PARTIE 1 : ETUDES CLINIQUES
1 : ETUDE CLINIQUE RELATIVE AUX FLEURS DE BACH ET COLERES, SAUTES
D’HUMEUR
6 September 2006
Researchers at the University of Plymouth are giving away 400 free bottles of Bach flower
essences to volunteers over the next two months* to discover why some people benefit more
than others from this type of complementary therapy.
Volunteers will be asked to complete questionnaires online using their home computer and provide
feedback about the effects of flower essences using a mobile or landline phone. Volunteers need to be
over 18 years in age and should not have taken flower essences (including rescue remedy) for the
last six months.
Bach flower essences are popular as a remedy for common ailments, including lack of confidence,
depression, anxiety, and fatigue. There are 38 different essences for a wide range of symptoms which
means the therapy can be tailored for individual needs.
The Holistic Health Group, led by Professor of Health Psychology at the University of Plymouth
Michael Hyland, has been researching the essences for a number of years and published a series of
papers evaluating their effectiveness.
“We have found that flower essences are very useful for a number of people, but we don’t
know why some people benefit more than others,” said Professor Hyland. “We would also like to
establish whether it is differences in the way people take the essence which matters.”
Ben Whalley will be conducting the study as part of his PhD. Ben said: “I hope this free trial benefits
the people who take part as well as helping us in this fascinating area of research.”
To claim a free bottle of the essence, volunteers must register for the study at:
www.research.plymouth.ac.uk/holistichealth. Free essences will be sent to the first 400
volunteers to register on the site.
15 August 2007
Flower essence remedies have a significant effect on reducing temper tantrums
among children, a study at the University of Plymouth has revealed.
Researchers found that 73% of parents of children with moderate to severe temper
tantrums experienced some benefit after giving them the Bach Flower essence remedy.
Parents reported 42% fewer tantrums and the study also found that when a child did
have a tantrum, use of the remedy resulted in a reduction in other symptoms commonly
associated with such an episode.
There was 30% less screaming, 24% less whining, 35% less kicking and hitting,
21% less crying and breath holding fell by 14%.
Michael Hyland, Professor of Health Psychology, who led the research, said these early
findings were very encouraging and prove that most parents with children prone to
tantrums could see benefits from using the remedies.
“We have been researching the benefits of these remedies for a number of
years now and have already proved its effectiveness for adults,” said Professor
Hyland.
“These findings suggest that they are equally of benefit to young children in
tackling what can be a very distressing and extremely stressful condition for
parents.”
Professor Hyland and postgraduate research student Ben Whalley have been monitoring
38 children aged between two and five. The children have been taking a remedy in tiny
pill form consisting of the essence of alder, magnolia, sweet chestnut and orange light, a
new formulation specifically designed for youngsters with tantrums. The tablets are taken
twice each day and also throughout the day, as and when parents feel it is required.
Bach flower essences are increasingly popular as a remedy for common ailments,
including depression, anxiety, and fatigue, but now it would appear that it has a very
positive effect on tantrums.
Ben Whalley said: “We are seeing a significant improvement in a large number of
the children tested, particularly in terms of screaming and kicking and hitting
which has been greatly reduced in percentage terms.
“We have also found that children are much calmer in general since they started
taking the remedy.”
Serious temper tantrums affect up to 25% of children, and can make life extremely
difficult for parents. Warning signs for serious tantrums include kicking and hitting,
breath holding and children lying down on the floor, as well as the more common
screaming and crying.
These tantrums tend to last for longer than five minutes, but in the worst cases can go
on as long as an hour.
Another study on Bach Flower essences just published in the journal Psychosomatic
Research found that about 50% of the population reported some benefit and that the
mechanism was likely to be more complex than previously thought.
Professor Hyland said “The response to flower essences seems to be due to
several mechanisms that are working in parallel. It isn’t only a placebo in the
sense of an effect due to expectancy, though expectancy is involved.
“It also seems to be the case that if flower essences ‘feel right’, they are more
likely to produce benefit.”
To sign up for the trial, visit www.holistichealthresearch.org.uk and follow the links.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For further information please contact Professor Michael Hyland (01752 233144 /
233157) or the University of Plymouth Press Office on (01752) 233981.
About the University of Plymouth
Ranked top modern university in the UK*, Plymouth is a national leader for teaching
excellence. This achievement has helped it to secure an extra £33 million in funding over
the next five years. It has a record nine National Teaching Fellowships** and
demonstrates research of both national and international excellence.
With around 30,000 students (including those who study at partner FE colleges within the
University of Plymouth Colleges faculty) it is one of the largest universities in the UK –
and proud to retain its reputation for friendliness. With a track record of ‘widening
participation’, business partnerships and vocational courses, it has a high rate of
graduate employment and is committed to improving the student experience,
demonstrated by significant investment in new facilities. For further information go to
www.plymouth.ac.uk.
*Guardian higher education league table, May 2007
**Including two with the Peninsula Medical School
2 : ETUDE CLINIQUE ITALIENNE DES FLEURS DE BACH
SUR 115 PATIENTS
Terapia con i fiori di Bach: risultati di un monitoraggio su 115 pazienti
(Therapy with Bach flower remedies: results of monitoring 115 patients)
Campanini, ME
Medicina Biologica | Italy | 3 (37-43) | 1997
The results are presented of a study of 115 patients treated with flower remedies
‘in a context of psychological counselling’. The study is statistical examination of
the effectiveness of the remedies in the treatment of three categories of
disorder: anxiety, including panic attacks, phobias and obsessive-compulsive
disorders; depression, including behaviour disturbances and relational problems;
and stress, including post-traumatic disorders and psycho-physical exhaustion.
The sample population was made up of 45% males and 55% females, aged from
2 to 65. Selection was by lottery, but (except in the case of children) the
subjects’ confidence in the treatment was recorded.
All of the Bach remedies were used. Prescription was on the basis of the
individual patient’s psychological state, but certain remedies recurred in the
treatment of each of the three categories of disorder. Thus in the treatment of
anxiety, Agrimony, Aspen, Mimulus, Larch, Chestnut Bud, Rock Rose, Red
Chestnut, Crab Apple and Cherry Plum predominated. In depression, it was
Gentian, Mustard, Sweet Chestnut, Pine, Walnut, Honeysuckle and Gorse, while
the most frequent remedies used for stress were Impatiens, Vervain, Oak, Rock
Water, Olive, Star of Bethlehem, Elm, Hornbeam and White Chestnut. Similarly,
certain combinations of remedies recurred (combinations of up to five were
used), for example Mimulus-Larch for the treatment of anxiety and Olive-Elm-
Hornbeam for stress. The remedies, and some of the recommendations for their
use, were supplied by the Bach Centre in England and dosage was at the
standard rate.
The data for each patient were obtained in clinical interviews designed to
encourage trust. Questions were asked and the answer reported, but the
therapist also recorded verbal and non-verbal signals such as voice intensity,
blushing and posture. Data were recorded in the patient’s clinical file, and
included age, sex, disorder presented, confidence in the treatment, and remedies
prescribed. Further interviews were conducted a week into treatment, then at
fortnightly intervals until the end of the treatment. Success of the treatment was
recorded as ‘total’, ‘partial’ or ‘none’, according to whether remission of
symptoms was reported as complete, partial or nonexistent. The standard Chisquared
test was used for the statistical calculations.
Among the more interesting results: 79% of the subjects reported confidence in
the treatment, but note that most joined the study because they had faith in
Bach remedies. Confidence was greatest in 13-22 age bracket, and notably
higher in female subjects (92%) than male (62%). Anxiety was the commonest
of the three categories of presenting disorders, overwhelmingly so among
patients under 23. Total success was recorded in a striking 67.8% of cases, and
this rises to 89% ‘positive’ results if partial successes are included. Most
interesting of all, subjects who did not have confidence in the treatment had a
higher ‘positive’ rate (95%) than those who did (86%). Dr Campanini concludes
her article by observing that the relationship of psychological to physiological
factors must however remain open and worthy of further investigation.
3 : ETUDE CLINIQUE RELATIVE AUX FLEURS DE BACH ET SYNDROME
D’HYPERACTIVITE /INATTENTION
Oral Flower Essences for ADHD
Mehta, Satwant
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
| USA | Volume 41, 8 | Aug 02
Report by Satwant Kaur Mehta BS on a pilot study at Penn State Hershey Medical
Centre on the use of Rescue Remedy, Vervain, Crab Apple and Walnut in children
with a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). « At the end of
the follow-up period, three of the five children in the placebo group had moved
to inpatient hospitalization. In contrast, in the flower essence group, three of the
five children were functioning well and off all medication. The remaining four
children in the study (two in the placebo group and two in the flower essence
group) were at intermediate levels of functioning, taking medication as
outpatients. »
In his commentary on this study, Dr Joseph Horrigan (Developmental
Neuropharmacology Clinic at the University of North carolina at Chapel Hill)
questions the « standardization and actual content of flower essences », the
« limited sample size » and other aspects of the methodology.
SK Mehta considers the results « compelling », but adds that there is a need for
further controlled studies. He hopes that the psychiatric community can obtain
similar results in « the areas of depression ( Crab Apple, Elm, Gentian, Gorse,
Larch, Mustard, Oak, Pine, Olive, Star of Bethlehem, Sweet Chestnut, Willow),
anxiety and phobias (Aspen, Cherry Plum, Mimulus, Red Chestnut, Rock Rose),
chronic fatigue syndrome (Chestnut Bud, Clematis, Honeysuckle, Hornbeam,
Mustard, Olive, White Chestnut, Wild Rose), eating disorders and weight
reduction (a variety of essences including Crab Apple). »
4 : ETUDE CLINIQUE RELATIVE A L’INTERET DES FLEURS DE BACH CHEZ LA
FEMME PRIMIPARE
Pilotstudie zur Anwendung von Bach-Blütenessenzen bei Erstgebärenden mit
verlängerter Tragzeit (Pilot study of Bach Flower Essences administered to
first-time mothers in prolonged pregnancy)
Rühle, Gudrun
Erfahrungsheilkunde | Germany | Vol 44 (12) | 1995
This article describes a pilot study carried out to determine the effect of Bach
Flower Remedies on first-time mothers where birth is delayed.
The last phase of pregnancy is often difficult, with exhaustion, breathlessness
and panic attacks — the more so when birth is delayed — this can also put
stress on couples.
Prior studies in this field
Weisglas (1979) with a double blind placebo test showed that Bach remedies
increased confidence and wellbeing. Also a study by Mechthild Scheffer at the
Bach Centre in Hamburg (1993), with 700 patients but no control group,
demonstrated positive results. An earlier investigation by Rühle (1994) showed
that with the use of Bach remedies breathing was more relaxed and women
were better able to cope with labour pains.
Fundamental presuppositions for this study
Lewi’s description (1967) of the physiological/psychological effects of
pregnancy, Read’s (1972) and Kuntner’s (1991) analysis of anxiety/tension
patterns, showing the relation between physiological and psychological stress
factors, Bonica’s (1976) and Hauffe’s (1987) studies showing that use of Bach
remedies can reduce stress.
Materials and methodology used
Not a classic placebo double blind, but randomised control group design, with
24 primagravidae, more than 14 days overdue, aged 21 to 35, all married or in
a steady relationship, partner in all cases present at the birth. 8 women in the
Bach remedy group; another 8 in a group that received psychological
counselling; the remaining 8 in a group that was exclusively looked after by
gynaecological consultants.
Factors rated
• days to delivery
• ease of delivery
• use of analgesics
• anxiety
• general emotional state.
The entire study was conducted at the Bad Urach hospital (Baden-
Württemberg, Germany). Choice of patients was at random.
The Bach remedy chiefly used was Rescue Remedy; this however was backed
up by the use of other remedies, depending on the needs of the individual
patient — eg Mimulus (fear of birth, tools, objects), Aspen (irrational terror,
nightmares), Gentian (pessimism, readiness to expect the worst), Honeysuckle
(where the mother does not want the pregnancy to end), Wild Rose (apathy,
listlessness) and Scleranthus (violent mood swings).
Effects regarded as desirable
• shorter time till delivery
• fewer complications in giving birth
• less need for analgesics
• more positive state of mind
• reduced anxiety.
Eight women were excluded from the study for various reasons (irregular
period, age, delivery took place too early).
Results
Bach group needed least medication; also easier delivery (fewer
complications). No evidence however that delivery was speeded up.
Assumption was that delivery date depends on the effect and interaction of
hormones and stress factors (study by Schmidt and Matthiessen, 1992). Effect
of Bach remedies in retrospect difficult to judge, as too many factors relevant
here. The hypothesis that Bach remedies reduce anxiety and improve the
general emotional state could not be proved, but again there are many other
factors in play.
In spite of these caveats, the study shows positive results for Bach remedies.
Recommendations for future research
• larger groups chosen at random (to balance out possibly contributory social
factors)
• classic double blind testing
• development of a consistent rating scale
• better documentation of stress levels.
PARTIE 2 : ARTICLES DE REFERENCE
Correlazioni tra i fiori di Bach (Correlations between the Bach flowers)
Paolelli, E
Medicina Biologica | Italy | 4 (33-35) | 1996
(Dr Paolelli is Teaching Director of the Italian section of the Bach Foundation,
and this article is drawn from the advanced training classes organised by the
Foundation.)
Differences between similar remedies
A list of pairs of remedies which are commonly confused<
Cerato / Scleranthus
Both remedies are indicated where there is doubt or uncertainty. The
Scleranthus type cannot decide what to do, to buy or to wear. The Cerato type
can decide, but once the decision has been taken, the doubts begin.
Scleranthus / Wild Oat
Another case of two remedies indicated in cases of unsureness and indecision.
While Scleranthus is suitable for indecision about doing something, Wild Oat is
indicated for indecision about which direction to take. Wild Oat is necessary
when the person feels he has arrived at a crossroads, or feels unsatisfied and
does not know what road to take; whereas the ‘tremor’ of Scleranthus is in
general a trait which appears whenever any choice has to be made.
Elm / Larch
These remedies have to do with a lack of confidence. The Elm type is generally
capable, and is often in a position of responsibility, but loses his confidence in
front of a problem of unaccustomed magnitude. The Larch type however does
not have the confidence to begin, and thus loses many opportunities.
Larch / Cerato
There is a measure of insecurity in both these remedies. Both lack confidence:
Larch is unsure of his own abilities (and so he does not try); Cerato has this
confidence, but is unsure whether what he is planning is really what he wants.
Olive / Hornbeam
Both are remedies for tiredness: Olive is the remedy for overwork, mental or
physical (eg over-dedication to study). Hornbeam is a sense of exhaustion at
the very thought of work.
Pine / Crab Apple
Both are remedies for self-condemnation, but there is a subtle difference: the
Crab Apple type condemns himself because he does not like the way he looks
or feels: he is not at ease with himself. The Pine person is less concerned with
himself, and feels guilty for having done something wrong or hurt someone in
some way.
Gentian / Gorse
Both remedies are for negative vision, doubt and depression: the difference is
in the intensity of this sensation. Gentian is for disappointment, the depression
we feel when something has gone badly, say a job interview. The Gorse type,
however, in this situation would abandon hope, would feel he could never bear
another interview. Gorse is for rediscovering lost hope.
Gorse / Sweet Chestnut
The Gorse type, having tried and failed, would give up, would look at the future
pessimistically and not think of trying again. The Sweet Chestnut type, on the
other hand, has tried several times, but feels he has reached the end of the
road, cannot decide what direction to take, cannot see the light at the end of
the tunnel. The Gorse person has tried once and given up; the Sweet Chestnut
person has explored every avenue and now feels lost in a labyrinth. In the
event of illness, the Gorse person will listen to the diagnosis and surrender, the
Sweet Chestnut type has attempted a response but feels helpless and does not
know which way to turn.
Agrimony / Water Violet
In both cases there is a reluctance to show one’s true feelings, But Water Violet
behaves like this from a sense of pride, and for this reason neither interferes
with others nor wishes his personal affairs to be discussed in public. Agrimony,
on the other hand, pretends that everything is fine, makes little of his own
difficulties and makes a joke of them: ‘Look, I’m smiling, I’m happy’.
Remedies which are often used together,
or complement each other
Vervain / Impatiens
The Vervain type is enthusiastic, always busy, always on the crest of a wave.
The Impatiens person is swift to act, and likes everything to be done quickly.
He has an impatient mentality. The enthusiasm of Vervain can also create
impatience and a resulting frustration. The types for both these remedies find it
difficult to be calm and to relax. For this reason the two remedies are often
used together.
Impatiens / Beech
There are resemblances between these two remedies, but also subtle
differences. The Impatiens type, with his swift mind, tends to become irritated
by slowness. Beech is irritated by others, but more because of intolerance than
impatience. Impatiens is angered by slowness, Beech by what he sees as
stupidity.
Mimulus / Larch
The Mimulus person is nervous and timid, frightened of things and situations,
and reserved with people. Larch is the remedy for those who lack confidence.
Here also there is a lack of courage, but for a different reason. However, very
often both traits appear in the same person. Fear and lack of confidence
overlap, and thus the two remedies are often indicated together.
Centaury / Agrimony
Neither type of person welcomes arguments, both seek to avoid upsets, and
want peace at any price. The Centaury type finds it difficult to say no, and will
sometimes go along with something rather than cause conflict, rather than
stick up for himself. He denies the existence of problems. Agrimony
dissimulates, makes light of situations and also of his own problems. He is
generous and always trying to please. In these cases, it can be useful to
associate the two remedies.
Rock Water / Crab Apple
The Rock Water type demands much of himself. He is always unsatisfied with
his achievements and feels that he could do better. This can lead to selfhatred,
self condemnation and self-contempt, which are also traits associated
with Crab Apple.
Categories
On meeting a person for the first time, first impressions may suggest a
particular group of remedies, for example those which describe an open and
extrovert nature, or those which go with a more reserved and placid
temperament. The remedies can usefully be classified into categories, which
can form a starting-point for exploration, enabling us to focus on groups of
remedies which are likely to be effective, setting aside those which are not
appropriate to the case:
‘Strong’ remedies:
Vervain, Beech, Impatiens, Vine
‘Delicate’ remedies
Centaury, Mimulus, Larch, Water Violet, Pine
‘Loquacity’ remedies
Agrimony, Heather, Vervain, Impatiens<
‘Calm, reserve’ remedies
Clematis, Mimulus, Centaury, Water Violet
‘Confidence’ remedies
Vervain, Rock Water, Vine, Beech, Oak
‘Insecurity’ remedies
Cerato, Scleranthus, Wild Oat, Elm
Contraries
Some remedies seem to describe traits which are almost the opposite of each
other: for example, Vine is for a person dominated by a strong will, Centaury
for a more gentle person with a weaker will; Aspen for unknown fears, Mimulus
for known fears; Agrimony for someone who hides his worries, Heather for
someone who will not stop talking about them.
Contrary to what might be expected, it is sometimes appropriate to prescribe a
pair of opposites together. In this event, they do not cancel each other out. If
both were necessary, they will work together, but if one was not necessary, it
will remain passive and not interfere with the other.
Traditional Flower Power
Brody, Richard
Total Health | USA | Vol 17 Issue 3 | 1 Jun 95
Description of dentists in the US employing (unspecified) Bach Flower Remedies
as ‘pre-treatment’ for anxious patients. And the former New York City
Commissioner of Mental Health, J Herbert Fill, often prefers flower remedies to
tranquillizers as they appear to assist the individual ‘in resolving deep-rooted
conflict, as opposed to palliation of the symptoms’. The article essentially refers
to the writings of Leslie J Kaslof (see Bibliography under Resources on this site)
and also to his ‘pre-grouped’ remedies, such as those for ‘weight management’.
Rescue Remedy for Tics?
M, Mark
Latitudes Magazine | USA | Volume 6, Issue 1 | Undated
A father writes in to say how Rescue Remedy helps his 11-year old son who
suffers from Tourette Syndrome. ‘It has consistently had the ability of stopping
[his] motor tics within seconds of taking it. . . . I have noted that it is only during
the most severe tics that the remedy takes minutes to be effective.’ Moodchanges
normally precede a tic, and taking Rescue Remedy at this first stage
often prevents the onset of tics.
Bach Flower Therapy for a “Qi deficiency” pattern of menstrual pains
Dr Li Ying-che
Dr Bach’s herbal healing method takes no notice of the disease, thinking only of
the outlook on life of the one in distress, which is to say that it sets aside the
question of physiology and disease in favour of a direct observation of the
patient’s moods and frame of mind when suffering from the disease. It relies on
individual temperament and personality in the selection of herbs.
However, many females suffer intensely from their menstrual cramps and the
majority of those turn to the simplest method of relief – taking painkillers. Those
that are used to Bach flower therapy, however, will first turn to Rescue Remedy.
In fact, Rescue Remedy is useful in alleviating symptoms of acute diseases. For a
‘Qi deficiency’ pattern of menstrual discomfort, however, these may not be as
effective. After undergoing clinical observations under my supervision, however,
menstrual pains of this sort will not disappear, even after ingesting many
painkillers.
Lee Dong-yuan, one of the four famous Jin Yuan doctors of ancient China,
suggested that ‘constant fluctuations between hunger and fullness are harmful to
the stomach, fatigue is harmful to the spleen’ and that ‘insufficiency of centre qi
prevents the Yang from upbearing and causes the Yin to become fire’, among
other theories. The initiation of the Centre-Supplementing Qi-Boosting Decoction
achieved an increase in qi by eliminating heat through sweetness and warmth.
But we first leave aside the medical theories and return to the basics of the
simplicity and purity of Bach flower therapy.
The clinical characteristic of the ‘Qi deficiency’ pattern of menstrual pains:
1. Body Conformation
Sagging shoulders, hunched back, prefers sitting or lying down, prefers to place
arms on armrest or table when sitting, prefers to prop up legs when lying on
back, prominent lower belly.
2. Symptoms & Signs
(1) Usually feels bloated in the afternoon and experiences a sensation of swelling
in the lower extremities. Experiences bloatedness, hiccups, discomfort in the
abdomen when full or fatigued, or anus with some wanting to relieve the bowels,
though only releasing gas in the end or passing stool with difficulty. In more
extreme cases, may experience soreness or constipation.
(2) The menstrual period brings abdominal bloating, constipation and muscular
cramps. May also experience a sore back, water retention in the lower limbs,
diarrhoea, constipation or other menstrual symptoms.
(3) Propping up of the lower limbs when lying on one’s back and a pushing out of
the buttocks when lying on one’s front of side will alleviate menstrual pains.
3. Physical Examination
Upper abdomen is sunken in, internal organs within the lower abdomen are
noticeably filled, and the patient will experience pain in certain parts of the body
when pressure is applied.
Depending on the particular character weakness, Olive, Oak and Centaury have
been shown to be remedies that impact on the ‘Qi deficiency’ pattern of
menstrual cramps the most.
Olive
Patients requiring this kind of herb are those that display clinical symptoms of
physical weakness and fatigue, such that any engagements, duties or matters
could feel like a serious burden. The patient always feels that she is in need of
sleep, though sleep does not take away fatigue or lethargy. She may have
sagging eyes and pale complexion.
Body conformations reveal stiff neck and shoulders. The shin zone of Olive in the
shoulder region (Note 1). There may be noticeable protrusion of the abdomen,
and applied pressure at certain points may result in a symmetrical pain on both
left and right sides of the abdomen.
Oak
Patients requiring this kind of herb are those that feel the stress of their
responsibilities. Their bodies may already be weak and fatigued, but they may
struggle against it nonetheless to achieve what they must. Another possibility is
that the patient is unaware of her fatigue or even the fact that she is sick. Only
during holidays might she feel ill. She may feel that she cannot afford to sleep
because of work.
Body conformations reveal the right half of the body is lower than the left. There
may be noticeable tenderness in the right side of the abdomen. The shin zone of
Oak in the patient’s right nape region (Note 2).
(Note 1, Note 2 : Refer to “New Bach Flowers Body Maps, Dietmar Kramer ”)
Centaury
Patients requiring Centaury flower remedy are those that are zealous in their
desire to help others and are especially warm-hearted. They attend to others
often to the detriment of their own interests and responsibilities, which they may
not fulfil. Their physical strength and energy may be depleted to almost-critical
levels. Some may continue to have problems refusing the requests of others
even as their own business and interests are left unattended to. Excessive
pushing of one’s limits weakens the body, and vital energy is decreased.
Body conformations reveal the right side of the body lower than the left side.
There may be noticeable tenderness in the right side of the abdomen.
Clinical treatment
(1) It is usually possible to improve the symptom by taking some Chinese
medicine. The doctor should inform the patient of the causes behind her
condition and advise her to make physical and mental adjustments, as well as
making an effort to get enough rest and not overwork herself. With respect to
diet, she should eat more meals with smaller portions and avoid eating too many
fruits, colder vegetables, tea and drinks, as well as foods that decrease vital
energy (such as white radishes, water chestnuts, etc.)
(2) I frequently use the flower remedies in conjunction with one another. On the
one hand, I seek to restore the patient’s physical strength and energy. At the
same time, I seek to make adjustments to the dissipation of strength and energy
that are flowing incorrectly or in excessive amounts. Olive, Oak and Centaury are
the three flower remedies I regard the most highly with respect to these
problems and the first ones I tend to consider. Of course, distinguishing the
cause of illness by observing the patient’s negative archetypal behaviour is still
most important. But the other flower remedies should also be considered.
(3) It is possible to use the flower remedies externally as a paste on the body.
Based on clinical discoveries, Olive, Oak and Centaury are the remedies I most
commonly suggest. I also suggest Rescue Remedy as well.
In addition, it is also possible to coordinate herbal treatment with qigong for
good health. Tai Chi, yoga, KTV or karaoke, mountain climbing and then calling
out from the top of the mountain can all help to boost moods. With the
restoration of spirits and qi, the patient’s decreasing middle qi levels will increase
once more.
Activities that facilitate the increase and spread of qi through the body can
correct insufficient centre qi levels.
Perform for five minutes three times a day
1 Lie down face up. 2. Bring feet close together
and lightly bind the two big
toes together with elastic.
3 Place a small pillow or a
rolled up towel below the back
between the waist and
buttocks (L5-S1).
4. Stretch the arms out at
head level, parallel to the legs.
Topical application of the flower remedies
General use calls for two drops of flower remedy or four drops of Rescue Remedy
mixed into 100 ml of water. Soak a piece of gauze or cotton make-up pads in the
mixture. For Olive remedy, two separate pieces may be used, one applied on
each shoulder. For Oak remedy, the gauze or pad should be applied on the right
side of the nape. For Centaury remedy, the gauze or pad should be applied on
the right wrist. If Rescue Remedy is used, it should be applied on the abdomen,
and in particular where pain is most obvious. (For the shin zone of the flower
remedy and external use , refer to “New Bach Flowers Body Maps, Dietmar
Kramer”)
Most of the externally-applied flower remedy should be effective for 2-4 hours,
although the effectiveness will vary from person to person. If pains are not
relieved after the first application, a second application can proceed. There is no
limit to how many times the paste can be applied each day as there is no threat
of an overdose. It is also possible to change to orally-ingested remedies once the
externally applied medicine has provided some relief. The dosage is not much
higher, but if the patient continually sips at the concoction, its curative effects
are much greater. How much is orally ingested should all depend on individual
needs.
There are many case studies for the ‘Qi deficiency’ pattern of menstrual pains.
Below are presented two of these for reference.
Case 1
Miss Zheng. Married. Born March 20, 1969. Case Number 001217. Experienced
aching on the right side of the abdomen during menstruation from 2004 until she
received treatment from this clinic. Patient experienced allergic rhinitis and
menstrual cramps for many years. A year and a half earlier, she had
endometriosis and chocolate cyst of the right side ovary. She received surgery.
Three months later, she began experiencing menstrual pains again, but it was
only recently that these pains began to intensify. She would experience soreness
in her waist for several days before menstruation, which would become most
painful three days into the period. The pain could only be alleviated with
painkillers, although these would not always be effective. She would feel
straining in her right abdomen during these pains. At the fifth day, the body
would begin to relax. Her menstrual period generally lasted seven days. She felt
fatigue in her entire body when pain was present. She wasn’t able to even sit
comfortably and was very irritable.
Diagnosis and treatment
(1) Application of Vervain and Chicory on the shin zone or parts of the abdomen
that experienced pain with applied pressure had no effects.
(2) Changed to another flower remedy for treatment: Rescue Remedy externally
applied; symptoms were slightly alleviated and the patient was able to lie down
comfortably, albeit only with a bent waist. She was still unable to stand up
straight.
(3) Further physiological examination revealed abnormality on the shin zone of
Oak and Willow and that internal organs were noticeably more filled in the upper
abdomen area than the lower abdomen area. Oak flower remedy was externally
applied on the right side of the nape. The pain inside the lower abdominal area
was greatly alleviated by over 70%.
(4) Her waist was still sore, however, and she would still experience pain when
pressure was applied on her lower abdomen. Willow flower remedy was applied.
The patient could not sit or stand comfortably and was irritable, so Impatiens
flower remedy was applied. About a minute later, the patient’s aches had
completely vanished.
After her symptoms were alleviated, the patient began flower therapy on a daily
basis (Impatiens, Oak, Willow). In addition, she did not take painkillers during
future menstrual periods, as dictated by Chinese medicinal treatment methods.
Case 2
Miss Wu. Married. Born October 2, 1958. Case Number 000798. Underwent
surgery prior to marrying due to myoma of the uterus and cyst of the left side
ovary. A portion of her left ovary was removed. She underwent treatment in
Chinese medicine, and had already experienced menstrual pains for a year. She
now has two boys.
In January 2005, she felt that she had no energy in her hands and was even
unable to use chopsticks. She came to our clinic to undergo flower therapy
(including Centaury, Holly, Oak, Willow and Chicory). The treatment was
effective and she is fully recovered.
She was recently busy preparing for an international conference and continued to
have responsibilities to her children. She felt unable to shoulder these burdens
due to a lack of physical strength, but was unable to detach herself from these
responsibilities.
During last month’s menstrual period, she experienced severe menstrual pains.
Starting in the afternoon and before getting off from work, she would experience
pain on the right side of her lower abdomen, soreness in her waist, total body
fatigue and weariness. At night, she had to push out her buttocks when sleeping
to alleviate the pain in her lower abdomen. She came in for an examination on
March 25, 2005, just as her menstrual period was beginning. The pain in her
abdomen and back was unrelieved through painkillers or hot compresses.
Diagnosis and treatment
(1) A physical examination revealed that internal organs were noticeably more
filled in the upper abdomen area than the lower abdomen area. It also revealed
abnormality on the shin zone of Oak, Chicory and Olive. Application of those
three remedy alleviated the symptoms.
(2) After her symptoms were alleviated, the patient began the flower therapy on
a daily basis (Olive, Oak, Centaury, Elm, Chicory).
External use of flower remedies
External application of the flower remedies is excellent for the ‘Qi deficiency’
pattern of menstrual pains, with lack of self-knowledge leading to an exhaustion
of physical strength and energy.
Those requiring the Olive remedy are those that need to restore energy to their
systems; those requiring the Oak remedy are those that have misplaced
responsibilities and don’t know that their own physical strength is overdrawn,
struggling to perform a wide range of duties nonetheless; those requiring the
Centaury remedy are those for whom their wish so grows upon them that they
become more servants than willing helpers and are in danger of totally
consuming all their energy. Without the flower remedies’ assistance, these
patients will continue with their harmful lifestyles and their conditions will
continue to plague them.
The doctor must inform the patient of the causes of her disease and how she
may be misled in her beliefs. Suitable advice from the doctor is very important
for the patient to make a true recovery.
Dr Li Ying-che
Taiwan 2008