Bach flower remedies, developed in the 1930's by homeopathic physician Dr. Edward Bach, are prepared by distilling flowers in spring water. Herbalists believe the resultant liquid contains a vibrational memory, or essence, of the flower. Bach remedies are not intended to treat symptoms of disease, but to alleviate emotional and mental conditions that may contribute to them. Some people turn to Bach remedies for help with insomnia. Difficulty sleeping can be a sign of underlying physical or emotional problems; check with your doctor before using Bach flower remedies to treat your insomnia.
Rock Rose
Rock rose, botanically known as Helianthemum nummularium, is a popular Bach remedy for feelings of extreme terror. According to the Bach Centre, rock rose may be advised for panic attacks, hysteria and nightmares. Bach flower remedies are sometimes combined into a mixture called a rescue remedy, which practitioners may prescribe in cases of severe emotional stress and crisis; rock rose is one of the constituent flowers in the standard Bach rescue remedy for sleep. If your insomnia is complicated by nightmares or night terrors, your Bach practitioner may prescribe rock rose, either by itself or in the rescue remedy.
Cherry Plum
Bach flower practitioners often advise cherry plum, an ornamental fruit tree botanically known as Prunus cerasifera, for insomnia. The Bach flower remedy is made from the blossoms, which appear from February to May; Herbs2000 stresses that for use in a Bach remedy, flowers must be harvested on a day when the weather is fine. Cherry plum is an ingredient in the rescue remedy for sleep, and is used to treat fear and anxiety, especially obsessive fears that you may harm yourself or someone else. If your practitioner feels that fearfulness is contributing to your insomnia, he may prescribe cherry plum.
Clematis
Clematis, a flowering vine botanically known as Clematis vitalba, owes its place in the Bach rescue remedy for sleep to practitioners' belief that it can be used to prevent distracting fantasies and preoccupation with future events. Your practitioner may recommend this remedy, either by itself or in the rescue remedy, if she feels that your insomnia is caused by mental distractions.
Star of Bethlehem
Star of Bethlehem, botanically known as Ornitholagum umbellatum, is a member of the lily family. The entire flower heads are harvested on bright, sunny days to ensure they are fully opened. Herbs2000 recommends Star of Bethlehem to treat the shock of negative events such as grief, bereavement, or accidents. If loss or sadness is contributing to your sleeplessness, your practitioner may advise Star of Bethlehem.
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