoring the balance and the contact with the outside world becomes a possibility. The Water Violet might even learn to help others and to receive their help.

43

White Chestnut Botanical: Aesculus Hippocastanum Family: Hippocastanaceae Homeopathic remedy: Aesculus Hippocastanum Description: The Horse Chestnut tree should not be confounded with the Sweet Chestnut, which is not even distantly related to the Horse Chestnut. The Horse Chestnut tree is very erect and columnar. It grows very rapidly to great heights with widely spreading branches. he bud will sometimes develop the season's shoot in the course of three or four weeks. The unfolding of the bud is very rapid when the sun melts the resin that binds it so firmly together. The flowers are mostly white, with a reddish tinge, or marking, and grow in dense, erect spikes. The fruit is a brown nut, with a very shining, polished skin, showing a dull, rough, pale-brown scar where it has been attached to the inside of the seed-vessel, a large green husk, protected with short spines, which splits into three valves when it falls to the ground and frees the nut. Medicinal uses: Tonic, Narcotic, It has febrifuge properties, intermittent fevers, Ulcers Compare: Chestnut Bud Keywords: Recurrent thoughts, Unwanted ideas, Arguments with himself, Worrying thoughts, Circling thoughts, Repeating ideas Dr Bach's description: 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. Essence: The main problem of the White Chestnut is the inability to rid himself from thoughts that cannot be stopped or removed from the mind. The thoughts and ideas are circling in the mind and cannot be stopped. This can even take form of an argument with himself. The fact that the person is unable to rid himself from the recurring thoughts causes a mental torture. Since the person is unable to defend himself from the invading thought forms, the problem lies in the non-material defense mechanism that needs strengthening. Although it is not apparent, White Chestnut can be best compared to the Chestnut Bud. The Chestnut Bud is unable to learn from his mistakes literally “walks in circles”. This can take also the form of repeating ideas and of repeatedly thinking about the past events and about their failures. The deficiency of the non-material defense mechanism that allow the external thought forms to revolve in the mind and that occupy the person most of the time can be cured by the White Chestnut and the person is able to strengthen his non-material defense mechanism. In this way he is able to keep his mind clean of invading thought forms.

44

Wild Oat Botanical: Bromus Ramosus Family: Poaceae Homeopathic remedy: Not used. Description: Wild Oat is a cereal grass with a fibrous root which with a smooth, hollow stem. The stem is pale green and somewhat rough, it has seedlings with hairy foliage and linear, lanceolate veined leaves. The flowers are arranged in a loose terminal panicle consisting of two-flowered spikelets. The hairy, grooved grain has almost parallel sides. It has a tall, pointed ligule with serrate margins and no auricles. Medicinal uses: Not used. Compare: Scleranthus Keywords: Ambition, No goals, Need to accomplish without the goal Dr Bach's description: 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. Essence: The main problem of the Wild Oat is that he does not know his purpose in the life, although he has an ambition to accomplish something important. He feels a need for a purpose in the life; the need for a goal. The fact that he does not know his mission causes that Wild Oat is constantly dissatisfied and that he is searching for his purpose. The long-term outcome of this situation can be depression and sadness. Although the Wild Oat is very similar to the Scleranthus, there is one major difference. The Wild Oat does not know the path and the goal of his life, while the Scleranthus knows the path, but is unable to decide between the ways how to achieve this goal. The Wild Oat does not show the correct path to the person, but allows the person to find his role in this life for himself. After this has been accomplished, the person will find inner peace and harmony. He is able to enjoy his life completely.

45

Wild Rose Botanical: Rosa Canina Family: Rosaceae Homeopathic remedy: Not used although a similar remedy Rosa Damascena is used. Description: This shrub grows 60 centimeters to 2.5 meters high. It has alternate leaves and sharp prickles. Its flowers can be red, pink, or yellow. Its fruit, called rose hip, stays on the shrub for the whole year. The flowers and buds can be eaten raw or boiled. The leaves and the fruit of the wild rose are frequently used as a constituent of various herbal tea sorts. Medicinal uses: Astringent, Bach, Cancer, Carminative, Diuretic, Laxative, Ophthalmic, Tonic, Vermifuge Keywords: Surrendered, Resigned, Joyless, Apathy Dr Bach's description: 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. Essence: The most important keyword of the Wild Rose is the resignation. The people needing Wild Rose have apparently without reason surrendered and are just gliding through life. All further inconveniences are dealt with only by a shrug of shoulders, since there is no point in complaining because nothing will change. These people are just drifting through life, as if the life itself would be a nuisance that has to be endured until the end. The Wild Rose has learned that all efforts to change the course of life to the better are hopeless and that acceptance is the only way. Complaining does not solve anything, and as such it serves no purpose. It is aparent that living a life in this way, as if life was something that should be endured and not lived does not create a fulfilled and joyous experiences. The Wild Rose helps to reawaken the lost interest in life. The apathy will be replaced by the renewed interest and the person will be able to find purpose and joy in life.

46

Willow Botanical: Salix Vitellina Family: Salicaceae Homeopathic remedy: Not used although other specimen of the genus Salix are used. Description: Golden willow is a tall and graceful tree which grows to between 10 and 30 m tall. The trunk is well developed with the main boughs and branches ascending at a sharp angle to form a pointed or truncated crown, or a number of pointed “turrets”. The bark has deep fissures and it is greyish-brown colored. The one year old twigs of Salix vitellina can be easily distinguished as they are bright yellow or orange making them very conspicuous in the winter months. Medicinal uses: Anodyne, Antiinflammatory, Antiperiodic, Antiseptic, Astringent, Bach, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Febrifuge, Hypnotic, Sedative, Tonic Compare: Holly Keywords: Self-pity, Resentment, Bitter, Grumbler, Faultfinding, Injustice Dr Bach's description: 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 which 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. Essence: The most characteristic picture of a Willow remedy is a never-satisfied, faultfinding, old grumbler who concentrates only on the negative sides of everything. The Willow is never satisfied with anything. He always searches for mistakes and he never ceases to criticize everyone. This negativistic attitude does not concern only other people. Even if something goes well in the life of the Willow person, he always looks at the negative side of this improvement. The difference between the Holly and the Willow is in the quality of emotions of these remedies. The Holly feels hatred and suspicion that are very intense. The Willow does not feel hatred towards others. It’s only that his “modus operandi” is very critical towards everything. We can say that the Holly is very negative-thinking remedy, while Willow is a very critical-thinking remedy. An important aspect of the Willow personality is the sense injustice. The Willow feels that he does not deserve all the negative things that happen in his life. He feels resentment and a great deal of self-pity. Yet the truth is, that the things that happen to Willow are not negative. It’s just, that the Willow perceives everything in a very negative and fault-finding way and this perception modifies everything that happens in life. The Willow remedy will enable the person to see also the positive sides of everything and to feel hope and joy of life.

47