The Bach flower remedies are named after their originator Dr Edward Bach, a medical doctor, immunologist and bacteriologist who practiced in Harley Street, London in the early 1900s. After many years Bach became convinced that much of the medicine practised in his day was counter-productive. He believed that remedies should only come from plant sources and giving up his practice, moved to Wales to spend the rest of his days developing his range of gentle plant-based remedies.

Medicinal Essence

According to Bach, illness stems from an inner imbalance, an emotional or psychological state affecting health. In his studies, he discovered that vital medicinal properties of plants were transferred into the early morning dew. By floating the plant in pure spring water and leaving it in sunlight for a while, he was able to collect the medicinal essence and preserve it in a small amount of brandy.

Psychological

Dr Bach prepared 38 remedies, The following 18 are considered safe and particularly relevant for preconception, pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood.
Although medical research has failed to come up with an explanation of the effectiveness of the Bach remedies, it is accepted that there is a physiological basis for its benefits. Many people use the remedies and swear by their effectiveness.

Caution

The amount of alcohol you consume with each dose is negligible. It is safe to take them as frequently as desired.

Self Help

Dr Bach developed his remedies primarily for self-help use. They are available in Australia in health stores and many pharmacies. There are several ways in which you can use the remedies. The most common is to put two or three drops under the tongue every four hours to dissolve slowly, or alternatively add two or three drops to water or juice and sip slowly. You can rub the essences neat onto lips, wrists, and temples or add a few drops to water to make a compress. You may also add a couple of drops of the remedy to a massage oil blend or a bath.

Related posts:

1. Introducing Bush Flower Essences
2. Using Bach Flower Remedies
3. Natural Remedies

The following remedies are especially beneficial to address the changing emotions during preconception, pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood.

Aspen

For vague, unformed fears, apprehension and anxietyBeech
For fraying tempers and intolerance

Crab Apple

For morning sickness and vomiting

Cerato

For feelings of inadequacy or lack of courage

Cherry Plum

For panic and fear of losing control

Clematis

To enhance concentration and focus

Elm

To restore composure when feeling overwhelmed by responsibility and exhaustion

Gentian

For confidence and courage

Hornbeam

To renew mental and physical vigour

Impatiens

For irritability, impatience and frustration

Larch

For a lack of confidence and determination

Mustard

For depression

Mimulus

For fear and anxiety of a known cause

Olive

For complete exhaustion

Rock Rose

For extreme fear, panic, terror or hysteria

Walnut

To ease all transitions in life and protect from outside influences

White Chesnut

For worry that won’t go away and to enhance the ability to think constructively

Rescue Remedy

Rescue remedy is the most popular, a compound of five of Bach’s original essences, (cherry plum, impatiens, rock rose, clematis and star of Bethlehem). Take a few drops on the tongue every hour during labour. Rescue Remedy can be used as a compress following caesarean section, tears or episiotomy. It is also available in a cream for bruising. 

Related posts:

1. Introducing Bach Flower Remedies
2. Natural Remedies
3. Stress & Anxiety during Pregnancy