Bach flower therapy delves deep into the personality associated with each of the 38 flower essences created and developed by Dr. Edward Bach, a British bacteriologist. Yes, that is a word.
To define: flower essences are tinctures in glass bottles that are put in drinking water to alter your mood or emotional state.
Bach was a pioneer in connecting physical ills with particular states of mind. His development and use of flower essences have been tried and used with great success for many years. The theory behind this method is that many of our physical problems are long precipitated by our mental state. In determining the state that needs adjusting within us, Bach found flower essences that would balance us and assist us in finding mental peace.
Having used the Bach essences for a long time, I've always been amazed how quickly they work to calm me or shift my state. After reading "Bach Flower Therapy", I now know that my knowledge only skims the surface.
In her book, Mechthild Scheffer delves into the deeper psychological and spiritual benefits we can hope to achieve from using flower essences.
One thing I found fascinating was that Bach used muscle to develop the essences. He also separated plants into two categories; of the higher category that actually have healing powers and those that relieve symptoms. He only sought to use essences that heal.
With that in mind, Scheffer delves deeply into the personality associated with a particular "issue" and makes a strong case around each essence. She covers the symptoms well: Honeysuckle's key symptoms are "longing for the past, regrets for the past, and not living in the present," while Wild Oat is for the person who is dissatisfied because their mission in life is not fulfilled.
What is really great is her description of the results we may experience when a particular energy is blocked and the result we can potentially have by using the essence necessary to heal.
I highly recommend "Bach Flower Therapy" as a book to have at hand. It confirms medicinally the benefits of flower essences and the theory is simple: we are all affected by things in nature, so why not use them to heal and uplift our spirits.
