Welcome students to Greenhouse #2! In this Greenhouse we keep all of the 38 Bach Flowers. These flowers have proven to aid in afflictions of the mind, spirit and mood, and today we will learn about their properties and benefits. Once again, please remember that you should not mess with the plants, and you should not experiment with them, or try them. These techniques or whatever are not to be used in the diagnosis or treatment of any disease. Please put your gloves on, find your partner, and let’s begin with this lesson!
BACH FLOWERS
Edward Bach was an English doctor that invented the so called “Bach Flower Remedies.” Dr. Bach discovered that the dew found on flower petals had healing properties, meaning that the dew retained the healing properties of the plant. It is important to notice that these remedies are meant to heal emotional or spiritual afflictions, and not physical ones. The remedies are done by diluting the different flowers in water. For preparing the flower essences and the remedies, there are two kinds of methods: the Sun Method and the Boiling Method.
Material needed:
All of the material must be extremely clean and sterilized.
Sun Method:
Boiling Method:
So, which method is better? Well, it is not about that! To obtain the essences, some flowers will need the Sun Method, and some others the Boiling Method. We will learn that soon!
As learned before, Bach Flowers are meant to help people restore their psychological and emotional equilibrium. In order to achieve that, the flowers are classified in seven different groups which follow seven major psychological and emotional states. Each group is formed by different flowers. The properties of those flowers are related to the group they form part of. According to the “Bach Flowers” webpage (http://www.bachflower.com), the groups and their flowers are divided as follow:
Material needed:
- Jug and funnel.
- Glass bowl (for Sun Method)
- Saucepan (for Boiling Method)
- Bottle for storing the essence.
- Pure water.
- Brandy to preserve the essence.
All of the material must be extremely clean and sterilized.
Sun Method:
- Pick your morning carefully! The sky must be clear and the sun shining.
- Pick your flowers before 9 am.
- Fill your glass bowl with pure water, pick the blooms from the plant and put them inside the bowl, letting them float.
- Cover the surface of the bowl and leave it in the sunshine for 3 to 4 hours. Do not let any shadows fall across the bowl!
- After the proper time has passed, the flowers would have already passed their healing properties to the water, so it is time to take them out of the bowl! Instead of using your fingers, use a twig.
- Pour your essence into a clean bottle.
- Add an equal volume of brandy to preserve your essence.
Boiling Method:
- Like with the Sun Method, pick your flowers on a bright day and before 9 am.
- Take a clean saucepan, and fill three quarters of it with the flowers and stems you picked.
- Return home and cover the flowers with 1.13 liters of pure water.
- Put the saucepan on to boil.
- Simmer for 30 minutes.
- After the time had passed, put the saucepan outside to cool.
- When the essence is cold filter it in a clean bottle.
- Add an equal volume of brandy to preserve your essence.
So, which method is better? Well, it is not about that! To obtain the essences, some flowers will need the Sun Method, and some others the Boiling Method. We will learn that soon!
As learned before, Bach Flowers are meant to help people restore their psychological and emotional equilibrium. In order to achieve that, the flowers are classified in seven different groups which follow seven major psychological and emotional states. Each group is formed by different flowers. The properties of those flowers are related to the group they form part of. According to the “Bach Flowers” webpage (http://www.bachflower.com), the groups and their flowers are divided as follow:
1. FEAR
a) Aspen (Populus tremula): “Helps when you feel fearful without knowing why. The fear is vague and unexplainable and may hunt you day and night.” Good for senses of apprehension. Flowers from February to early April, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
b) Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera): “For those who fear losing control of their thoughts and actions and doing things they know are bad for them or which they consider wrong. Teaches trust in one's spontaneous wisdom and the courage to follow one's path.” Flowers in late February to early April, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
c) Mimulus (Mimulus guttatus): “Helps when you feel fear, the type of fear that you can put a name on, such as, fear of dogs, spiders, being alone, losing a job, illness etc. Also fear of speaking freely of it to others or shyness.” Flowers from June to August, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
d) Red Chestnut (Aesculus carnea): “Helps when you find it difficult not to be anxious for other people, you are afraid that some unfortunate things may happen to your loved ones.” Flowers in late May and June, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
e) Rock Rose (Helianthemum nummularium): “Helps when you experience fears, such as, terror or fright that makes you feel frozen and unable to move or think clear.” Good for panic, hysteria and nightmares. Flowers from late May through August, and is prepared through the Sun Method.
b) Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera): “For those who fear losing control of their thoughts and actions and doing things they know are bad for them or which they consider wrong. Teaches trust in one's spontaneous wisdom and the courage to follow one's path.” Flowers in late February to early April, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
c) Mimulus (Mimulus guttatus): “Helps when you feel fear, the type of fear that you can put a name on, such as, fear of dogs, spiders, being alone, losing a job, illness etc. Also fear of speaking freely of it to others or shyness.” Flowers from June to August, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
d) Red Chestnut (Aesculus carnea): “Helps when you find it difficult not to be anxious for other people, you are afraid that some unfortunate things may happen to your loved ones.” Flowers in late May and June, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
e) Rock Rose (Helianthemum nummularium): “Helps when you experience fears, such as, terror or fright that makes you feel frozen and unable to move or think clear.” Good for panic, hysteria and nightmares. Flowers from late May through August, and is prepared through the Sun Method.
2.UNCERTAINTY
a) Cerato (Ceratostigma willmottianum): “Helps trust your own judgment in decision-making.” Good if you are always seeking for advice because you doubt your own decisions and ability to judge. Flowers from August to early October, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
b) Gentian (Gentianella amarella): “Helps when you get discouraged and depressed when things go wrong or when you are faced with even small delays or difficulty.” Flowers from August to early October, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
c) Gorse (Ulex europaeus): “Helps when you feel great hopelessness, and have given up belief that more can be done.” Flowers throughout the year, but it is abundant from late March to early June. It is prepared by the Sun Method.
d) Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus): “Helps when you feel that you have not sufficient strength mentally or physically to carry the burden that life have placed on you.” Also good for those that have a tendency towards procrastination. Flowers in April and May, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
e) Scleranthus (Scleranthus annuus): “Helps when you have a hard time choosing between two things, such as, Mexican or Chinese food, you simply cannot decide which restaurant to go.” Also good to treat mood swings. Flowers from late May to September, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
f) Wild Oat (Avena Sativa): “Helps when you are at a crossroad in life and are uncertain as to which direction to choose.” Good if you are not content with your career but you still don’t know what other career to follow. Flowers in July and August, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
b) Gentian (Gentianella amarella): “Helps when you get discouraged and depressed when things go wrong or when you are faced with even small delays or difficulty.” Flowers from August to early October, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
c) Gorse (Ulex europaeus): “Helps when you feel great hopelessness, and have given up belief that more can be done.” Flowers throughout the year, but it is abundant from late March to early June. It is prepared by the Sun Method.
d) Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus): “Helps when you feel that you have not sufficient strength mentally or physically to carry the burden that life have placed on you.” Also good for those that have a tendency towards procrastination. Flowers in April and May, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
e) Scleranthus (Scleranthus annuus): “Helps when you have a hard time choosing between two things, such as, Mexican or Chinese food, you simply cannot decide which restaurant to go.” Also good to treat mood swings. Flowers from late May to September, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
f) Wild Oat (Avena Sativa): “Helps when you are at a crossroad in life and are uncertain as to which direction to choose.” Good if you are not content with your career but you still don’t know what other career to follow. Flowers in July and August, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
3. INSUFFICIENT INTEREST IN PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES
a) Chestnut Bud (Aesculus hippocastanum): “Helps when you keep doing the same mistake over and over again. You do not take full advantage of observation and experiences and therefore it takes longer for you to learn a lesson.” Flowers generally in April, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
b) Clematis (Clematis vitalba): “For those who find their lives unhappy and withdraw into fantasy worlds. They are ungrounded and indifferent to the details of everyday life. Teaches one to establish a bridge between the physical world and the world of ideas; may foster great creativity. Is also used to bring clarity and alertness to the present moment.” Also good for lack of concentration and day dreaming. Flowers from July through September, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
c) Honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium): “Helps you let go of past experiences or events. Your thoughts are in the past rather in the present.” Good for nostalgia and homesickness. Flowers from June to August, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
d) Mustard (Sinapis arvensis): “Helps when you feel suddenly depressed without any reason. It feels like a cold dark cloud that destroys normal happiness and cheerfulness.” Flowers from May through July, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
e) Olive (Olea europaea): “Helps you regain energy, vitality and interest in life.” Also good for treating exhaustion due to overwork. Flowers generally in May or June, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
f) White Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum): “Helps when your mind is cluttered with thoughts, usually arguments, ideas, thoughts which you do not wish to have in your mind.” Flowers in May and June, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
g) Wild Rose (Rosa canina): “Helps you to take responsibility for your own life and take a lively interest in life, work and the world in general.” Good to improve the wants and need to find joy, and to treat apathy and resignation. Flowers in June and July, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
b) Clematis (Clematis vitalba): “For those who find their lives unhappy and withdraw into fantasy worlds. They are ungrounded and indifferent to the details of everyday life. Teaches one to establish a bridge between the physical world and the world of ideas; may foster great creativity. Is also used to bring clarity and alertness to the present moment.” Also good for lack of concentration and day dreaming. Flowers from July through September, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
c) Honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium): “Helps you let go of past experiences or events. Your thoughts are in the past rather in the present.” Good for nostalgia and homesickness. Flowers from June to August, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
d) Mustard (Sinapis arvensis): “Helps when you feel suddenly depressed without any reason. It feels like a cold dark cloud that destroys normal happiness and cheerfulness.” Flowers from May through July, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
e) Olive (Olea europaea): “Helps you regain energy, vitality and interest in life.” Also good for treating exhaustion due to overwork. Flowers generally in May or June, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
f) White Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum): “Helps when your mind is cluttered with thoughts, usually arguments, ideas, thoughts which you do not wish to have in your mind.” Flowers in May and June, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
g) Wild Rose (Rosa canina): “Helps you to take responsibility for your own life and take a lively interest in life, work and the world in general.” Good to improve the wants and need to find joy, and to treat apathy and resignation. Flowers in June and July, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
4. LONELINESS
a) Impatiens (Impatiens glandulifera): “For those who act and think quickly, and have no patience for what they see as the slowness of others. They often prefer to work alone. Teaches empathy and understanding of and patience with others. It is found to be fast-acting in alleviating an impatient attitude and lowering stress.” Flowers from July to September, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
b) Heather (Calluna vulgaris): “Helps when you are unhappy being alone for any length of time, you are always seeking the companionship and find it necessary to discuss your affairs with others, no matter who it may be.” These kind of people are generally self-absorbed and poor listeners. Flowers in August and September, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
c) Water Violet (Hottonia palustris): “Helps you get a warmer relationship with other people. You love being alone, but often find yourself lonely.” Good for people who like solitude but may be seen as proud and unapproachable, causing them to feel isolated and lonely instead of enjoying their solitude. Flowers in May and June, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
b) Heather (Calluna vulgaris): “Helps when you are unhappy being alone for any length of time, you are always seeking the companionship and find it necessary to discuss your affairs with others, no matter who it may be.” These kind of people are generally self-absorbed and poor listeners. Flowers in August and September, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
c) Water Violet (Hottonia palustris): “Helps you get a warmer relationship with other people. You love being alone, but often find yourself lonely.” Good for people who like solitude but may be seen as proud and unapproachable, causing them to feel isolated and lonely instead of enjoying their solitude. Flowers in May and June, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
5. OVERSENSITIVE TO INFLUENCES AND IDEAS
a) Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria): “Helps you to communicate your real feelings and worries. You are the cheerful, humorous type that get distressed by argument or quarrel. You often hide your feelings behind humor and jesting and often you take alcohol or drugs in excess, to stimulate yourself.” Flowers from June through August, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
b) Centaury (Centaurium umbellatum): “Helps when you find it hard to say no, and therefore easily get imposed on. You often find yourself serving others, neglecting your own particulate mission in life.” Flowers from June to September, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
c) Holly (Ilex aquifolium): “Helps when you suffer from angry thoughts such as jealousy, envy, revenge and/or suspicion.” Flowers from May to June, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
d) Walnut (Juglans regia): “Helps you break free from old ties and at times of major life changes. It helps you move forward and make necessary changes in order to be happy. Walnut gives consistency and protection from outside influences.” Good for breaking past links and adjusting to new beginnings. Flowers from April through late May, and it is prepared by the Boiling Method.
b) Centaury (Centaurium umbellatum): “Helps when you find it hard to say no, and therefore easily get imposed on. You often find yourself serving others, neglecting your own particulate mission in life.” Flowers from June to September, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
c) Holly (Ilex aquifolium): “Helps when you suffer from angry thoughts such as jealousy, envy, revenge and/or suspicion.” Flowers from May to June, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
d) Walnut (Juglans regia): “Helps you break free from old ties and at times of major life changes. It helps you move forward and make necessary changes in order to be happy. Walnut gives consistency and protection from outside influences.” Good for breaking past links and adjusting to new beginnings. Flowers from April through late May, and it is prepared by the Boiling Method.
6. DESPONDENCY OR DESPAIR
a) Crab Apple (Malus Pumila): “Helps when you feel that there is something not quite clean about yourself. You may need to wash hands often, find things dirty without any reason, you may find yourself ugly although others find you very attractive. This is the cleansing Essence.” Flowers in May, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
b) Elm (Ulmus procera): “Helps when your responsibilities overwhelm you. You feel depressed and exhausted and may lose self-esteem.” Flowers in February or March, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
c) Larch (Larix decidua): “Helps you to regain self-esteem and confidence in yourself.” Good for people who anticipate failure and don’t make a good effort to succeed. Flowers in late March and April, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
d) Oak (Quercus robur): “Helps when your inner strength wanes; usually because you are an over-achiever and will overwork and ignore your tiredness.” Flowers during late April and May, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
e) Pine (Pinus sylvestris): “Helps when you feel guilt and self-reproach, often for other people's mistakes or just anything that goes wrong. You are never content with your effort and results.” Flowers in May, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
f) Star of Bethlehem (Ormithogalum umbellatum): “Helps when you experience serious news, loss of someone dear, the fright following an accident etc. The distress and unhappiness feels unbearable.” Flowers from April to June, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
g) Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa): “Helps you at moments when the anguish is too great and seem to be unbearable. Your mind or body feels as if it had bore to be the uttermost limit of its endurance. It feels as there is nothing but destruction and annihilation left to face.” Flowers in July, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
h) Willow (Salix vitellina): “Helps when you have suffered adversity or misfortune and find it difficult to accept. You feel sorry for yourself and are grumble and sulky.” You become resentful and bitter towards others. Flowers during April and May, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
b) Elm (Ulmus procera): “Helps when your responsibilities overwhelm you. You feel depressed and exhausted and may lose self-esteem.” Flowers in February or March, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
c) Larch (Larix decidua): “Helps you to regain self-esteem and confidence in yourself.” Good for people who anticipate failure and don’t make a good effort to succeed. Flowers in late March and April, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
d) Oak (Quercus robur): “Helps when your inner strength wanes; usually because you are an over-achiever and will overwork and ignore your tiredness.” Flowers during late April and May, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
e) Pine (Pinus sylvestris): “Helps when you feel guilt and self-reproach, often for other people's mistakes or just anything that goes wrong. You are never content with your effort and results.” Flowers in May, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
f) Star of Bethlehem (Ormithogalum umbellatum): “Helps when you experience serious news, loss of someone dear, the fright following an accident etc. The distress and unhappiness feels unbearable.” Flowers from April to June, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
g) Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa): “Helps you at moments when the anguish is too great and seem to be unbearable. Your mind or body feels as if it had bore to be the uttermost limit of its endurance. It feels as there is nothing but destruction and annihilation left to face.” Flowers in July, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
h) Willow (Salix vitellina): “Helps when you have suffered adversity or misfortune and find it difficult to accept. You feel sorry for yourself and are grumble and sulky.” You become resentful and bitter towards others. Flowers during April and May, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
7. OVERCARE FOR THE WELFARE OF OTHERS
a) Beech (Fagus sylvatica): “Helps you be less critical toward other people and accept them as they are.” These people can be intolerant at times. Flowers in April and May, and is prepared by the Boiling Method.
b) Chicory (Cichorium intybus): “Helps you to be less critical, opinionated and argumentative. You always find something about others that you believe should be put right.” Good for people that can be demanding and with the need for others to support their ideals. Flowers from July to September, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
c) Rock Water (Aqua Petra): “Helps when you expect too much of yourself.” Good for people who are strict and rigid with themselves.” Is prepared by the Sun Method.
d) Vervain (Verbena officinalis): “For strong-willed people who hold strong views. They put unnecessary effort into everything they undertake, your mind race ahead of events, you may suffer from lack of sleep due to an overactive mind.” Flowers from June to September and it is prepared by the Sun Method.
e) Vine (Vitis vinifera): “Helps you respect other people's views and ideas, you tend to try to persuade other people to do things your way.” Flowers from late April to May, and it is prepared by the Sun Method.
b) Chicory (Cichorium intybus): “Helps you to be less critical, opinionated and argumentative. You always find something about others that you believe should be put right.” Good for people that can be demanding and with the need for others to support their ideals. Flowers from July to September, and is prepared by the Sun Method.
c) Rock Water (Aqua Petra): “Helps when you expect too much of yourself.” Good for people who are strict and rigid with themselves.” Is prepared by the Sun Method.
d) Vervain (Verbena officinalis): “For strong-willed people who hold strong views. They put unnecessary effort into everything they undertake, your mind race ahead of events, you may suffer from lack of sleep due to an overactive mind.” Flowers from June to September and it is prepared by the Sun Method.
e) Vine (Vitis vinifera): “Helps you respect other people's views and ideas, you tend to try to persuade other people to do things your way.” Flowers from late April to May, and it is prepared by the Sun Method.
Well students, this was all for now! I hope you were happy with this month’s lesson. Next time we will be heading to Greenhouse #3, where more edible plants are kept there. Don’t forget to wash your hands before eating anything! Please procceed with your Assignment!