The concept of using flowers for medicinal purposes is not new. In fact it was commonly practiced by both the ancient Egyptians and Romans. In this post “Bach Flowers Natural Supplements For Anxiety“ we look at floral treatments that hail from a more modern period beginning in the early 1930’s. These remedies are still as good and as effective as ever!
Our content is reader-supported. When you buy through links in our posts we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We do not accept money for reviews. Learn More
Bach Flowers Natural Supplements for Anxiety.
Dr. Edward Bach, a Welch physician and bacteriologist, believed that our emotions and thought processes were a defining factor in our physical health.
He also proposed that our emotional state played a significant role in the ability of our bodies to heal from injury or illness.
At the time he published these thoughts he was severely criticized for believing and promoting these opinions.
The Evidence For Bach Flower Remedies
Thankfully a great deal of progress has been made and the theories Dr Bach was criticized over we now know are completely accurate.
There is a great deal of clinical research that clearly proves the connection between mental and physical health.
Research and studies conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) define health as:
“a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
WHO – The World Health Organisation.
“without mental health there can be no true physical health”
Dr Brock Chisholm, the first Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO)
Edward Bach, in his field of study, also advocated the relationship between our mental and physical health. The work he did with patients led him to believe that they were intrinsically linked .
He noted that this was particularly evident in those inflicted with chronic conditions. His findings stated that those who were unable to find solutions or treatment to chronic physical illness were more susceptible to mental health issues.
His later work also declared that for many, once they entered into emotional illness this infliction became more acute than the initial primary health condition.
The associations highlighted between mental and physical health are:
- The development of emotional or mental health disorders becomes a high risk for those with chronic physical illness.
- People with chronic physical conditions are at risk of developing poor mental health.
Bach Flowers Natural Supplements For Anxiety.
Dr Bach developed a system which utilized the essences of local wild flowers.
It was his belief that each flower, or the floral essence derived from them, had specific qualities that could improve mental well being.
During his research he developed 38 various flower essences. In order to improve his patients’ mental health, Dr. Bach utilized these 38 various essences.
The recipes of different dilutions and combinations he developed are what we now refer to as “the Bach Flowers”.
Each could be taken alone, or in combination with others, dependent on the condition, the health of the client and the severity of anxiety and depression. A wonderful holistic treatment of anxiety.
The Bach Flowers were among the the first natural remedies for anxiety and depression. They remain as popular now as they were in the 30’s.
PinBach Flowers Natural Supplements for Anxiety.
Most Popular and Well Known Essences for Anxiety and Depression
PinGentian.
Used if the persons anxiety includes feelings of pessimism and discouragement.
Gentian is also one of the best anxiety supplements if the sufferer is aware of the reason for their anxiety or depression i.e. death of a loved one.
Elm.
Used if a persons anxiety includes feelings of being overwhelmed or if anxiety is related to exhaustion.
These symptoms of anxiety are often related to being under stress and overworking.
Agrimony.
Often used for treatment of depression but considered another one the best natural supplements for anxiety if the sufferer also has feelings of emotional anguish or constant feelings of despair.
Cherry Plum.
Used if the anxiety also includes fear. This fear can be due to an actual real threat (perhaps job loss) or if the fear is a possible or even imaginary danger.
Gorse.
Used if the anxiety includes overwhelming and ongoing feelings of doubt and sadness.
PinSweet Chestnut.
Used if the anxiety includes continual feelings of despair and hopelessness.
Mustard.
Used if the anxiety includes symptoms of sadness or gloom that have no apparent cause.
Honeysuckle.
Used if the sufferers anxiety includes an unhealthy focus on past events and are unable to move on and live in the present.
Wild Rose.
Again one of most widely used Bach Flower Remedies and considered one of the best natural supplements for anxiety and depression if symptoms include apathy, lack of interest and lethargy.
Rescue Remedy.
By far the best known and the most popular of the Bach Flower Remedies.
Rescue remedy is used to stabilize emotions in a crisis or emergency. It is excellent to prevent panic attacks and can relive the symptoms of stress, shock and panic.
It is also the best remedy to use if you are unsure of the specific essences you should take.
Bach Flower Guidance.
As always if you, or a loved one, are currently taking any prescription medications it is advised to consult a doctor before beginning Bach Flower Remedies.
The typical dose is two to four drops diluted in water four times daily:
- upon rising,
- before lunch,
- before dinner,
- before going to bed
However the doses can vary depending on the essence used.
If you are interested in Bach Flower Remedies you can find a link to search and find the right Bach Flowers for you here.
I highly recommend them as one the best natural supplements for anxiety and depression.
They can be purchased at most good health stores and online. I have included links to recommended suppliers and products on Amazon. The stock is excellent and they are sold at affordable prices.
PinBach Flower Remedies Natural Supplements for Anxiety.
Of course not all Bach Flowers are for anxiety. They are natural remedies so can be used for a multitude of purposes.
Here is the guide to all Bach Flowers:
1. Agrimony – mental torture behind a cheerful face
2. Aspen – fear of unknown things
3. Beech – intolerance
4. Centaury – the inability to say ‘no’
5. Cerato – lack of trust in one’s own decisions
6. Cherry Plum – fear of the mind giving way
7. Chestnut Bud – failure to learn from mistakes
8. Chicory – selfish, possessive love
9. Clematis – dreaming of the future without working in the present
10. Crab Apple – the cleansing remedy, also for not liking something about ourselves
11. Elm – overwhelmed by responsibility
12. Gentian – discouragement after a setback
13. Gorse – hopelessness and despair
14. Heather – talkative self-concern and being self-centred
15. Holly – hatred, envy and jealousy
16. Honeysuckle – living in the past
17. Hornbeam – tiredness at the thought of doing something
18. Impatiens – impatience
19. Larch – lack of confidence
20. Mimulus – fear of known things
21. Mustard – deep gloom for no reason
22. Oak – the plodder who keeps going past the point of exhaustion
23. Olive – exhaustion following mental or physical effort
24. Pine – guilt
25. Red Chestnut – over-concern for the welfare of loved ones
26. Rock Rose – terror and fright
27. Rock Water – self-denial, rigidity and self-repression
28. Scleranthus – inability to choose between alternatives
29. Star of Bethlehem – shock
30. Sweet Chestnut – extreme mental anguish, when everything has been tried and there is no light left
31. Vervain – over-enthusiasm
32. Vine – dominance and inflexibility
33. Walnut – protection from change and unwanted influences
34. Water Violet – quiet self-reliance leading to isolation
35. White Chestnut – unwanted thoughts and mental arguments
36. Wild Oat – uncertainty over one’s direction in life
37. Wild Rose – drifting, resignation, apathy
38. Willow – self-pity and resentment
As always I would love to hear your thoughts so please leave a comment and I’ll get back to you asap…or contact me directly by clicking here.
