How to: Understand Bach’s System
While the process of taking flower essences is simple, navigating the system Dr. Bach created is not unless you are aware of the categories they are organized by. If you have ever come across a bottle of Bach’s flower essence in the store, it will say little more than the name of the flower and it’s ingredients - there is no indication as to when or why you might choose that essence!
Over his lifetime, Bach recognized 38 flower essences in total. These were then categorized as: the 12 Healers, the 7 Helpers, the 19 Situational remedies, and the emotional groups. Having an understanding of these groupings can not only simplify choosing an essence but help to make the most effective choice and blends to support one’s well-being.
The 12 Healers
Between 1928 and 1932, Dr. Bach identified these flowers as a representation the 12 unique soul types he believed each person could be categorized in. These are distinct personality traits that each had a positive and negative expression, the negative appearing when this person had not actualized or learned their ‘soul lesson’, and the positive expression being the realized potential. Some people might strongly identify with one of these flowers, while others might resonate with a few. The ‘soul lesson’ might feel like the strongest theme in your life, and to find this it could help to reflect or create a timeline of the most distinct memories and events to identify a through line.
The 12 Healers can be used alone, or in combination with the other essences to provide more specific support.
The 7 Helpers
Between 1933-1934 Dr. Bach expanded on his original 12 remedies and discovered the 7 Helpers. These essences were intended for more persistent and chronic states of mind. These do not represent the true personality or state of being for a person, but the ways of coping when hardship has been endured.
The 19 Situational Remedies
Throughout 1935, Dr. Bach discovered the remaining 19 Situational remedies. The way in which he discovered them was slightly different before, as in the days prior to discovering the plant, he would strongly experience the emotional states shared with that particular remedy. We can also see that this collection of remedies include more tree essences.
The Situational remedies are supportive in specifically pinpointing emotional and mental states that are more acute in nature, and often circumstantial. These can be most fun to experiment with as you will notice quickly if the emotional state starts to shift!
Emotional Groups
There are 7 emotional groupings that Dr. Bach used to categorize the remedies, and this can make it helpful to narrow down which essences you might choose.
It should be noted though that sometimes we might think our situation is related to a specific emotion, but upon reading the descriptions they don’t seem to match. This is where it can be very helpful to work with a practitioner, to use felt sense, or perhaps to talk through your concern with someone who can help reflect back what you are experiencing so that you can explore it deeper.
For example, we might assume an emotion is rooted in ‘Fear’, whereas its really rooted in ‘Loneliness’.
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Rock Rose
Mimulus
Cherry Plum
Aspen
Red Chestnut -
Cerato
Scleranthus
Gentian
Gorse
Hornbeam
Wild Oat -
Clematis
Honeysuckle
Wild Rose
Olive
White Chestnut
Mustard
Chestnut Bud -
Water Violet
Impatiens
Heather -
Agrimony
Centaury
Walnut
Holly -
Larch
Pine
Elm
Sweet Chestnut
Star of Bethlehem
Willow
Oak
Crab Apple -
Chicory
Vervain
Vine
Beech
Rock Water