Bach Flowers: Dispensing the Remedies

In practice, the Bach Flower Essences come as a kit of the 38 individual remedies plus Rescue Remedy. Two drops from these stock bottles are added to a 25 mL dropper bottle which contains three parts pure water and one part brandy (as a preservative). Glycerine or vinegar can be used for people who are sensitive to alcohol or the remedies can be applied to pulse points on the wrists, ankles, temples, neck and behind the knee.

As a general rule, up to five remedies can be combined in one bottle. Rescue Remedy counts as one remedy even though it is made up of five remedies itself. For all remedies the patient takes four drops four times a day either under the tongue or in some water. The remedy can be taken more often if required — this is especially beneficial in acute cases. A 25 mL dosage bottle usually lasts about three weeks. This period is a good time to review the patient’s progress and change the remedy if necessary. Bach Flowers can also be added to herbal medicine mixtures or creams and ointments.

Since the Bach Flowers are an energetic medicine, the patient cannot overdose. They are safe to use in pregnancy, for infants and children of all ages. The Bach Flowers do not interfere with any other medications the person may be taking. Animals, and even plants, also respond well to the Bach Flowers. There are no side effects but because they address the emotions direcdy it is important to monitor a patient’s emotional wellbeing while they are taking Bach Flowers. The prescription may need to be changed over time as certain states resolve and new ones emerge. This is because the emotions can be seen to be like layers of an onion and as each layer is removed another one takes its place until the core is reached.

In contemporary practice, the Bach Flowers give the practitioner an avenue to treat the mind as well as the body. The changes and improvements in a patient’s condition can be remarkable. However, it is very important to appreciate the limitations of these remedies. In adhering to naturopathic principles, the patient as a whole needs to be treated. Physical signs and symptoms also need to be addressed. By supporting the body and the mind, a far more effective treatment can be given for any condition.

Support on an emotional level may need to extend to counselling or psychotherapy. Referral is essential in these cases as the needs of the patient may go beyond what the complementary therapist has been trained to provide. Under no circumstances should a patient be advised to give up orthodox prescriptions and rely solely on the Bach Flowers. This applies to both medications for physiological and emotional conditions. Bach Flowers can be given in conjunction with any orthodox medication. It is then up to the patient and their doctor to discuss any revisions of their prescription.