Dr. Edward Bach developed Bach flower remedies as a holistic approach to balancing emotions in the 1930s. Dr. Bach believed that by controlling your emotions, you could allow your body to naturally heal. The 38 essences, prepared in oral tinctures, are grouped into seven categories of emotions. There are five essences categorized within the "fear and anxiety" group. Rock Rose, Cherry Plum, Mimulus, Aspen and Red Chestnut, are all essences that may help calm anxiety. Rescue Remedy, is a combination remedy designed for sudden emergencies. Bach flowers are available in health food stores and Internet sources as a self-help alternative. They should not replace qualified professional guidance.
Rock Rose
Bachflower.com suggests Rock Rose can be helpful if you experience the type of fear that prevents you from taking action or thinking clearly. It is described as the remedy to use when you are "frozen in fear". Taking drops of the Rock Rose essence after you have been involved in an accident or emergency may help to restore your ability to think and act in a calm rational manner.
Cherry Plum
In "The Little Book of Bach Flower Remedies," Sven Sommer explains Cherry Plum is recommended when you have uncontrolled, irrational thoughts and fear you may lose control. Sommer suggests taking this essence if you fear you may have a nervous breakdown, experience rage, aggression or hysteria. The Bach Centre suggests taking the Cherry Plum essence during anxious situations to restore your sense of control.
Mimulus
The Bach Centre identifies Mimulus as the remedy indicated when a specific event or situation makes you anxious. Mimulus is recommended when common fears such as illness, fear of the dark, speaking in public, or going to the doctor or dentist cause you to experience anxiety. Mimulus essence is recommended to help you overcome your fear and face it with courage.
Aspen
In contrast to Mimulus, which may be helpful if your anxiety is from known fears, the Bach Centre describes Aspen as the essence indicated if you are fearful or anxious without knowing why. The Centre recommends Aspen if your anxieties or worries are vague and inexplicable. It is described as the essence to help restore a sense of inner peace and security for those that suffer from unknown fears and general apprehension.
Red Chestnut
In "The Little Book of Bach Flower Remedies," Sven Sommer recommends Red Chestnut for those who obsessively worry about others, particularly loved ones or family members. Sommer explains Red Chestnut is the essence indicated if over-concern for others is causing anxiety that keeps you up at night, makes you feel restless, or tense. The Bach Centre suggests Red Chestnut can help balance your ability to care for others with compassion rather than anxiety.
Rescue Remedy
Dr. Bach developed a combination remedy for those particularly stressful moments when it may be difficult to take the time to properly select an individual essence. Sold under the brand name Rescue remedy, this tincture contains a blend of Rock Rose, Impatiens, Cherry Plum, Star of Bethlehem and Clematis. The Centre recommends this combination remedy to help reduce anxiety and restore emotional balance in acute situations.
References
- Directly From Nature LLC and Bachflower.com
- The Bach Centre
- "The Little Book of Bach Flower Remedies"; Sven Sommer; 2002
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