THREE
REPERTORY: A THERAPEUTIC
An arrow (→) indicates that more information about the condition can be found under that entry. Essences linked together by a plus sign (+) should be taken together. An asterisk (*) indicates that the particular combination described is discussed in detail in chapter 2.
Absentmindedness: Clematis (→ Concentration, difficulties with)
Clematis is always the choice when our clear and conscious attention to reality is disturbed.
Accidents → Emergencies
Accomplishment or Performance, acute crisis of *11/17
Accusations
against oneself
caused by an excessive need for cleanliness and purity: Crab Apple
due to guilt feelings: Pine
caused by an excessive need for self-discipline: Rock Water
against others
due to unfriendliness or spite: Holly
due to self-righteousness: Vine
due to bitterness: Willow
Achieve, compulsion to → Ambition
against oneself: Oak, Rock Water
Oak is helpful when we are so involved in our work that we never relax. Rock Water makes us looser and more lenient; it is used when we are too strict with ourselves.
toward others: Vine
Sometimes we need a certain amount of pressure to achieve, but this must be kept in perspective. Vine can be helpful when we make self-righteous, inflexible demands on others.
compulsion to achieve, with self-abuse *22/27
compulsion to achieve, creating stress *22/31
compulsion to achieve, with dogmatism *22/32
compulsion to achieve, with human contact problems *22/34
Acne → Skin Conditions
Acquisitiveness → Greed
Act, unable to, due to panic *26/28
Aggression → Cold Emotions → Hate → Rage
Aggression is violent instinctive behavior that functions according to the principle of competition and serves individual self-realization and self-preservation. Depending on our character and the situation, it can manifest itself as hidden and subtle or open and reckless.
general: Holly
Holly helps us against banal, everyday irritability, annoyance, or rage and also against uncontrolled, rash aggression.
with impatience: Impatiens
When we are in a hurry, we quickly become aggressive if we are held up by those slower than we are.
with bitterness: Willow
When bitterness manifests itself in the form of aggressive behavior; take Holly also (15/38); when suppressed bitterness becomes aggression and resentment, take with Agrimony.
aggression due to psychological trauma *15/29
aggressive know-it-all *15/32
aggressive, compulsive thoughts *15/35
Allergy → Intolerance
Allergies are strong defensive reactions that are triggered by certain substances, even when these substances are introduced into the body in small quantities. The organism has at some time had a bad experience with a substance (such as pollen, animal hair, food, or chemicals), becomes sensitized, and cannot tolerate that substance anymore. In unfavorable conditions, these defensive reactions can be very strong and cause severe symptoms. Allergies can also be of a psychic nature in cases where we find a particular person or situation unbearable. (Further remarks → Chapter 1: Beech). Because allergies are signs of psychic or physical intolerance, any essence or combination that is suitable for making us more tolerant will be appropriate.
for people with an inner intolerance: Beech
Beech should be used as a basic essence for treating all allergies and conditions related to intolerance. It can be used alone or in concert with other appropriate essences.
for general purifying of the blood: Crab Apple
Chronic infections play a role in many allergies. They can poison the body and make it overly sensitive. Crab Apple is the most important detoxifying essence.
with strong immune reaction: Holly
Use, for example, in severe fits of sneezing, clear cases of irritation, or allergic shock.
allergic shock reaction *3/15
Altruism, pathological → Good-naturedness
Ambition → Achieve
Ambition is like a spirited horse: as long as we can control it, it takes us where we want to go. When we cannot keep hold of the reins, however, it goes wild, and we run the risk of breaking our necks. Without a certain amount of ambition, we cannot survive in our competitive society, but if our ambition lacks a playful, joyful element (which we also need to withstand our failures), it becomes dangerous.
with respect to social position: Heather
Heather suppresses social ambition and enables us to be satisfied with our position.
insatiable and pathogenic: Oak
People who cannot give up on something once they have it in their heads need Oak.
Anemia
Anemia is a weakness in or lack of blood. The organism is too weak to generate enough new, healthy blood. The most obvious symptoms are paleness and weakness. Medical treatment can be supplemented by the following essences, which are usually combined.
with hopelessness: Gorse
Hope is a basic element of life. Without it, the body cannot heal or regenerate.
with great weakness: Olive
with a lack of drive: Wild Rose
The body reduces the amount of new blood it produces according to the extent of resignation that we feel. Likewise, weak blood leads to resignation.
Anorexia
Anorexics have a life-negating attitude. They cannot come to terms with life because they feel that they’ve been treated unfairly or that they are misunderstood or unloved.
due to timidity: Agrimony + Aspen + Mimulus
due to self-pity or a need for love: Chicory
due to a death wish: Clematis
due to contrariness: Holly
due to severe exhaustion: Olive
due to self-denial: Rock Water
due to an unprocessed mental or emotional shock: Star of Bethlehem
due to resignation: Wild Rose
due to bitterness: Willow
Apathy → Drive, lack of
Apprehensiveness → Premonitions and Foreboding → Fear
Arrogance: Water Violet (→ Pride)
Arrogance is often a defense mechanism against pushy people rather than a form of contempt. Sometimes it is caused by personal insecurity. (+ Larch *19/34)
Artificiality: Agrimony (→ Facade)
Agrimony helps us behave more naturally when we tend to gloss over our problems or portray ourselves as other than what we really are.
artificial friendliness and tolerance *1/3
Asceticism: Rock Water
Healthy self-discipline means limiting ourselves to what is essential. The strict self-castigation and self-denial of most people who practice asceticism is, however, neurotic. They want to force an increase in personal growth, wisdom, and health or to repay a debt. (+ Pine *24/27)
Asthma (bronchial) → Lung Conditions
Authoritarian Behavior
due to missionary convictions: Vervain
due to intolerant closed-mindedness: Vine
Authority, dependence on: Centaury (→ Self-assertiveness)
Centaury is helpful when we do what others tell us to do owing to a weakness in our personality.
Aversion, natural, suppressed: Beech (→ Chapter 1: Beech)
Bechterev’s Syndrome → Spinal Problems
Bed-wetting
Sometimes bed-wetting has organic causes, but generally the causes are psychic, especially with childlike sexuality (such as jealousy or the desire for incest). It can also be an unconscious protest against an excessive demand for cleanliness.
due to a lack of attention: Chicory
Chicory reduces emotional dependence on the parents so that the child does not fixate his or her burgeoning sexuality on the denying mother or the rejecting father. Chicory is also helpful for cases of childlike jealousy.
against feelings of uncleanliness: Crab Apple
Crab Apple counters the learned, embarrassing feeling of filthiness, which is strengthened by the bed-wetter’s inner conflict. When a child is ashamed of his own weaknesses, it becomes even harder for him to overcome them.
against the anxiety induced by anticipation: Mimulus
Every night, the bed-wetter secretly fears that she will repeat her offense. Mimulus alleviates these fears and counters the actual acting out.
against guilt feelings: Pine
It is especially damaging to reproach a bed-wetter for his weakness; when he is overcome with feelings of guilt, he cannot distance himself from them. A humorous, harmless remark will do more good than a serious reprimand.
due to contrariness, resentment, or bitterness: Willow
Excessive pressure from a parent or guardian can make a bed-wetter contrary, so that bed-wetting happens exactly because it must not. Disappointments or bitterness stemming from a lack of attention or sexual refusal can call forth such contrary reactions. Willow is always appropriate when a bed-wetter is rebellious, stubborn, or rejecting.
Behavioral Problems → Neuroses
Essentially, all Bach flower essences are used to treat internal and external disorders that affect our relationship with the social realm or with reality. They are appropriate for treating conditions with the following characteristics.
artificiality, dishonesty: Agrimony
groundless, delusional timidity or anxiety: Aspen
excessive tolerance or generosity: Beech
self-injurious cheerfulness: Centaury
insecurity, uncertainty: Cerato
hysteria: Cherry Plum
inattentiveness, learning difficulties: Chestnut Bud
jealousy, excessive mothering and coddling: Chicory
unrealistic fantasies: Clematis
fear of filth, compulsive cleanliness: Crab Apple
sudden feeling of stress and overwork: Elm
weak willed, easily discouraged: Gentian
hopelessness: Gorse
showing off, need for recognition: Heather
unfriendliness, aggressiveness: Holly
homesickness, grieving: Honeysuckle
groundless feelings of stress and overwork: Hornbeam
impatience, restlessness: Impatiens
feelings of inferiority: Larch
excessive timidity or anxiety: Mimulus
depression: Mustard
uncompromising behavior, excessive ambition: Oak
general exhaustion: Olive
guilt complex: Pine
excessive worry and concern: Red Chestnut
panic: Rock Rose
self-abuse, ascetic behavior: Rock Water
indecisiveness, flightiness: Scleranthus
easily insulted, oversensitive: Star of Bethlehem
desperation: Sweet Chestnut
missionary zeal: Vervain
closed-mindedness, dogmatism: Vine
easily influenced, self-alienation: Walnut
human contact problems: Water Violet
restlessness, lack of goals: Wild Oat
resignation, lack of enthusiasm: Wild Rose
bitter and unforgiving: Willow
Beliefs
too strong → Dogmatism → Naïveté
Vervain when we are obsessed with a conviction or an idea Oak when we believe too strongly in our abilities and can become overwhelmed
too weak
Gentian when we can’t see the possibility of a positive outcome (→ Giving up → Dejection)
Gorse when we have absolutely no hope (→ Hopelessness)
Sweet Chestnut when we feel we are at the end of our rope (→ Desperation)
Birth → Pregnancy
A birth will be more natural and problem-free if the mother-to-be is happy, strong, and relaxed. The following essences can help bring this about. Nature protects mothers during pregnancy by increasing their resistance to pathogens and other disease-causing influences.
for general easing of the discomfort of labor: Agrimony + Aspen + Chicory + Elm + Impatiens + Mimulus
This combination can help ease the discomfort of labor and can be used as a general preparation. Agrimony relaxes, Aspen helps instill confidence, Chicory loosens us up and minimizes our sensitivity, Elm imparts strength, Impatiens makes us calm, and Mimulus gives us courage.
premature birth: Elm + Gentian + Mimulus + Olive + Water Violet
This combination counters a tendency for premature births and provides strength for the pregnancy.
for postpartum: Star of Bethlehem
Star of Bethlehem helps injuries (such as a perineal tear) to heal and helps overcome severe psychic trauma.
with complications: Rescue Remedy
For panic, restlessness, or complications of any kind, Rescue Remedy has proved itself useful. (Take often!)
for weakness during labor: Gentian + Olive + Walnut + Wild Rose
This combination gives us strength, resolve, and endurance and promotes normal contractions.
Bitterness: Willow (→ Aggression → Influenced, too easily)
The word bitterness reminds us of the bitter taste of bile. Bile is often produced when we are too angry, and it is proof that such feelings hurt only ourselves. How else could it be, when we are fighting a battle that cannot be won? Making ourselves angry over something that has already happened and that cannot be undone is sheer foolishness and a sign of mental and emotional immaturity. If we want to live life to the fullest, we draw any positive realizations from all of our experiences and everything we encounter. The world is varied and colorful, and life is an adventure. If it is a cause of anger and rage to us that life does not meet our (unrealistic) expectations, the result is nothing but bitterness, which serves as a constant reminder of our own stupidity. Willow can release us from these feelings and make us more conciliatory, insightful, and understanding; it also helps suppress feelings of self-righteousness.
bitterness caused by rejection or ingratitude *8/38
bitterness due to rage or hate *15/38
bitterness caused by loss *16/38
bitterness causing depression *21/38
bitterness caused by an unprocessed trauma *29/38
bitterness caused by intolerance *32/38
compulsive bitterness *35/38
Blackmail, Extortion, emotional → Family Problems → Partner Problems
It takes two to pull off blackmail: the blackmailer and the blackmailed. Each plays a role, but both can do something about it when they are aware of their roles. Often, someone who has a tendency to be victimized will unconsciously seek out someone to take the role of the blackmailer and, by his anxious, weak, or masochistic behavior, will trigger the blackmailing reflex in the perpetrator. Blackmailers, on the other hand (which means anyone who transmits her will into action through psychic pressure), are always on the lookout for victims. Most cases of psychic blackmail take place in familiar surroundings.
in the passive role: Centaury
Centaury gives us more self-assertiveness so that we can stand up to blackmail or to being used and so that we do not provoke anyone to committing blackmail by our passive, obsequious behavior. Pine can also be useful when guilt feelings are involved.
in the active role: Chicory
Chicory is effective against the habit of blackmailing people through emotional terror (for example, by provoking in them a guilty conscience or “fishing” for sympathy). Children often have such a tendency when we don’t deal with them honestly.
Blood, weak → Anemia
Blood Pressure
The body’s performance and efficiency depend on how much oxygen and nutrients can be transported from the blood to the cells. The arteries, like water pipes, need sufficient pressure. When the body is put under too much strain, the pressure is too high; on the other hand, it doesn’t perform optimally when the pressure is too low.
low blood pressure (hypotension)
Low blood pressure is often characterized by paleness, weakness, dizziness, or fatigue.
Clematis if we are not oriented toward success or taking charge of our lives, with a tendency toward daydreaming
Clematis for a tendency toward unconsciousness or fainting, often used when the consciousness is clouded
Olive for general exhaustion
Wild Rose for a general loss of interest; when we just mope though life, we don’t need a vigorous blood flow.
high blood pressure (hypertension)
Hypertension is often accompanied by reddening of the skin and increased general activity. It can often lead to headaches, dizziness, a dazed state, insomnia, and, in the long term, calcification, stroke, or angina pectoris.
Aspen for suppressed fears, when we are under constant pressure
Cherry Plum for strong emotional pressure
Holly for rage, irritability, or annoyance, and for when “the blood begins to boil”
Impatiens for severe impatience, haste, or restlessness
Oak for people who cannot give in or give up; they put themselves under pressure and face the danger of hardening of the arteries
Vervain for excessive activity and readiness for action
Willow for bitterness or resentment, with internal pressure
Boils or Abscesses → Skin Conditions
Breakdown, on the verge of: Cherry Plum (→ Obsession → Psychosis)
Cherry Plum is used when we find ourselves on the verge of a breakdown because we have suppressed emotions or drives (such as sexuality).
breakdown caused by panic *6/25
Cancer
Most of us have been misinformed and led to believe that we are all in danger of getting cancer and that cancer is nearly always fatal. Actually, in most cases, the body can heal itself without the need of any special form of treatment. This fact is virtually unknown in scientific medicine, since usually only the most serious cases make it to the therapeutic slag heap. Cancer is an illness like any other; it typically appears in the form of a “normal” illness and disappears just as normally, because the body has focused on healing itself. Every illness is a pivotal experience and has a meaning for us, and every illness can arise only as the result of certain circumstances of life and consciousness. If these conditions don’t exist, we don’t get sick. Cancer is most probably the body’s extreme reaction to a profound psychic or physical injury that hurts us deeply, and it is often an example of the inseparable connection between body and soul. Cancer is essentially a process of destruction and rebuilding, and we can get cancer only if we are somehow in need of rebuilding. The generally accepted belief that we are all susceptible to cancer arises from ignorance regarding the nature of cancer and makes us insecure if we lack insight. Even the suspicion that we might be diagnosed with cancer can affect us so deeply that if we do have cancer, it can be fatal. Most cancer fatalities are the result of foolish, unfeeling, and meaningless treatment. The most important prevention against cancer is staying happy and content, avoiding severe emotional conflict (or resolving conflicts as soon as possible, if they do appear), and keeping mind and spirit in balance. A healthy person does not become ill.
fear of cancer: Aspen + Mimulus
This combination strengthens our healing powers and also alleviates the general fear of cancer.
panicky fear: Cherry Plum + Rock Rose + White Chestnut
This combination is useful when we are overwhelmed by our own fear of cancer. Cherry Plum allows us to come to terms with our fears so that we are not overwhelmed by them, Rock Rose is for panic, and White Chestnut allows us to think clearly and sensibly.
treatment
Cancer should always be treated by a qualified doctor! Additional Bach flower treatment should employ essences appropriate to the specific condition.
Carefree Facade, seemingly: Agrimony
Pretending that we have no problems can be useful from time to time; in the long term, however, it prevents us from solving our problems, damages relationships, and makes us unhappy.
Carelessness → Scatterbrained Behavior
Caring, excessive: Chicory
When we worry too much about other people, we generally have the need to cling to them. (→ Family Problems)
Change, constant
due to helplessness: Cerato
Cerato helps minimize the need to want to make everything right, which often leads to following any advice that we might come across.
due to indecisiveness: Scleranthus
Scleranthus is useful when we can’t choose among several alternatives and keep changing our minds.
due to having no direction: Wild Oat
Wild Oat helps us find our personal style so that we don’t have to keep trying everything that comes along.
Clarity, lack of: Wild Oat
Wild Oat is useful when we are unsure how to proceed. It helps us find our way in life.
Cleanliness, obsessive: Crab Apple
cleanliness stemming from moral grounds *10/24
cleanliness and self-discipline, excessive *10/27
fanatical cleanliness *10/32
Clinging, due to fear *8/20
Cold Emotions
We normally describe someone who is not warm or friendly with other people as cold or icy. Actually, this “coldness” is the inability to develop either positive or negative emotions.
due to stubbornness and pigheadedness: Oak
When we ambitiously pursue an abstract goal, we risk the danger of becoming a soulless, unfeeling machine and losing our life-affirming contact with the world.
caused by self-negation: Rock Water
Often, self-castigation and extreme self-discipline are motivated by the desire to bring a difficult emotional life under control. When this impulse becomes excessive, we impoverish the spirit and become a bloodless, unemotional fanatic or turn to asceticism.
due to psychic trauma: Star of Bethlehem
Traumatic experiences sometimes trigger an emotional inflexibility that can be loosened with Star of Bethlehem.
due to excessive emotional distance: Water Violet
due to resignation: Wild Rose
When we have no more interest in life, our emotions wither away.
Collapse → Nervous Collapse
on the verge of a psychic and physical collapse *6/11
collapse caused by a mental or emotional trauma *11/29
Companionship → Aversion → Distance → Loneliness → Talkativeness
a need for
Agrimony to distract us from our problems and worries
Chicory when we have a strong craving for attention
aversion toward
Impatiens when others are too slow
Water Violet to pursue our own interests in quiet
the company of others making us aggressive *15/34
Compete, inability to
The struggle for survival is one of the fundamental principles of nature. This struggle helps us become stronger and helps us achieve. Even human beings become caught up in this struggle whether we want to or not, each of us in his own way. Because there is a limited amount of territory on Earth, any victory we win for ourselves usually represents someone else’s downfall, and any time we act to ensure our survival, we are often inflicting the opposite result on another creature. Only in the mental or spiritual dimensions are we free of this struggle. We can share the same thoughts without the fear of anyone taking them away from us. We can consciously try to limit the damage we do to others in our actions, but we are still faced with the necessity of providing for our own needs. Unhappiness results when we are unable to face this struggle for survival, or if we are unsuccessful. The effects appear in our animal nature as well as in our transcendent soul. We all know the feeling of well-being that arises when we are successful in fulfilling our needs, whether it be satiating our hunger, thirst, or sexual drives or through love, success, social recognition, or power. There are many Bach flower essences used to treat various forms of weakness that impede our ability to compete successfully.
from general timidity: Aspen
People who shy away from life owing to vague, generalized fears or the fear of some unknown misfortune can benefit from Aspen.
from giving up: Centaury
Centaury increases our self-assertiveness and self-confidence when we allow ourselves to be used.
weak will: Gentian
We are not meant to overcome every obstacle in our path. Sometimes perseverance is required, and Gentian can strengthen it.
due to total hopelessness: Gorse
due to feelings of stress and overwork: Hornbeam
due to a lack of self-confidence: Larch
caused by fear: Mimulus
Mimulus is helpful when we stray from our path because we fear a test of our strength. It is often used in combination with Agrimony.
due to melancholy: Mustard
Mustard is useful in treating melancholy that seems to arise for no apparent reason and makes everything seem pointless.
due to exhaustion: Olive
due to resignation: Wild Rose
Wild Rose helps restore our drive and enthusiasm and strengthens our interest in an active life.
Complaining
insufficient
Complaining about misfortune is such a widespread phenomenon that it almost seems abnormal when we keep our mouths shut despite having an obvious reason for being unhappy. This reticence is normally caused by a disturbed relationship with life or with other people.
Agrimony when we act as if everything is fine, even though we suffer inside
Water Violet for people who keep such a great distance from those around them that they can’t share their feelings
Wild Rose when we are so shut off from others that we can’t bring ourselves to bemoan our misfortune
too much
Stop complaining! When we complain about misfortune or suffering, we normally can’t accept that we played a role in bringing it about or that it’s within our power to end our misery. Instead, many of us act like children who cry until their mothers do what they want. This behavior at least allows us to vent our negative emotions, but in the end it does nothing to relieve our suffering. Unlike a mother, fate will not allow itself to be blackmailed. Instead, it demands—in our own interests—absolute honesty and resolve.
Chicory for self-pitying whining and complaining caused by a craving for attention
Heather for people who always try to make themselves the center of attention, even by whining and complaining if necessary
Willow to relieve the bitterness that is so often the cause for complaining
Compulsions
compulsive thoughts: White Chestnut (→ Expectations)
White Chestnut helps when we can’t get rid of unwanted thoughts that tyrannize us and make us unable to think clearly.
compulsive thoughts making us inattentive *7/35
obsessed with love *8/35
obsessive dreams of the future *9/35
compulsive thoughts of filth *10/35
compulsive thoughts due to vanity *12/35
compulsive, aggressive thoughts *15/35
obsessive memories *16/35
compulsive thoughts filled with fear *20/35
compulsive thoughts, oriented toward success *22/35
obsessive perfectionism *24/27
compulsive thoughts caused by guilt feelings *24/35
obsessive, worried thoughts *25/33
compulsive, traumatic thoughts *29/35
obsessive dogmatism *32/35
compulsive thoughts caused by bitterness *35/38
Compulsive Character
when we can’t stand any sort of disorder or filth: Crab Apple
when fear or guilt makes us behave other than we would like: Pine
when we place excessively strict demands on ourselves and restrict our own freedom: Rock Water
Compulsive Chattering → Talkativeness
Concentration, difficulties with
affecting our ability to learn: Chestnut Bud
Chestnut Bud improves our ability to learn and awakens our interest in whatever we’re studying. Recommended combinations: Scleranthus (7/28), Wild Oat (7/36), Clematis (7/9), and Honeysuckle (7/16).
due to strong emotions: Cherry Plum
due to daydreaming: Clematis, Honeysuckle
Clematis improves our concentration when we can’t restrain our imagination, and Honeysuckle when we’re plagued by too many memories. Often combined with White Chestnut (9/35 or 16/35).
due to restlessness or impatience: Impatiens
due to depression: Mustard
due to exhaustion: Olive
due to tic, distracted behavior: Scleranthus
due to a traumatic experience: Star of Bethlehem
Star of Bethlehem is useful when a mental or emotional trauma or very unfavorable circumstances cause us to lose our inner balance and ability to concentrate.
due to obsessive thoughts: White Chestnut
White Chestnut is appropriate when certain thoughts persistently plague our consciousness, making it impossible for us to concentrate on anything else.
Conflict → Tension
Conformity
When we are working from a position of weakness, we must conform; when we are working from a position of strength, we may not. This is a principle of nature; we know instinctively how we must behave.
excessive, from a lack of will: Centaury
Centaury reduces a tendency to conform unnecessarily.
insufficient, due to feeling rushed: Impatiens
When we are in too much of a hurry, we become clumsy and cannot adapt sufficiently to the circumstances.
insufficient, due to idealism: Vervain
Ideals, just like prejudices, make us blind and prevent us from behaving realistically.
insufficient, due to stubbornness: Vine
Stubborn opinions and behavior make us unable to react to life’s unpredictability. We proceed straight ahead, even though the road is curved.
excessive due to being easily influenced: Walnut
Walnut helps us remain true to ourselves and follow our own path.
Conscience, guilty → Guilt Feelings → Self-blame
conscience, guilty, leading to insecurity *5/24
Consolation
need for: Chicory
The more we depend on other people, the more we need consolation and comfort from them in times of misfortune. It is, to a certain extent, proof that we are not alone. When the need for consolation makes us too weak or makes us a burden on other people, we need Chicory. If the source of our pain has been a shocking experience, combine with Star of Bethlehem.
rejection of: Water Violet
Very independent people often would prefer not to be comforted during a time of misfortune; they would rather get through it alone. This rejection can become so strong that it can create a chasm between us and our sympathetic friends and make us lonely.
Conspiracy, obsession with: Aspen
Aspen is indicated when we make inexplicable connections between seemingly unrelated events or facts—especially when they are somehow a cause for fear.
Contact, excessive need for → Pushiness
We all have a need for human contact that varies according to our dispositions. When a weakness of character makes this need too strong, the effect is often the opposite of what we need: we push people away and become isolated.
with a craving for emotional relationships: Chicory
Chicory is useful when we want to cling too tightly to those we love and push them away from us.
due to a need for recognition: Heather
Heather helps break the habit of trying to be the center of attention and using contact with other people as a means of self-projection.
Contact Problems → Loneliness → Isolation → Inhibitions → Partner Problems
The secret of harmonious relationships lies in knowing the proper amount of distance to maintain and allowing for the interplay of commonalities that unite us and opposites that pull us apart. When we are compelled to share a limited space with someone with whom we are not compatible, the result is an irremediable hostility; on the other hand, we may enjoy each other’s company if we allow each other enough space. We each have our own limits and needs for distance as well; some of us need constant companionship, while others prefer to be alone.
due to a fear of openness: Agrimony
When we’re afraid to show who and what we are, it’s difficult to form meaningful relationships. Agrimony allows us to express ourselves more naturally, spontaneously, and openly.
due to a fear of dirt and filth: Crab Apple
Crab Apple is indicated when an extreme need for cleanliness makes it impossible for us to be in contact with others.
due to an inferiority complex: Larch
Open and enriching communication is possible only among equals. This is not a question of social status but of a feeling of self-worth and self-confidence. When we feel inferior to others, we cannot establish successful contact.
due to depression: Mustard
No one likes to spend time with grouchy, moody people. Mustard limits the frequency and severity of depressions.
due to negative experiences: Star of Bethlehem
Star of Bethlehem helps us forget and come to terms with negative experiences and allows us to regain our trust in people. It is often used in combination with Willow (29/38).
due to keeping one’s distance: Water Violet
Sometimes fear, misunderstandings, or oversensitivity will cause us to keep such a distance from other people that we feel lonely. We’d like to get closer, but we can’t bridge the gulf that separates us. (This often happens with shy lovers.) Water Violet helps us jump the hurdles and bridge the gap. It is also helpful for brittle, fragile, shy people.
due to bitterness: Willow
Bitterness increases our distance from other people. We want nothing to do with those who have disappointed us, and this in itself makes us unhappy. Willow can restore our conciliatory mood and helps us reestablish contact. Often used in combination with Star of Bethlehem (29/38).
contact problems due to a lack of openness *1/34
fear of contact, extreme *1/34
contact problems caused by fears and anxieties *2/34
contact problems with aggression *15/34
contact problems due to an inferiority complex *19/34
contact problems due to depression *21/34
contact problems due to a mental or emotional trauma *29/34
Contagion, protection against → Flu
As long as the body is engaged in the fight against harmful agents and pathogens, it is immune to the infection that these ubiquitous pathogens carry. An infection (the activation of contagion) is a sign that the body is occupied with detoxifying or repairing itself. When a contagion becomes active, we find ourselves in the parasympathetic healing phase. The best safeguards against infection are mental and emotional health, inner peace, and optimism: a healthy person does not become ill!
due to blood purification: Crab Apple
Harmful materials are eliminated in increased numbers. Crab Apple is particularly effective for people who feel themselves poisoned or contaminated.
by a strengthening of defenses against negative influences: Walnut
Walnut helps us maintain a healthy inner balance.
Convalescence, stalled *12/28
Convictions → Dogmatism → Beliefs
Coughing → Lung Conditions
Cowardice
Cowardice is a practiced form of fear. The term is normally used to belittle someone who tries to avoid danger. In doing this, we judge others (which is always a mistake) and believe that everyone should act just as courageously in the same situation as we do. We forget, however, that we are all cowards in certain situations. (Courage, by the way, is not just the naive and thoughtless risking of life and limb but the process of consciously overcoming fear. We can only be courageous if we are afraid.) We should try to avoid calling anyone a coward, especially if we don’t know all the reasons for his or her behavior. Generally, we all have sensible reasons and act as we do to ensure our survival.
due to fear: Aspen, Mimulus
Aspen is used to treat vague fears, and Mimulus is given for specific fears. Fears are often groundless and can be countered if we try to confront them consciously or with practical experience.
due to a weak personality: Centaury
People who let themselves be used often appear to be cowards because they frequently give up their rights for no apparent reason. Centaury gives them more courage.
due to feelings of stress and overwork: Hornbeam
Hornbeam is useful when we feel overworked and try to avoid a potential strain or responsibility.
due to feelings of inferiority: Larch
When we lack confidence in ourselves, we also tend to feel too much pressure from our responsibilities. Larch strengthens self-confidence and is often used for children.
due to a negative experience: Star of Bethlehem
“Once burned, twice shy.” If we’ve had a negative experience, we tend to be overly cautious or even to avoid similar subsequent situations. Star of Bethlehem helps when we can no longer differentiate when we need to be cautious, and we develop a fundamental (and often unjustified) defensive posture. Sensitive children often have this tendency.
Craving for Food → Anorexia
People who crave food suffer from severe frustration that usually stems from an unfulfilled or excessive need for love and happiness. Eating provides oral gratification and is an attempt to compensate for the things they lack.
for fears that are displaced by eating: Aspen + Mimulus
for a strong, unfulfilled need for attention: Chicory
for dissatisfaction with oneself: Gentian + Hornbeam + Larch
for contrariness and aggression: Holly
for severe frustration or unresolved psychic shock: Star of Bethlehem
Crisis: Walnut
In a life crisis, life change, or at the beginning of a new life phase, Walnut can help us stay true to ourselves and find our true nature.
Criticism
of others → Know-it-all → Dogmatism → Domestic Tyrant
of oneself → Guilt Feelings
Daydreams → Sentimentality
daydreaming making us inattentive and distracted *7/9
daydreaming, with a weak will *9/12
daydreaming, total *9/16
daydreaming undermining our ability to make decisions *9/28
Death
fear of: Aspen + Rock Rose
These essences help lessen the fear of death.
longing for death: Clematis
People who find little happiness in the present and seek comfort in the future often hope for a final solution in death (especially during an illness).
easing the process of dying: Oak + Walnut
Oak shortens a futile struggle with death, and Walnut brings an inner tranquillity.
longing for death caused by exhaustion *9/23
longing for death with general resignation *9/37
Defense, weak, against accusations *24/33
Dejection → Fear
dejection accompanying feelings of stress and overwork *11/12
Delusions → Poisoning, fear of
fearful: Aspen
psychotic: Cherry Plum
Demands on oneself leading to feelings of inferiority *19/27
Dependence → Fear → Insecurity
dependence due to a weak personality *4/5
dependence leading to feelings of stress and overwork *4/17
dependent and easily influenced *4/33
dependence caused by self-abuse *5/27
Dependence on others
Dependence can be treated when it creates suffering or other negative emotions. These emotions show that our need for independence is being restricted.
from a weak personality: Centaury
Centaury strengthens the personality and minimizes mental dependence.
from a need for attention: Chicory
Chicory helps temper a pathological need for emotional relationships; when we allow other people to be free, we become more independent.
from a need for recognition: Heather
This essence is used when we are not aware of our own worth and need the validation of other people.
from fear: Mimulus
Mimulus mitigates an excessive need for protection.
from guilt: Pine
Pine lessens guilt feelings and frees us from the dependency-inducing need for forgiveness.
from being easily influenced: Walnut
Walnut makes us more independent by helping us be true to ourselves.
Dependence and Insecurity: Cerato
Cerato is for people who constantly seek advice because they don’t know how they should behave.
Depression → Chapter 1: Mustard
basic treatment: Mustard
Depression results when important life-affirming impulses or needs that are crucial to our happiness are suppressed. The extent of the depression is determined by the force of the suppression. You might say that the most depressed people have the potential for the most happiness. When we know and understand the reasons for our depression, we call it reactive depression (meaning a reaction to unhappy circumstances), and when it seems inexplicable, we call it endogenous depression (stemming from the mind or psyche). Often, reactive depression can be countered by treating the conditions creating the depressed state, while endogenous depression demands a profound rehabilitation of our total worldview and assumptions. This cannot be achieved when the depressed person will not allow the therapist access to his inner mind or when he is mentally broken.
The role of one’s physical condition should not be underestimated: liver conditions especially can create a depressive state (melancholia). Mustard is the basic treatment and should be combined with the following essences, as needed.
caused by fear: Aspen
Aspen helps when we have lost joy in life because of vague, groundless fears.
due to helplessness: Cerato
Cerato is for people who are depressed or discontented because they don’t trust their own opinions and do not know how to act.
due to self-denial: Crab Apple
Crab Apple is appropriate when we are depressed because we feel unclean, poisoned, or besmirched.
due to failure (reactive): Gentian
Gentian is helpful for any depression caused by failure or humiliation. It helps restore our optimism.
due to lack of recognition: Heather
Heather helps us when our need for recognition or popularity is so excessive that it can never be satisfied, and this makes us sad.
due to suppressed aggression: Holly
When aggression or rage is suppressed, depression is often the result. Holly suppresses our aggressive feelings.
due to a fear of failure: Hornbeam
Hornbeam counters the (often melancholy) feeling that we are not up to the challenges of everyday life.
due to insufficient self-confidence: Larch
When we lack self-confidence and often deny ourselves, often the result is that we eventually become morose, sad, or depressed. Larch helps restore our self-confidence.
without apparent cause (endogenous): Mustard
Mustard is appropriate for the endogenous, inexplicable depression that seems to come over us out of the blue.
due to weakness: Olive
Exhaustion (especially a weakness of the heart) promotes the development of depression. Olive improves our mood and increases our strength.
due to guilt feelings: Pine
Feelings of guilt poison our thoughts and mood and make us depressed.
due to excessive worries: Red Chestnut
due to an unresolved shock or unbearable problem: Star of Bethlehem
If we cannot reach a state of closure with a distressing life experience or living conditions, we cannot proceed with a feeling of optimism. Star of Bethlehem helps us see our unpleasant experiences in a more positive light.
due to extreme desperation: Sweet Chestnut
due to a lack of purpose in life: Wild Oat
with resignation and lack of interest: Wild Rose
Our consciousness demands that we put life in a meaningful context; otherwise, we lack positive motivation and optimism. Wild Oat helps us find meaning in our lives.
depression due to unrequited love *8/21
depression and disgruntlement *12/21
depression due to hopelessness *13/21
depression due to rejection and loneliness *14/21
depression due to a loss *16/21
depression due to exhaustion *21/23
depression due to guilt feelings *21/24
depression due to psychic trauma *21/29
antisocial behavior caused by depression *21/34
depression due to a feeling of meaninglessness *21/36
depressive resignation *21/37
depression due to bitterness *21/38
Despair Accompanying a Life Change *12/33
Desperation, absolute: Sweet Chestnut
Sweet Chestnut is used when we’ve reached a point when we feel we just can’t go on (generally because we’ve been struggling against fate), when we’ve lost all hope, when we can no longer think or speak. If taken in a timely manner and in combination with other appropriate essences, Sweet Chestnut can help get us out of this black hole.
premonitions, secret *1/2
desperation caused by emotional stress *6/30
desperation due to stress and overwork *11/30
desperation, absolutely hopeless *13/20
terrified and exhausted *20/23
desperation caused by panic and fear *26/30
desperation caused by mental and emotional trauma *29/30
Developmental Difficulties
When children don’t develop correctly, it is a sign that they are lacking something or being suppressed or impeded in some way. Possible causes can include, but are not limited to, improper nutrition or an unfavorable environment as well as the psychic constitution. The psyche is positively or negatively influenced by everything it perceives and experiences and transmits all harmful experiences to the body. Physical health is impossible without mental and psychic well-being.
due to fear: Aspen, Mimulus
Fear can inhibit our natural development because it forces us to be cautious and tentative. Aspen is for vague, nebulous fears, and Mimulus is for specific, nameable fears.
due to a relapse in an illness: Gentian
Gentian promotes healing and convalescence by increasing the body’s endurance, thus avoiding relapses.
due to an inferiority complex: Larch
A child who feels himself inferior tends to hold himself back and to hide himself, which can impede physical development. Larch helps him regain his proper posture and promotes the development of an erect bearing.
due to exhaustion: Olive
Development and growth mean strength. Olive is a good choice for chronic exhaustion that can hinder normal development.
due to a traumatic experience: Star of Bethlehem
Shocking experiences can so undermine our courage and trust in fate that the development of body and psyche can be disrupted. This essence can be combined with Mimulus (20/29).
Disappointment
When we can recognize that a disappointment frees us from illusion (which makes it essentially something positive), we can overcome it more quickly and will perhaps not be so easily disappointed in the future.
due to failure: Gentian
Gentian makes us more optimistic so that we won’t throw in the towel at the first sign of failure.
with bitterness: Willow
When a disappointment makes us bitter, Willow can make us more optimistic.
Discipline (too severe and remote)
The purpose of discipline is to sustain and improve our lives and to promote our happiness. It should not be practiced as an end unto itself and it should be carried out with a certain amount of compassion and flexibility.
with oneself: Rock Water
People who put themselves under so much pressure that they do not allow themselves or others any pleasure need Rock Water.
toward others: Vine
When we are too strict with others, we need Vine. It is good for teachers who can only see their charges as objects, not as subjects, and for parents who demand excessive order or morality from their children.
Discontentment → Depression → Moodiness → Ungratefulness → Enthusiasm, lack of
due to insatiability: Chicory
Chicory is for people who can never get enough of anything (especially emotional attention).
caused by failure: Gentian
To a certain extent, it’s perfectly normal to be discontented when things don’t go as we plan or as we would like them to go. Gentian prevents our discontentment from becoming a crippling permanent condition and helps us adjust our expectations.
for no recognizable cause: Mustard
Vague, general discontentment is a mild form of depression, which can be improved with Mustard.
with life: Wild Oat (→ Vocation)
It is impossible to be content if we have no meaning in our lives. This doesn’t have to entail a grand philosophical design or a moral ideal; it could be a pleasant daily plan or work that is done carefully and thoughtfully— anything that helps us get through life with a sense of purpose. Some people need a long-term plan or a great life goal, while others just need to live from day to day. As long as no important needs or drives are suppressed or ignored, we can be content; otherwise, we’ll never be at peace, and our restlessness will prevent us from taking care of our own needs. Wild Oat helps us set our priorities straight.
Discouraged and exhausted *12/23
Disloyalty → Unreliability
Disorder
not tolerated
Crab Apple for a compulsive need for order and cleanliness
Rock Water for excessive discipline
Vine for mental and emotional inflexibility
excessive
Clematis with an excessive tendency to daydream
Honeysuckle when we are too overcome with nostalgia or heartache to concern ourselves with anything else
Scleranthus when we can never make a clear decision
Wild Oat when we don’t know how to behave
Distance, emotional → Pushiness → Loneliness → Loner → Contact, excessive need for → Contact Problems
Distraction
When we are distracted, we are unable to devote our hearts and souls to a situation, a thought, or an activity. We can’t think things through thoroughly, and we are never totally content.
from inattentiveness: Chestnut Bud
from indecisiveness: Scleranthus
We cannot choose among possible alternatives and follow every whim.
from our own goals: Walnut
We can’t defend ourselves from outside influences and are always diverted from our own path.
from interest in too many possibilities: Wild Oat
Because we are always on the lookout and interested in everything, we cannot concentrate on one thing.
distracted behavior leading to learning difficultiess *7/28
Distress → Shock
frozen in panic *1/26
distress causes aggression *15/29
distress, mental, leads to desperation *29/30
Do-gooder
When we feel the need to improve the world, we believe that we alone possess the truth or that we are better than other people. Seen in absolute terms, this is mere foolishness; we’re all part of a greater whole, a part that cannot change or improve the whole by itself. We can fulfill only our allotted function. Subjectively, however, we must behave in the way that seems right to us. When things don’t seem right, we must change them appropriately, and this is how we each fulfill our mission to change the world. As long as the result is positive for us and for the rest of the world, this is all well and good, but as soon as our actions cause suffering, some kind of adjustment is necessary—not an adjustment with the world, but with ourselves.
due to self-abuse: Rock Water
When we torment ourselves or feel compelled to practice self-denial to serve as an example for others, we need Rock Water.
caused by dogmatic convictions: Vine
Vine helps eliminate the habit of expecting others to behave as we do.
aggressive do-gooder *15/31
Dogmatism
A dogma is an idea that is put forth as a general guideline that should be followed by all. It exercises a strong (and even seductive) compulsion that removes some of life’s diversity, variety, and complexity and saves us the hard work of finding our own truth. It has the effect of putting on blinders. Blindly accepting a dogma is often easier than finding our way unprotected through the confusing complexity that reality offers us. This advantage— when seen from the perspective of personal development—becomes a disadvantage because it results in a diminution of personal responsibility and our ability to have autonomous feelings and an independent life. Dogmas are often the result of a mental or psychological disruption—in those who follow them as much as in those who impose them on others. For the followers, there is a lack of maturity, and for the leaders, there is mental inflexibility, one-sidedness, and insufficient self-criticism. With the following essences and combinations, we can try to counter the tendency toward dogmatism.
accepting dogma: Centaury, Pine
Centaury is for people who have no life experience or concept and are used to following others. Dogmas play a major role in providing important order in their lives.
Pine helps those who feel guilty when they rebel against authority. Dogma demands our unconditional surrender and is generally linked with some sort of punishment for those who don’t follow the rules. Pine diminishes the compulsion to be responsible for others.
dogma is practiced: Rock Water, Vine
Rock Water frees us from an inner pressure to discipline ourselves with rules and dogmas. It allows us to live according to our own needs rather than by following theoretical attitudes or ideals.
Vine is for obstinate, closed-minded people who take their own opinions and ideas for the last word, and who impose them on others. They become more flexible, tolerant, and pragmatic.
dogmatic need to achieve *22/32
dogmatic compulsive thoughts *32/35
Domestic Tyrant: Vine
People who tyrannize and bully their relatives with their own inflexible, intolerant ideas and believe themselves to be infallible role models should take Vine.
domestic tyrant, aggressive or irritable *15/32
domestic tyrant, embittered *32/38
Dominate, need to → Emotional Tyrant → Domestic Tyrant
Doting Mother: Chicory
When a mother worries too much about her child, she only makes the child more dependent and becomes the dominant person in the child’s life. The mother’s strength causes weakness in her child.
Doubt → Insecurity → Turmoil, inner
Dreams → Nightmares → Sentimentality
Drive, lack of → Weakness
When a lack of drive is evident after a stress or strain, it generally signals the beginning of the parasympathetic healing phase, which should not be disrupted by forceful means, such as stimulants. Long-lasting bouts of listlessness, on the other hand, signal some kind of damage. (→ Anemia → Illness)
due to a lack of self-confidence: Larch
with depression: Mustard
Depression is suppressed aggression. Listlessness is a consequence of this self-suppression.
due to exhaustion: Olive
general: Wild Rose
Wild Rose is called for in cases of general resignation, which is usually a dangerous sign. Wild Rose is best combined with Olive (→ 23/37).
Drowsiness → Apathy → Fatigue → Resignation
Drug Abuse
Drugs can elicit unusual states of mind and illusions. People use them when they are unable to cope with life or are dissatisfied. Alcohol and psycho-pharmaceuticals are drugs in this sense, when we find life unbearable without them.
to compensate for urgent inner needs: Agrimony
Agrimony helps us give full expression to personal problems. People who cannot do so are often plagued by inner torment and try to lessen the effects by taking drugs, especially alcohol. Alcohol helps us displace our problems and see the world through rose-colored glasses.
and flight into fantasy: Clematis
Clematis works against the temptation to replace sobering reality with pleasant fantasies, often with the “help” of drugs.
to make life bearable: Star of Bethlehem
Star of Bethlehem helps us endure difficult circumstances or terrible experiences that we might otherwise try to suppress or gloss over with the help of drugs or alcohol. It can be combined with Agrimony.
Eagerness to Help Others, due to feelings of inferiority → 4/19
Ear Problems
itchiness in the ear (eczema): Crab Apple + Impatiens
hearing difficulties: Agrimony + Clematis + Mimulus + Oak
Eczema → Skin Conditions
Egocentrism → Egotism
Egocentric people consider themselves to be the center of the world, and they relate everything they see or experience to themselves. While this is natural to a certain extent—our consciousness can comprehend only what happens to us directly and understand in those around us only the experiences we have in common—the balance between “me” and “you” can swing too far in the direction “me.” Our mental lives are impoverished from a lack of communication, and our relationships become cold or hostile from insufficient interest in other people.
too concerned with our own image: Heather
For anyone who regards other people as an accessory to his own life, or expects them to be an adoring audience.
excessive interest in ourselves: Rock Water
Rock Water is needed when we are too concerned with ourselves and lose our feeling for the relativity of all values.
too obsessed with our own ideas: Vervain
Vervain is for people who overestimate their own ideas and constantly try to impose them on others.
too self-satisfied: Vine
When we cannot listen to anyone’s opinion but our own, we need Vine.
too frugal or lacking contact: Water Violet
Water Violet is called for when we have retreated so far into our own world that we have virtually no human contact. It is sometimes combined with Rock Water (27/34).
Egotism → Egocentrism → Self-denial
The term egotism has both a positive and a negative meaning. In the positive sense, it means that we recognize our rights and needs in a natural way, and, if they are threatened, we defend them. In addition, we take into consideration the rights and needs of others, as long as they do not threaten our own. In its negative form, it causes us to ignore the needs of others and have no feelings for their happiness. The typical egotist thinks only of herself and demands more than that to which she is entitled or needs. This behavior is unnatural, senseless, and not genuine, and it causes suffering. It makes us discontent and also creates hate and envy. For this reason, we must be careful when receiving (and giving!) to keep our sense of proportion.
insufficient: Centaury, Larch, Star of Bethlehem
Centaury is good for anyone who has lost the feeling for her own rights, and who serves others without deriving any benefit for herself. Her selflessness arises predominately from a weak personality and not from an aware, energetic openness to others; her character becomes weak and incites a thoughtless egotism in those with whom she comes in contact (→ Blackmail).
Larch is helpful when we do not have sufficient self-confidence or enough healthy egotism to take what we need from life.
Star of Bethlehem can be combined with Larch or Centaury when an unresolved trauma is partly the cause.
excessive: Chicory
Chicory works against selfish egotism that is caused by jealousy, envy, and resentment. Anyone who has the feeling that she does not have enough needs Chicory. This is especially true for emotional needs. It can be combined with Holly in the case of aggressive reactions or with Willow if the cause is resentment or bitterness.
Embarrassment
because we want to hide something from ourselves or portray ourselves as other than we actually are: Agrimony
because we have no self-confidence: Larch
because we suffer from a guilty conscience: Pine
Emergencies: Rescue Remedy (see chapter 2)
Emotional Pressure → Obsession
Emotional Tyrant: Chicory
In almost every family (→ Family Problems) there is someone who tyrannizes the others with skillful emotional manipulation and blackmail. This normally takes place through displays of suffering, which trigger sympathy or guilt (→ Guilt Feelings) and brings them the attention they need or other advantages. We often see this behavior in spoiled, egotistical, or self-pitying children who incessantly torment their parents, and also in parents who try to prevent their children from leading their own lives. Chicory promotes emotional independence.
Endurance
insufficient: Gentian
Gentian acts against pessimism and faintheartedness and prevents us from giving up unnecessarily or prematurely.
excessive: Oak
Oak helps when our ability to withstand difficult circumstances becomes a senseless compulsion. It enables us to give up if the balance between costs and benefits isn’t favorable.
Enthusiasm
lack of: Mustard (→ Depression)
Lack of enthusiasm is a mild form of depression. Mustard helps us overcome these feelings, especially when they seem to have no cause.
exaggerated: Vervain
When we become too one-sided or enthusiastic about one particular thing, Vervain prevents us from neglecting our other needs and interests and from losing our sense of proportion.
unenthusiastic and discouraged *12/17
Envy → Egotism → Jealousy
Epilepsy: Agrimony + Clematis + Rock Rose + Star of Bethlehem
An epileptic seizure is generally characterized by a disruption of consciousness with convulsions that result from a mental overload or a shocking experience. In addition to the usual medical treatment, this combination can be used for prevention and treatment. These essences should be given during a seizure by dropping on the lips or by rubbing into the forehead.
for convulsions: Agrimony
for the premonition of a seizure: Aspen
for the loss of consciousness: Clematis
for panic: Rock Rose to treat psychic (and possible physical) trauma: Star of Bethlehem
Erratic Behavior → Unreliability
Excitement, arousal → Obsession
When excitement is not redirected in the form of actions, it can cause blockages and complex disruptions in the body.
suppressed and glossed over: Agrimony
Agrimony helps us express feelings that would otherwise bring forth a tormenting inner pressure.
strong, internal: Cherry Plum
Cherry Plum is the basic essence for intense, difficult emotions.
aggressive: Holly
If pent-up mental or physical stimulation makes us irritable, angry, or violent, Holly can help us let off steam.
restless, impatient: Impatiens
When we suffer from restlessness, impatience, or haste, Impatiens can help ease the situation and allow us to better master our need for constant stimulation.
due to excessive ambition: Vervain
Vervain is for those who inflict themselves with stress owing to excessive enthusiasm and hyperactivity.
Exemplary Behavior
when we want to be a good example: Rock Water
when we take ourselves to be a good example: Vine
Exhaustion
Exhaustion means that we require more strength than we are able to muster at a given time. Ideally, we should have the sense to rest as soon as we notice that we are tiring. Our organism can endure nearly every stress as long as it has a chance to rest, but long-term stress with no chance to rest can be harmful.
from excessive stress: Elm
When we create our own stress by putting ourselves under too much pressure to achieve, we need Elm to help put us back on our feet.
due to hopelessness: Gorse
When we have no more hope, the organism can no longer mobilize its strength: “It’s no use!” Gorse can help on such occasions.
due to pessimism: Hornbeam
Hornbeam is effective against the crippling feeling that we are not up to our daily work.
due to physical exhaustion: Olive
Olive is the great giver of strength if we are drained after a long illness or periods of hard work.
due to resignation: Wild Rose
Wild Rose gives us more enthusiasm when we drag through the day, tired and without initiative.
exhaustion causing absentmindedness or unconsciousness *9/23
exhaustion, serious physical and mental *11/23
exhausted and discouraged *12/23
exhaustion causing hopelessness *13/23
exhaustion causing a flight into the past *16/23
exhaustion undermining self-confidence *19/23
exhaustion creating fear *20/23
exhaustion making us depressed *21/23
exhaustion causing psychic instability *23/29
exhaustion causing us to be easily influenced *23/33
exhaustion making us unsociable *23/34
exhaustion leading to resignation *23/38
Expectations
Expectations are merely fantasies and should be treated as such. Confusing them with reality brings disaster.
fantasies of the future: Clematis
Clematis is useful when we live too much in our fantasies and lose touch with reality.
creating fear: Mimulus
When we always expect that bad things will happen to us, we are subject to a particularly tormenting variety of fear, because these problems are not real and not solvable.
Eye Conditions
The eyes are greatly influenced by the psyche. The following essences or combinations are often used to treat eye conditions. There are also exercises that we can practice to keep our eyes healthy or restore them to health.
poor eyesight
As with any organ, the eyes lose some of their strength and functioning abilities when they are not used very much. If we do not use them enough, there is a danger that either the eyes or the part of the brain that controls them will deteriorate.
Aspen for general fears, when we close our eyes to reality
Clematis for dreaminess and fantasy, when we have little interest in what’s going on around us and look only at what is inside, such as illusions or dreams of the future
Honeysuckle for sadness or nostalgia, instead of reality—when all we can see are pictures and images from the past
Mimulus for the fear of something specific at which we do not dare to look (generally combined with Aspen)
conjunctivitis: Crab Apple
Conjunctivitis is often caused by a sinus infection. In such cases, the blood-purifying effects of Crab Apple can help strengthen the effects of appropriate medications. When caused by allergies → Allergies.
cataracts: Oak
glaucom a
Glaucoma is caused by a blockage of fluid exchange in the eye, which can arise during times of stress (Crab Apple) and tension. Relaxing meditation or biofeedback have been proven to have positive effects.
Agrimony for inner tension, when we want to hide something
Elm for sudden stress
Holly for rage
Mimulus or Aspen for tension related to fear
Oak for grimness and inflexibility
Vervain for long-term, self-induced stress
Willow for bitterness
Facade: Agrimony
Agrimony gives us the courage to take off the facade or mask behind which we hide our feelings, fears, or problems and allows us to show ourselves as we really are.
Failure → Fear
failure caused by a weak will and lack of attentiveness *7/12
Family Problems → Partner Problems
A family has two fundamental functions: on the one hand, it is a voluntary partnership between two people, based on mutual affection, and, on the other hand, it provides optimal conditions for the development of the offspring that the partnership creates; it provides love, nourishment, protection, and education to prepare the child for life. When these requirements are not fulfilled properly and the family unit turns into a vehicle for power, obsessions, or compulsions, when there is no love between the parents, or when the children are neglected, or emotionally or physically abused, then well-known, complex family problems arise. Because such fundamental needs of our existence are involved, these problems can often end in a deadly battle or in a lifelong illness. With most chronic illnesses, the family relationships must be totally overhauled, which is extremely difficult and usually means breaking up the family unit. It would be much better if we could avoid the “family plague” (from W. Reich) entirely by not entering bad marriages and making sure not to have any children if we are in a bad marriage.
by allowing oneself to be used: Centaury
People who are prevented from becoming independent and self-confident in their childhood often develop a tendency toward self-denial and self-sacrificing, obsequious behavior. They let themselves be used and often place themselves at the disposal of their parents. This is an unnatural situation (in nature, the task of caring for someone is always a parental function; the parents take care of the children, not the other way around), and it can cause unhappiness and illness: the child misses out on her own life, and the parents are denied the joy of seeing their child be happy. A similar situation exists with couples, when one partner gives up his or her happiness to serve the other. This behavior is not motivated by love; it poisons the relationship and creates a subconscious hate. Centaury promotes the awareness that we have the right to our own lives and that we serve no moral purpose by allowing ourselves to be blackmailed or used.
through emotional tyranny or laying claim to someone: Chicory
Chicory is used to treat a strong desire for attachment, when parents can’t let their children go, or children are not able to leave their parents. The natural course of events is that in puberty a person will begin to lead her own life, which means that she finds a place in a new functioning partnership. This is impossible when parents (the mother for the daughter, and the father for the son) won’t let go of their children, when they are overcome by jealousy, or when they use illness to cling or through emotional castration make it impossible for the child to establish a normal sexual relationship. The consequences of such pathological parent-child relationships are often impotence, frigidity, and homosexuality; moreover, the children can become too attached to the guardian through the latter’s demands for love or as the result of jealousy. These widespread neurotic dependencies between parents and children of the opposite sex are unnatural and can never be satisfied, and they can generate hatred and destroy the lives of all involved. These tendencies will arise again in the relationship of marriage or life partnerships. Chicory must be taken over a long period of time, often in combination with Holly (8/15), Walnut (8/33), or Willow (8/38).
with jealousy: Chicory, Holly
Some people take severe jealousy as a sign of love. In fact, it indicates only a strong need for possession. True love strives for happiness, not ownership.
with hate and jealousy: Holly
The complex and usually unsatisfied demands within the family often bring forth such negative emotions as hate, envy, mistrust, or lust for revenge.
due to guilt feelings: Pine
Guilt causes hate and can poison any human relationship. It is often employed in familial power struggles. Pine can assuage guilt. It promotes the realization that neither parents (because of the wrongs they have inflicted on their children) nor children (because of their inability to fulfill their parents’ expectations) are guilty. All of us do the best we can under the circumstances. Human error is just that—human. We all get along much better when there is no guilt involved.
with psychic trauma: Star of Bethlehem
Star of Bethlehem helps overcome psychic injuries that are caused by family power struggles and severe relationship disruptions. It is the basic essence used to treat all neurotic problems in social relationships.
due to a lack of distance and tolerance: Water Violet
We often think that a blood relationship means a mental and emotional relationship. Actually, most family members have very different and even opposite characters. Even between parents and children there is often alienation or incompatibility. When we refuse to accept this, the family community can become a family prison. A certain distance (→ Distance) is required in every human relationship, and this distance must not be too great or too small. Water Violet can normalize relationships when a family member, for whatever reason, has put too much distance between herself and others and is feeling isolated. It is often combined with Agrimony (1/34), Star of Bethlehem (29/34), or Willow (34/38).
due to intolerance or imposing one’s will: Vine
When someone (generally a parent) imposes his personal views on family members and doesn’t take the opinions of others into account, he needs Vine. Vine is effective against the authoritarian, closed-minded superiority and bossiness that often plague family relationships.
due to being too easily offended: Willow
Fanaticism → Obsession → Dogmatism
related to cleanliness: Crab Apple
Crab Apple is for clean freaks who see dirt and filth everywhere and feel the need to do something about it.
in leading our own lives: Rock Water
Rock Water is for people who put themselves under obsessive (and forceful), strict, narrow-minded rules.
in do-gooders: Vervain
and dogmatism: Vine
and mental obsession: White Chestnut
Fanatics can think only about their own goals. White Chestnut frees us from this mental narrow-mindedness. It can be combined with Vervain (31/35) or Vine (32/35).
Fantasies, anxious: Aspen
Fantasies are harmful because they displace our clear view of reality and adversely influence our ability to deal with life. They come about from a condition of the brain or from emotional stress.
Fantasy and Imagination, excessive: Clematis
Clematis clears our view of reality when it is clouded by our fantasies.
Fatalism → Resignation
Fatigue → Weakness
Fear
Fear is a constricting physical feeling, which can affect, above all, the vicinity of the heart and the upper abdomen. It is caused when we try to resist—more or less unconsciously—an event that we know or assume will cause us pain or suffering. Essentially, we attempt to fight against fate. As soon as we can find another focus, give up our tense defensive posture, and trust fate, our inner constriction disappears along with our fear. This must be accomplished in small increments at every possible opportunity; the following essences are helpful. (Further remarks → Chapter 1: Aspen and Mimulus)
of being seen through: Agrimony
Agrimony is for people who do not dare to show their feelings or admit the truth about themselves.
vague fears: Aspen (→ Premonitions)
Aspen is helpful when we suffer from terrible, anxious, and seemingly groundless fears. It is generally combined with Mimulus.
of making the wrong decision: Cerato
We always want to be right and fear making mistakes.
of going insane: Cherry Plum
When strong emotions are suppressed, there is the danger of a resulting emotional short circuit.
of loss: Chicory
The more our hearts become attached to something, the more we fear losing it. Chicory helps us let go and allows us to be free.
of impurities, sins, or contagion: Crab Apple
Crab Apple is for people who have an excessive fear of the consequences of a “sin” or an impure act.
of disgrace: Heather (→ Recognition → Inferiority, feelings of)
People with low self-esteem live with a constant fear of making fools of themselves. Heather tempers vanity and the craving for recognition.
of failure: Hornbeam
Hornbeam helps if a task seems too difficult before we even begin.
of failure: Elm + Hornbeam + Larch
Fear of failure is characterized by the interplay of several factors. Larch helps with undeveloped self-confidence, Hornbeam helps with feelings of overexertion, and Elm helps with the danger of an acute collapse.
of particular things: Mimulus
Mimulus is suitable for specific fears as well as for treating the general constitution of anxious individuals.
of punishment: Pine (→ Guilt Feelings)
Guilt feelings or a bad conscience are both manifestations of a fear of punishment. Pine frees us from guilty thoughts.
for others: Red Chestnut
When we fear for the sake of others, we are projecting our own fears on them.
with feelings of panic: Rock Rose, Aspen
Rock Rose is appropriate in sudden and unusual situations when we can lose our sense of perspective. Aspen helps when submerged fears suddenly take on a paniclike urgency. When in doubt, take a combination of the essences (→ 2/26).
due to unresolved shock: Star of Bethlehem
Fear is a defense mechanism. Unresolved traumas or shocks are essentially psychic allergies: they make us unstable, and even the most seemingly insignificant memories can trigger a massive defensive reaction.
of intimate contact: Water Violet
Water Violet is for loners or people for whom contact with other people is too much.
anxious depression *2/21
anxious obsequiousness *4/20
anxious insecurity *5/20
anxious clinging *8/20
anxious irritability *15/20
anxious restlessness *18/20
anxious worry about others *20/25
anxious obsessive thoughts *20/35
fear of cancer → Cancer
fears, secret *1/2
fears that are covered up or suppressed *1/2
fear is covered up or kept secret *1/20
fear with the danger of a short circuit *2/6
panic, absolute, caused by fear *2/26
fears causing problems with human contact *2/34
fear-related conflict, serious *6/20
fear of dirtiness *10/20
fear of failure, sudden *11/20
fear of loneliness making us pushy and insistent *14/20
fear of the future provoking an escape into the past *16/20
fear of failure *17/20
fear due to a lack of self-confidence *19/20
fear and exhaustion *20/23
fear of guilt *20/24
fear of an impaired ability to make decisions *20/28
easily influenced due to fear *20/33
timidity, general: Mimulus
timidity, total *2/20
timidity causing an unnatural tolerance *3/20
timidity with a tendency to panic *20/26
timidity due to psychic trauma *20/29
Fearful: Aspen + Gentian + Larch + Mustard (→ Fear)
This combination makes life more bearable by minimizing our frightened premonitions and negative expectations. It should be taken over a long period of time, and is often used for children.
Fidgetiness: Impatiens + Scleranthus + Wild Oat
Filth, feelings of, with self-loathing *10/19
Finickiness → Indecisiveness
when we don’t know what’s right: Cerato
when we cannot make decisions: Scleranthus
when we don’t know what we want: Wild Oat
Fixations → Obsession
fixations *31/35
Fleeing → Cowardice
When we are faced with danger, there are two choices: fight or run. Both are equally effective as survival tactics. Which act is the better of the two depends on our dispositions and on the specific situation. Flight becomes bad only when it is not necessary. In that case, we should look for groundless fears that cause us to react inappropriately.
from ourselves: Agrimony
Agrimony helps when we cannot stand our own problems and weaknesses.
from reality into dreams: Clematis, Honeysuckle
For people who find reality too unpleasant or uninteresting and take refuge in dreaming of the past (Honeysuckle) or in the prospect of a better future (Clematis). Honeysuckle and Clematis are often used to treat children.
escape into illness: Hornbeam
An illness will often provide a way out and save us from a situation that we feel we cannot handle. Hornbeam alleviates our fear of failure.
escape into the past due to stress and overwork *16/17
escape into the past caused by a lack of self-confidence *16/19
escape into the past caused by fear of the present or future *16/20
flight into the past caused by exhaustion *16/23
Flexibility
If we are flexible and malleable, we have no clear limits to our actions. If we’re too rigid and inflexible, we run the danger of “breaking.”
too much: Scleranthus
Scleranthus eases excess mental agility, erratic behavior, and a tendency to shy away from important decisions.
too little
Oak when we don’t know how to give up
Rock Water to broaden our intellectual horizons if we are rigidly self-disciplined
Vervain for people who are narrow-minded and tend to pursue one specific idea
Vine against inflexible, rigid dogmatism
Flighty and Impatient → 18/28
Flu → Contagion
prevention: Clematis + Crab Apple + Olive + Walnut
Clematis for strengthening our resolve to stay healthy
Crab Apple for promoting purification of the blood and helping divert contagions
Olive to give us reserves of strength
Walnut for strengthening our immune system against pathogens
This combination provides us with some preventive protection. It must be taken at the first sign of an illness and complemented with another essence, such as those listed below.
Chicory for a conspicuous craving for love or comfort
Elm for sudden exhaustion
Holly for groundless irritability
Mustard for an inexplicable bad mood
Water Violet to treat the need for quiet and the need to be left alone
treatment
Use those essences listed under prevention that are appropriate for the psychic or physical condition. Also use Gentian in case of a prolonged illness or a relapse.
Forgetfulness
caused by suppression: Agrimony
Suppression is a kind of deliberate forgetfulness and is sometimes necessary to maintain inner peace. This capability is useful, however, only when it is employed consciously; otherwise it can lead to destructive habits.
caused by learning difficulties: Chestnut Bud
caused by daydreaming: Clematis, Honeysuckle
Clematis is useful when the mind is dominated by fantasy and speculation, and Heather when the mind is dominated by memories.
caused by difficulties with concentration: Scleranthus
Scleranthus improves the ability to think clearly and decisively.
due to exhaustion: Star of Bethlehem
Sometimes the psyche causes us to be forgetful in order to protect itself from a traumatic experience. This type of forgetfulness (amnesia) also occurs in cases of head trauma.
Frantic Activity: Vervain
Vervain is useful when we become too active because of some conviction or enthusiasm.
Frigidity → Sexual Dysfunction
Frustration → Discontentment
Gall Conditions → Liver Conditions
Giving Up (prematurely)
with acute feelings of overexertion: Elm
from a lack of endurance: Gentian
due to anxiety: Mimulus
due to exhaustion: Olive
Glaucoma → Eye Conditions
Glossing Over: Agrimony + Beech (*1/3)
Some people have a cheerful, even temperament and seem to have no problems, while others act as they do only because they do not want to face their problems. They internalize their problems and make themselves suffer even more. The spirit will not allow itself to be deceived—it accepts only the truth.
Goal Orientation, too strong
when we need to finish everything as quickly as possible and are in a constant rush: Impatiens
when we are so engrossed in pursuing our goals that we are on the verge of tearing ourselves apart: Oak
when we are obsessed with an idea: Vervain
Going Crazy (danger of): Cherry Plum
Good-naturedness, affability, excessive: Centaury (→ Conformity)
Affability loses its value when it makes us unable to protect our own interests. Thinking of ourselves is a natural instinct. It doesn’t mean being egotistical or coldhearted, but prudently ensuring everyone’s well-being. “Love your neighbor as you would yourself ”; if we can’t help ourselves, we certainly can’t help anyone else. Centaury helps counter pathological good cheer.
affability, pathological *1/4
Gratitude → Ingratitude
True gratitude means spontaneously being happy over a gift or a good deed without feeling obligated to return the favor. This is more difficult than we might think, since in our society, most gifts are given with the intention of making the recipient dependent or of obliging them to respond with a counter gesture. This is the spirit that gives rise to run-of-the-mill false gratitude—the feeling that one has not earned the right to be happy and that the gift might be taken away from us if we don’t act gratefully and obsequiously.
feigned: Agrimony
When we feign gratitude because we are afraid or because we need a favor, we need Agrimony. It helps us to be more open and honest.
false: Pine
The person brought up in a “Christian” manner, with deeply ingrained guilt feelings, constantly feels the need to express some kind of thanks (either through obsequious behavior or in returning the favor); he fears that his “God” will be angry with him otherwise. This behavior makes it difficult for him to experience true, free happiness (which is identical to true gratitude). Pine lessens the guilt feelings that cause this false gratitude.
Greed → Egotism
Grief → Separation → Loss
Grieving means not being able to accept reality; it is the untimely appreciation of someone or something precious and the concurrent reaction to its loss, which a lack of mental and emotional maturity makes extremely difficult. Instead of focusing positively on whatever has replaced what we’ve lost, we’re stuck in a melancholy past. The dynamic progress of life loses its continuity and dissolves (like a movie that is running too slowly through a projector) into single frames of aspects and emotions taken out of life. We lose the ability to recognize the positive and beautiful aspects of life. Often, the standard grief that we think of is artificial and neurotic; it is instilled in us as we grow up and teaches us emotional dependence. We learn to suffer a guilty conscience if we don’t grieve when we lose someone close to us. A unique example of the social significance of grief is the existence of professional mourners in many cultures, whose job it is to keep up appearances, both for society (the public) and for the deceased, whose wrath they fear (and who can still dominate and manipulate us from the grave). Self-pity is a “truer” form of grief, when we feel sad for ourselves and for the beautiful thing that we’ve lost. Not grieving is not necessarily a sign of coldness, but it can signify either that we’ve lost nothing significant or—and this is the “art” of life—that we cannot truly “lose” anything.
with self-pity: Chicory
The more we demand, the more we stand to lose. Chicory is for people who live off the emotions of other people, and it helps us become more independent and allows us to bear a blow with our own strength.
due to losing touch with reality: Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle helps us when we mourn a loss and cannot come to terms with the present. It can help us distance ourselves from the past.
with bitterness: Willow
People whose grief is mixed with bitterness are not capable of accepting their fate.
grief caused by the loss of love *8/16
Guilt Feelings → Conscience → Chapter 1: Pine
Guilt arises when we break a rule or a commandment; it is caused by the fear of punishment. Since all rules and prohibitions (even the so-called divine ones) are set down by people who are trying to defend their rights or privileges, guilt is essentially only an instrument used in the social struggle for power. When we look at guilt in this way, it loses its mystical “taboo” connotation, and it becomes easier to deal with. We get a clearer view of how we should act, and, if we’ve gone too far, we can try to right any wrongs we’ve committed or save ourselves. The demoralizing, “wrath of God” sort of guilt, which is a very popular weapon among moralists who despise the rest of us, simply does not exist. We all act the best we are able under particular circumstances. We are inextricably caught up in a lattice of joy and sorrow, right and wrong. These are the facts, and we’re free to look at them in a positive or negative light. If we want to suffer, we judge ourselves; if we want happiness, we speak of fate, destiny, or misfortune and do not take on the responsibility for everything that happens in the world.
guilty conscience: Pine
Pine relieves a guilty conscience and makes us immune to people who want us to feel guilty.
causing in others: Vine
People who take their beliefs to be the absolute truth often try to make those who believe otherwise feel guilty.
guilt leading to self-sacrifice *4/24
guilt leading to insecurity *5/24
guilt creating fears *20/24
guilt causing depression *21/24
guilt complex, debilitating *23/24
guilt creating worries *24/25
guilt making us easily influenced *24/33
guilty compulsive thoughts *24/35
Habits and Routines
Habits are useful for establishing a certain amount of order in our lives, but they can be harmful when they become a meaningless routine or when they prevent us from making much-needed changes.
personal: Chestnut Bud
Chestnut Bud helps us when we are so thoughtlessly entrenched in our routines that we continually make the same mistakes.
collective habits or routines: Walnut
Walnut helps us find our own way when we are hindered by the pressure of tradition.
Hallucinations
terrifying fantasies or premonitions: Aspen
illusions and fantasies: Clematis
Harshness
against ourselves
Oak for when our ambition causes us to place unrealistic or excessive demands and expectations on ourselves
Rock Water for people who cannot reward themselves and who impose excessive self-discipline to be more “healthy” or to make examples of themselves
against others
Holly when rage, envy, or the lust for revenge makes us treat others harshly
Vine to make tyrants or dogmatic types more tolerant and tractable
Haste → Nervousness
due to fear: Aspen, Mimulus
Aspen helps with generalized fear that causes us to be nervous. Mimulus helps with specific fears.
due to impatience: Impatiens
Impatiens is for people who find that nothing happens quickly enough or that they are always rushing.
caused by indecisiveness: Scleranthus
When we can’t figure out what we should do, we often find ourselves rushed or stressed. Scleranthus makes it easier for us to make decisions.
Hate → Aggression → Cold Emotions → Rage → Chapter 1: Holly
Aggressive behavior is natural and instinctive, and it serves to overcome any obstacles to achieving self-realization. If it is suppressed for a long period of time, it can turn into hate, which loses some of the competitive, gamelike aspect of aggression and is always somewhat destructive. There is a reason that we often speak of “deadly” hate. Of course, each individual’s personality plays a role. Introverted, emotional people are just as capable of hating as more extroverted, rational types; the more intensively we’re able to love, the more intensively we can hate as well. It is always better to stand up for our rights when someone treats us unjustly, instead of swallowing our rage and allowing it to ferment and turn into bitter hate. Likewise, we should never treat anyone (without having a good reason to do so) so as to arouse hate in them (keeping in mind that everyone feels justified where their own interests are concerned).
love-hate *8/15
hate and bitterness *15/38
Headaches
The following essences can be combined as needed.
for tension: Agrimony
for problems with concentration: Clematis
for feelings of stress and overwork and fear of failure: Elm
for nervousness or impatience: Impatiens
for grimness and stress-related tension: Oak
for guilt feelings: Pine
for excessive activity: Vervain
when we are thinking too strenuously: White Chestnut
Heart Conditions
All serious or recurring heart conditions should receive medical treatment and diagnosis. Bach flower treatment is meant to support proper medical treatment.
vague fears affecting the chest: Aspen
This type of fear is a warning sign and can signal an impending heart attack. Aspen can ease this fear (and the underlying complaint). When this fear appears frequently, special medical examinations are imperative. If the onset is sudden and severe → heart attack.
heart attack: Rescue Remedy + Elm + Holly + Willow
A heart attack can be relatively severe or light. Less severe ones can occur without us even noticing them. They cause a certain amount of pain in the area of the heart that passes with time. Special medical examinations are recommended when the pain or discomfort increases under strenuous (emotional or physical) conditions. When the body is under physical strain and the symptoms disappear, the condition is relatively harmless. A more serious heart attack causes more severe, often debilitating pain in the chest. We feel as if we are about to die. See a doctor immediately. Keep quiet and comfortable—half sitting—breathe comfortably, and take Rescue Remedy (if possible, together with Elm), three drops every five to twenty minutes on the tongue or the lips. After the acute symptoms pass, take Holly and Willow, because a heart attack is generally the result of some kind of anger, aggravation, insult, or defeat.
palpitations
Agrimony + Impatiens + Oak + Vervain with stress
Aspen + Impatiens + Rock Rose with panic
irregular heartbeats or arrhythmia
Any sign of an irregular heartbeat is cause for a thorough medical examination. The following essences are recommended for less severe cases or to supplement medical treatment.
Crab Apple for purification of the blood
Many cases of irregular heart rhythms are caused by chronic infections.
Olive to lend more strength to the heart
Rescue Remedy to prevent a deterioration of the condition for severe
cases Scleranthus for normalization
weak heart: Olive
Olive is an excellent choice for any kind of general weakness, even when related to the heart. Signs of a weak heart are shortness of breath with physical exertion, swollen legs in the evening, or the necessity to sleep with the trunk elevated.
Heartbreak → Partner Problems
There are two forms of love: requited, where we love and are loved in return, and unrequited, where we love and are not loved in return. In both forms, the feelings of love start from within and cannot be aroused or fed from outside sources; because of this, they make us happy—each in his or her own way. As soon as we begin to demand love, however, instead of merely giving it, it causes heartbreak and becomes a thing to be coveted. When we covet, it means we want to possess, and we become unhappy when we want to possess something we can’t have. Heartbreak is not a sign of love but a sign that we covet something that we can’t have. We expect from someone something that they can’t give us (love cannot be switched on and off at will), and the resulting disappointment makes us ill. Instead of learning from this suffering that we’ve had the wrong attitude and trying to adjust, our unhappiness increases, and we are stricken with feelings of “unrequited love.” The solution is either that we set the object of our desire free or that we allow ourselves to be happy with the well-being and happiness of our beloved without feeling possessiveness.
hidden and ignored: Agrimony
Agrimony helps us when we suffer from unrequited love but try to keep it hidden, which only strengthens our suffering and prevents a resolution.
with hysterical symptoms: Cherry Plum
Passion that is suppressed or kept secret can create such strong emotional pressure that we can become downright “possessed” or crazy, or at least on the verge of hysteria (→ Hysteria).
with possessiveness and self-pity: Chicory
Chicory is helpful when love is characterized by possessiveness and turns into self-pity.
with discouragement: Gentian
When we become discouraged from misunderstandings in the process of “wooing” someone, Gentian can bolster our perseverance.
leading to hopelessness: Gorse
Gentian is appropriate when a disappointment in love has made us lose hope that we’ll ever love again.
with compulsive thoughts: White Chestnut
When we can think only about our love problems and cannot concentrate on anything else, White Chestnut can clear the mind and spirit.
with resentment and bitterness: Willow
Willow helps us weather disappointments in love without bitterness.
heartbreak making us depressed *8/21
Heartbreak, secret: Agrimony (→ Depression → Worries)
Agrimony helps people who try to hide or suppress their worries, needs, or pain and suffer silently. It allows us to express ourselves, lighten our load, and find the way to solve our problems. It is often combined with Walnut (1/33).
Helplessness: Cerato
helplessness due to inattentiveness *5/7
Hesitation
due to insecurity: Cerato
due to indecisiveness: Scleranthus
due to timidity: Mimulus
Homesickness: Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle lets our pleasant memories fade away when they prevent us from finding happiness in the present or from being grounded in reality.
Hope, lack of → Pessimism
If only we could learn to expect nothing, to be able to give up our hopes when necessary, and to realize how insignificant our daily fears and problems really are. Normally, though, we’re not able to do this. Instead of soaring like eagles, we crawl drearily through life like lowly earthworms, drawn slowly forward by the hope of better times. Hope signifies progress and growth and provides our inspiration for living. It gives us optimism and strength, and losing it is perilous. Hope is especially important during an illness. When we’re ill and without hope, we’re almost certain not to recover.
due to failure: Gentian
Failure and setbacks give us the opportunity to exercise our strengths and abilities. Understood properly, they can help us to make our future better, but when they cause us to be discouraged, Gentian can help by making us more optimistic and able to ride out the bad times. Combined with Chestnut Bud, it can help improve the learning process.
total: Gorse
People who have lost all hope and live only for the sake of their friends and family need Gentian. It is especially helpful for serious, hopeless illnesses.
due to depression: Mustard
When the black clouds of depression follow us everywhere and we lose hope of improvement, Mustard can help us become happier and more optimistic.
and absolute desperation: Sweet Chestnut
Sweet Chestnut is needed when we are desperate and hopeless and everything seems to have lost its meaning.
with resignation: Wild Rose
Hopelessness can be the manifestation of a general sense of resignation. We merely exist, lose all our hopes, and are not interested in anything. Wild Rose can reawaken our hopes and our interest in life.
hopelessness making us compliant and tractable *4/13
hopelessness, sudden, caused by stress and overwork *11/13
hopelessness and weak will *12/13
hopelessness making us depressed *13/21
hopelessness due to exhaustion *13/23
hopelessness due to a severe trauma *13/29
Hopelessness: Sweet Chestnut
Sweet Chestnut helps in the case of absolute desperation, when we feel we just can’t go on. Combine with Rock Rose (*26/30) for accompanying feelings of panic and Elm (*11/30) when preceded by excessive stress.
Horror → Premonitions and Foreboding → Fear → Panic → Shock
Humiliation, consequences of: Heather
When we are vain, we can easily be humiliated. Heather suppresses vanity, and is often combined with Larch.
humiliation leaving behind a psychic trauma *14/29
Humility, false → Servility → Obsequiousness
True humility means giving ourselves up to and trusting, joyfully and willingly, a “divine” authority that orders and connects all things, because we know that the intentions of this higher authority are good and we recognize our own limitations. False humility, on the other hand, is a type of subjugation that takes place only through our own weaknesses; we want to buy ourselves the good graces of those to whom we subjugate ourselves (God, for example).
due to an undeveloped personality: Centaury
Centaury allows us to develop the consciousness of our rights and needs; only then is true, free humility possible.
due to guilt feelings: Pine
Pine alleviates our guilt feelings, which bring forth false humility.
demanded of others: Vine
Dogmatically religious types who demand humility in others essentially want other people to submit to their own convictions.
due to apathy and resignation: Wild Rose
Wild Rose is effective against stifled, resigned devotion, which is often misconstrued for humility.
Humorlessness
Having a sense of humor is being able to laugh in spite of everything. Certain people lose their sense of humor quite easily. It becomes difficult for them to laugh (especially about themselves) because they are too sensitive or too stubborn. They should, however, make a conscious effort to ensure that their tendency to take things too seriously doesn’t become a habit.
due to being overly sensitive: Chicory
People who are overly sensitive generally cannot laugh about pain, sorrow, or unhappiness. Chicory can assuage self-pitying melancholy, give us a little distance from our pain, and ensure that we don’t become mired in negativity.
with melancholy: Mustard
with a tendency to make our lives too hard: Rock Water
Rock Water is for people who inflict severe self-discipline on themselves and lose the ability to laugh at their own mistakes.
dogmatic: Vine
People who insist that everything must go according to their plans often find it difficult to laugh when things go wrong.
from being offended or insulted: Willow
Willow can prevent us from being too easily offended and keep us from losing our sense of humor when we are faced with unpleasant surprises.
Hyperactivity → Obsession → Impatience
hyperactivity, mental *18/35
Hypersensitivity, psychic (physical → Allergies)
Oversensitivity usually serves a protective function (it’s often said that the best defense is a good offense). It also indicates a personal weakness.
caused by a lack of love: Chicory, Heather
Chicory helps mitigate an excessive need for attention; it’s helpful for anyone, especially children, who take even the most normal, trivial lapses of attention as signs of the loss of love.
Heather is for people who always want to be popular.
to failure: Gentian
Gentian is helpful when we take failure or problems too seriously.
caused by disregard: Heather
People who suffer from a pathological need for recognition cannot stand it when they don’t receive attention.
to belittlement: Larch
When we feel inferior, we are especially hurt when we feel left out or undervalued.
to criticism: Pine
Pine minimizes the tendency to suffer from a guilty conscience and to overreact to accusations of any kind.
to negative experiences: Star of Bethlehem
When we are too easily shaken from a traumatic experience, Star of Bethlehem is helpful.
to being influenced: Walnut
Walnut helps us become more thick-skinned.
Hypertension → (High) Blood Pressure
Hypocrisy → Artificiality
Hypotension → (Low) Blood Pressure
Hysteria: Cherry Plum (→ Menopause)
Hysteria is extreme (and inappropriate) emotional behavior, which can serve as a release valve for pent-up emotions or drives. You could look at it as a raging stream that has been dammed up and needs an appropriate outlet. Often, there are sexual drives at work (the word hyster means “womb”), but fears and anxieties can also be important factors. Both women and men are susceptible to hysteria.
Idealism, extreme
when we see the world through rose-colored glasses: Beech
when we deny ourselves for some “higher” ideal: Rock
Water when we want to impose our ideals on others: Vervain
Illness
We must keep two things in mind if we want to use Bach flowers properly: the current psychic condition and the underlying causes for that condition.
with fear or panic: Aspen, Mimulus, Rock Rose
Emotional factors give rise to illness or a toxic reaction.
with a need for attention or sympathy: Chicory
Some people (especially children) become ill because they aren’t receiving enough attention or because they need sympathy. By being ill, they hope to receive the love and attention that they feel is being withheld from them.
with a death wish: Clematis
People who find the struggle for survival too difficult often hope for a solution in death.
due to excessive stress: Elm
Psychic stress is harmful when it exceeds our tolerance. As a built-in protective mechanism, the psyche then transforms psychic stress into a physical form. Elm helps mitigate pathological stress and gives us the strength to endure an illness. Elm is used as a basic treatment for all serious, acute illnesses.
with hopelessness: Gorse
Hopelessness impairs the immune system.
due to humiliation and embarrassment: Heather
Humiliation can cut some people so deeply that they can become seriously—even fatally—ill, especially with heart and lung conditions (→ Heart Conditions → Lung Conditions).
hot-tempered and aggressive: Holly
An illness can strike violently and suddenly and/or we can become noticeably irritated or unbearable or angry.
due to rage or anger: Holly
Aggression can cause physical symptoms if it is not released immediately.
due to overexertion and exhaustion: Olive
Illness serves the function of taking us out of circulation when our strength is drained, allowing us an opportunity to recuperate.
due to guilt feelings: Pine
A bad conscience can weaken our immunity to the point that we become ill. This is often seen as a kind of penance. An illness can also be a way of avoiding an unpleasant penalty.
due to worry: Red Chestnut
We really can worry ourselves sick. Lung conditions are especially common in people who worry excessively.
shocking experience: Star of Bethlehem
Unprocessed shock or trauma can trigger an illness or remain as inner wounds, which the organism will try to neutralize or divert in the form of physical or psychic symptoms.
with a tendency to withdrawal: Water Violet
Certain types of people don’t want sympathy or tend to withdraw when they’re ill or are experiencing problems. Water Violet is the right choice for any illness for these types.
with resignation: Wild Rose
Resignation signifies the loss of the will to become healthy, and it can impede the healing process. It plays a decisive role in life-threatening illnesses and is one of the real (albeit hidden) causes of cancer.
due to disappointment: Willow
Severe disappointment can undermine the will to live. Sometimes an illness will be a way of getting back at someone.
chronic illnesses
When an illness becomes chronic, it’s a sign that the organism is under heavy attack. Some chronic illnesses can last for years, or even a lifetime, and lead to a loss of strength and happiness. Often, it is a sign that we’re unable to come to terms with life. Healing requires not just the restoration of physical health but also increasing our awareness, wisdom, and insight into our own fate. In the end, an illness can bring about a fundamental change and the realization of the transcendent self within us.
Crab Apple for general purification of the blood Crab Apple stimulates the elimination of pathogens and toxins that can accumulate during an illness and can serve to worsen the situation. In any chronic conditions, the function of the detoxification organs is impaired, which causes a vicious cycle:
The body will often attempt to detoxify through the skin in the form of rashes, eczema, pimples, or pus. Crab Apple must be taken for a long period of time for detoxification. It is especially useful when the patient feels herself to be impure or “poisoned.”
Gentian + Gorse + Mustard + Olive + Wild Rose for long-lasting illnesses that resist treatment
This combination can help restore our will to live and our healing powers, especially when we no longer have the strength to recuperate.
Illusions → Fantasies
Immodesty: Chicory (→ Modesty)
Chicory is for people who have such a great need for attention and for emotional relationships that they can’t keep a proper sense of proportion with regard to their demands.
Impatience: Impatiens (→ Uneasiness)
impatient and irritable *15/18
impatient and flighty *18/28
Imposing One’s Will → Know-it-all
Impotence → Sexual Dysfunction
Impurity, thoughts of, oppressive *10/35
Inattentiveness → Learning Difficulties → Daydreams
inattentiveness causing helplessness *5/7
inattentiveness with daydreaming *7/9
inattentiveness with weak will *7/12
inattentiveness due to nostalgic dreaminess *7/16
inattentiveness caused by compulsive thoughts *7/35
inattentiveness preventing formation of clear life goals *7/36
Inconsistency
caused by an inability to make decisions: Scleranthus
caused by being too easily influenced: Walnut
caused by lack of life goals: Wild Oat
Indecisiveness
Some people by nature find it difficult to make a definite decision because they have the ability to see the various and contradictory sides of a problem or situation. They can bring themselves to make a firm decision, or at least to reach a compromise, only after a complicated mental process. They embody the principle of justice, which painstakingly weighs all the pros and cons before reaching a judgment. Eventually, the scales must tip in one direction or the other; life is impossible without making decisions.
due to a lack of clarity: Cerato
Cerato is for people whose fear of making mistakes is so great that they don’t trust their own feelings, and thus they try to cover their bases in every conceivable way. In doing so, they are confronted with so many contradictory opinions that they have no idea what they should do.
due to pessimism: Gentian
Gentian prevents us from becoming too discouraged from failure (and thereby becoming unable to decide how to act).
due to a lack of self-confidence: Larch
Insufficient self-confidence in our own ability to think critically and to act often leads us to not dare to make decisions.
due to mental instability: Scleranthus
Scleranthus is a basic treatment for problems with decision making. It is especially helpful when we are not able to choose from many possibilities.
with the lack of a life concept: Wild Oat
When we lack a grasp of life’s “big picture,” we often find ourselves unable to know which path to choose or unable to make a decision. Wild Oat brings us more clarity.
indecisiveness due to general fears *2/28
indecisiveness due to insecurity *5/28
indecisiveness due to specific fear *20/28
Indifference → Giving up → Interest, lack of → Resignation
Infallibility → Dogmatism
Infection → Contagion → Flu
Inferiority, feelings of: Larch (→ Vanity → Recognition, need for → Compete, inability to)
Social standing plays an important role in the human struggle for survival, because it determines which of life’s advantages we are entitled to. The desire for a “higher” position in society is the expression of a natural vitality; to claim and maintain this position requires a certain amount of self-confidence. If we don’t feel strong or superior, we won’t have the strength of will to claim what is ours. People who lack confidence in themselves, especially children, will never be able to assert themselves in this way. Parents should take special care not to undermine a child’s self-confidence through humiliation or suppression. Larch is the main essence for treating a lack of self-confidence or an inferiority complex.
triggering excessive need for recognition: Heather + Larch (*14/19)
suppressed feelings of inferiority *1/19
feelings of inferiority making us unnaturally tolerant *3/19
feelings of inferiority causing an excessive willingness or need to help *4/19
feelings of inferiority leading to insecurity *5/19
feelings of inferiority causing us to feel unclean *10/19
feelings of inferiority suppressed to show off *14/19
feelings of inferiority and fleeing into the past *16/19
feelings of inferiority leading to stress and overwork *17/19
feelings of inferiority due to moral scruples *19/24
feelings of inferiority due to placing idealistic demands on oneself *19/27
feelings of inferiority leading to problems with human contact *19/34
Inflexibility → Stubbornness
Influenced, too easily
with an undeveloped personality: Centaury
Centaury prevents us from being used by others.
due to insecurity: Cerato
Cerato gives us more faith in our own feelings and makes us less dependent on the opinions of others.
even though we really know what we want: Walnut
Walnut helps us set limits against outside influences and allows us to follow our own path.
easily influenced and dependent *4/33
easily influenced from a lack of self-confidence *19/33
easily influenced owing to anxiety *20/33
easily influenced as the result of exhaustion *23/33
due to insecurity *5/33
Inhibitions → Distance
due to feelings of inferiority: Larch
Larch helps strengthen our self-confidence when we are inhibited because we feel ourselves to be inferior or less capable than others.
due to difficulties with human contact: Water Violet
Water Violet helps us when we are inhibited in social situations and when our introverted nature makes it difficult for us to make social contact.
Initiative, insufficient
caused by failure: Gentian
Gentian restores our enthusiasm when we become discouraged by difficulties or failure.
due to stress and overwork: Hornbeam
Hornbeam counters the crippling feeling that we are not up to meeting the challenges of everyday life.
due to a lack of self-confidence: Larch
Larch brings us more enthusiasm by restoring our confidence in our abilities.
due to depression: Mustard
due to a general feeling of resignation: Wild Rose
Wild Rose awakens the life spirit when we have lost our enthusiasm and just plod through life.
Injuries: Star of Bethlehem (→ Emergencies)
Star of Bethlehem helps treat the consequences of an accident, whether they are physical or spiritual in nature. It should always be used when a disruption occurs as the result of a traumatic event, accident, or shock. For acute injuries, it’s best to use Rescue Remedy (which contains Star of Bethlehem).
vulnerability caused by excessive timidity *2/29
emotional injury leading to psychosis *6/29
Insecurity → Fear → Instability
glossed over: Agrimony
Sometimes we need to pretend that we’re secure even though we’re quaking in our boots. In the long term, this will result in harmful stress because we have to deal with our own stress as well as the suspicions of others. Agrimony allows us to show our insecurity.
due to a lack of self-confidence: Cerato
Cerato helps when we don’t trust our own instincts and look for help and advice wherever we can find it.
due to a need for recognition: Heather
A strong need for recognition is often motivated by an equally strong fear of disrespect, which can cause insecurity. Heather helps us acknowledge that we don’t need to seem so high and mighty.
due to feelings of inferiority: Larch
We can be relaxed and at peace only when we feel that we are confident and capable. Larch helps restore our self-confidence.
due to fear: Mimulus
due to indecisiveness: Scleranthus
due to bad experiences: Star of Bethlehem
When we cannot work though a devastating or traumatic experience, it continues to affect us internally and create insecurity.
caused by being too easily influenced: Walnut
Walnut is for people who are too easily made insecure and dissuaded from their plans or desires.
due to the lack of life goals: Wild Oat
Wild Oat helps us become confident and secure with respect to our long-term life goals.
insecurity caused by feelings of inferiority *5/19
insecurity caused by fear *5/20
insecurity caused by the fear of a guilty conscience *5/24
insecurity with indecisiveness *5/28
insecurity caused by a shocking experience *5/29
insecurity due to being too easily influenced *5/33
insecurity due to lack of an overall life concept *5/36
Insomnia
Insomnia has many possible causes. Next to organic causes (liver/gall, lungs, intestines, thyroid), psychic factors play an important role. The mind cannot relax as long as it’s preoccupied with a serious problem; it’s better to avoid these troubling thoughts in the night. When we wake up between 11 P.M. and 3 A.M., it’s a sign that there is a problem in the liver/gallbladder system. If we wake up between 3 A.M. and 5 A.M., it’s a sign of stress and worries.
due to problems kept secret: Agrimony
due to mulling over our worries: Elm
due to anger and rage: Holly
due to a general feeling of stress and overwork: Hornbeam
due to general restlessness and nervousness: Impatiens
due to fear: Mimulus caused by depression: Mustard
caused by a weakness of the heart: Olive
caused by a guilt complex: Pine
caused by worrying about others: Red Chestnut
caused by mental overstimulation: White Chestnut
caused by bitterness and resentment: Willow
Instability
Instability should not be confused with flexibility. Flexibility means the ability to adapt appropriately to constantly changing life situations. Instability means drifting about like a boat in a stormy sea and being unable to navigate properly; we can find ourselves in situations we don’t want to be in.
when our insecurity makes us continually seek advice: Cerato
when we have no endurance and give up at the first sign of difficulties: Gentian
when we do not dare to stand our ground because of a lack of self-confidence: Larch
when we are indecisive and too easily distracted: Scleranthus
when a traumatic experience causes us to lose our psychic stability: Star of Bethlehem
when we are too easily influenced: Walnut
when we don’t know what we want and constantly change our plans: Wild Oat
Interest, lack of
due to an insufficient hunger for knowledge: Chestnut Bud
Chestnut Bud makes us more attentive and able to learn from our experiences.
lack of interest in the present due to dreams of the future: Clematis
When we are so caught up in dreams and fantasies of a wonderful future that we are not interested in the present, Clematis can turn our attention to reality.
due to persistent thoughts of the past: Honeysuckle (→ Homesickness → Grief → Loss)
Honeysuckle lets our memories fade until they assume the proper proportion so that they don’t interfere with our view of the present.
Intestinal Conditions
diarrhea
Aspen (terrible, general), Mimulus (from a clear cause), or Rock Rose (panic) when due to fear
Star of Bethlehem when due to an unhappy life
constipation
Agrimony when due to tension
Aspen (terrible, general) Mimulus (clear cause) when due to fear
Crab Apple for general purifying and cleansing
Crab Apple + Mimulus when due to imposed morality and guilt feelings
Oak when due to doggedness and stubbornness
Olive + Wild Rose when due to weakness
Intolerance → Allergies
Intolerance can be reasonable and even necessary when we are in danger of losing our independence, but as soon as it becomes a habit, it can isolate us and even turn us into enemies. Allergies are a form of intolerance: the body simply can’t abide certain substances. Mental intolerance can be inborn, or it can be the result of a psychic trauma that has led to a pathological change in attitudes. For example, overstimulated nerves can cause us to have an intolerance to noise, or, if we’ve been deceived by someone, we can develop an intolerance to dishonesty.
internalized and glossed over: Beech
Beech helps resolve intolerance that is deep-seated and integrated into our character. It is generally not a conscious phenomenon and is often masked by an exaggerated false tolerance. Beech should be taken for any form of intolerance or allergies, either alone or in combination with any of the following appropriate essences.
against oneself: Rock Water
People who impose strict discipline on themselves cannot stand certain qualities or characteristics about themselves. They try to suppress or overcome these characteristics by holding one-sided attitudes or maintaining extreme lifestyles. In doing this, they lose the “wholeness” of their being.
caused by missionary zeal: Vervain
Vervain is for people who are so sure of the “rightness” of their own convictions that they feel that everyone else will benefit from them. This is a diplomatic way of saying that they impose their ideas on others.
the closed-minded know-it-all: Vine
Vine is indicated when we can’t listen to anyone’s opinions but our own.
intolerance, total *3/32
intolerant behavior *31/32
Irrational Behavior → Obsession → Tension
irrational behavior due to fear *2/6
Irritability → Aggression
general: Holly
caused by impatience: Impatiens
irritated due to fear *15/20
irritated and impatient *15/28
irritable do-gooder *15/32
Isolation: Agrimony + Water Violet (→ Loneliness → Loner → Companionship)
Itching → Skin Conditions
Jealousy
Jealousy is a trait in humans and in animals. It is one of the basic reactions in nature and an instinctive reaction when our existence is threatened. We react jealously when something essential to our existence is taken from us or withheld from us. For an infant, it is a matter of survival to fight for its mother’s essential love. For adults, it is threatening to their existence to lose the goodwill and attention of those on whom their material, spiritual, or emotional life depends; in such cases, we react aggressively and try to defend our rights. Despite this natural justification, jealousy can lose its lifesaving essence when it becomes excessive or arises for no reason. Inappropriate or excessive acquisitiveness or pathological anxiety often lead us to feel more threatened than we actually are—and this means that we become more jealous than we need to be, and we react more forcefully than is called for.
due to an excessive need for attention: Chicory
Chicory suppresses any pathological need for love that gives rise to jealousy at the sign of restrictions. Children often need Chicory, which can be favorably combined with Holly (8/15) or Willow (8/38).
aggressive: Holly
Anyone who manifests their jealousy aggressively needs Holly.
Joy, lack of → Depression
Joy means life. A lack of joy is dangerous—directly or indirectly—in the long term.
bad moods and depression: Mustard
guilt feelings: Pine
caused by worrying: Red Chestnut
caused by excessive self-discipline: Rock Water
due to a lack of meaning or purpose in life: Wild Oat
Kidney Conditions
Kidneys are primarily made up of arterial blood vessels, and, for this reason, every reaction of the blood vessels affects the kidneys as well. This is especially well known in the case of high blood pressure (→ Blood Pressure), which can cause and be caused by kidney problems. There is a definite connection between the kidneys and circulation; when one deteriorates, the other often does as well. Kidney conditions that can be caused by a cold are also related to the blood vessels. Psychic problems (especially stress and fear, which also increase the blood pressure) that are characterized by increased urine production are connected to the kidneys. In such conditions, it is notable that water (light urine) is produced not to excrete toxins, but to unload ballast and perhaps (in a biological sense) to “mark” territory.
The battle for territory and dominance in our sphere of influence is the cause of most work-related stress. Occasionally, stress-related tension is so strong that it can cause colic (abdominal pain). We use the same Bach flowers for kidney ailments that we use for stress that can overstimulate the kidneys and bladder. Sometimes mental or emotional stress is so strong that we feel we can’t stand it. In general, the cause is a severe loss, which is akin to the body “losing” material through the kidneys. As a rule, the harshest and least bearable loss for humans is the loss of love or attention; many kidney ailments stem from human conflict. People who are dependent upon attention and recognition are especially susceptible to such ailments. Any Bach flower treatment that tries to treat kidney problems should have the goals of reducing stress (→ Stress → Blood Pressure) and restoring inner balance, minimizing our fears (→ Fear → Shock), and renewing human relationships (→ Partner Problems → Vanity). The appropriate essences are listed under the sections mentioned in parentheses. Crab Apple provides a general boost to kidney function and is effective in purifying the blood, and Olive strengthens the heart.
Know-it-all
with missionary zeal: Vervain
Vervain is for people who meddle in the lives of others and who think they know what’s best for everyone.
petty and humorless: Vine
Learning Difficulties → Concentration, difficulties with → Forgetfulness
learning difficulties due to shirking *1/7
learning difficulties due to daydreaming *7/9
learning difficulties due to nostalgia *7/16
learning difficulties due to being too easily distracted *7/28
learning difficulties due to a lack of interest in life *7/37
Life, interest in, lacking, with learning difficulties *7/37
Life, meaning of, lacking → Purpose in Life
Life Change, postponed owing to discouragement *12/33 → New Beginnings
Life Crisis, with inner turmoil *28/36 → Crisis
Liver Conditions
Bach flower therapy is geared toward treating psychic symptoms, but because of the connection between body and spirit, they also have effects on the body. To treat ourselves properly, we should ask what purpose the illness is trying to achieve and what psychic equivalent a physical illness might have. The most common emotional causes of liver ailments are negative emotions, jealousy, greed, and stress (→ Illness).
due to humiliation: Heather + Willow
The liver has a certain connection to pride; humiliation will trigger an intense counterreaction, which consists primarily of infection or inflammation. This combination limits the craving for recognition and the tendency to take offense too easily.
with irritability due to anger, rage, or envy: Holly
When we are forced to deal with something we cannot cope with (“digest”), we can seethe with rage. This is commonly called a “choleric” reaction. The liver/gall system is geared to digesting heavy loads; when it is not successful, the result can be swelling, blockage, or irritation. The situation is similar with jealousy and greed; they correspond to a kind of psychic binge eating and can result in hyperactivity in the liver/gall system and produce the same blockages, infections, or stones. In unfavorable cases, a bile color or jaundice in the blood can develop so that, as the saying goes, we become green with envy or anger. Holly is the basic essence for treating all kinds of negative emotions.
due to being in a constant rush: Impatiens
Being in a constant rush leads to excessive activity in the liver/gall system and can result in tension, blockages, and infections. Impatiens can prevent these effects by making us calmer and more patient.
with depression: Mustard
Liver/gall ailments often trigger sad or depressive moods, which we also call melancholia (black, blocked gallbladder). Mustard can help reduce melancholic moods.
with exhaustion: Olive + Wild Rose
Liver ailments often cause abnormal fatigue, especially after eating. This combination gives us strength and minimizes the tendency to hang around aimlessly.
due to resentment and bitterness: Willow
Bitterness poisons our mood and the body as well, including the liver and gallbladder. (Bile is decidedly bitter!)
due to stress
Heavy foods and indigestible “psychic fodder” can cause stress and damage the liver. Most liver and gall problems are stress-related.
Elm when functioning at our peak for too long puts us in danger of a total breakdown
Hornbeam when we do not feel up to the challenges and blows of daily life
Oak when we work grimly and thoughtlessly against ourselves
Vervain when we are too active and stressed
Loneliness → Loner → Contact Problems
Loneliness is caused by a lack of contact with living things—people, animals, or plants. The need can be very diverse. Introverted individuals seek only a few people to talk to while extroverts need many, and while one person perhaps needs only the company of his dog, another requires a whole community or circle of friends. Loneliness is less a question of the potential for contact than of the consequences of not being able to initiate and maintain contact with others. Even in society people can feel isolated and cast out because they cannot close the gap that separates them from those around them. When we are lonely, we should try to become acquainted with ourselves instead of merely feeling sorry for ourselves. Only when we understand ourselves can we begin to understand others and exchange thoughts and feelings with them.
due to a lack of openness: Agrimony
When we do not dare to show ourselves as we actually are and instead present only an artificial facade, we cannot have any true contact with other people. Despite superficial relationships, we become lonely and unhappy. Agrimony makes us more honest and natural and is often combined with Water Violet.
due to a craving for emotional relationships: Chicory
An excessive craving for emotional relationships has a repellent effect because it can be restrictive and confining and drives away the very people to whom we want to be close.
due to an excessive need for cleanliness: Crab Apple
Life is not a clean undertaking. Fanatical cleanliness can get on people’s nerves and cause them to withdraw from us.
due to vanity: Heather
Pathological vanity or pompous behavior repels other people, and the result is that we are lonely.
due to distrust: Holly
When we do not trust others, we put them out of our lives and grow lonely.
due to sadness: Honeysuckle
When we mourn or miss anything that is past or lost, we are cut off from the present (where life is happening) and grow lonely.
due to impatience: Impatiens
Haste or impatience can make us lonely by disrupting our relationships with those slower than we are.
due to fear: Mimulus
Anxious people become lonely very easily because they try to distance themselves from “risky” life or “dangerous” people. Mimulus gives us the courage to put out our feelers again.
due to moodiness: Mustard
Bad moods and depression make us antisocial and repel other people.
due to exhaustion: Olive
Exhaustion restricts our ability to make and maintain contact with other people.
due to guilt feelings: Pine
Guilt feelings limit our human relationships, which makes us feel cast out and alone.
with total desperation: Sweet Chestnut
due to the need to be alone or the need for distance: Water Violet
loneliness caused by ambition *22/34
When we believe that we know everything and will listen to no one else’s opinion, we need Vine.
Loner → Loneliness → Contact Problems
Being a “loner” is a natural quality of introverts. Because they internalize everything they see and experience, they need ample time and rest. When a serious mental or emotional trauma causes this behavior to increase such that they lose their ability to make contact with others, or when a sociable person begins to avoid other people, the situation is pathological and needs to be treated.
due to impatience or haste: Impatiens
Impatiens is for hasty people who feel that they are held up by slower people and therefore prefer to do everything alone.
for the goal of personal perfection: Rock Water
Rock Water makes us more sociable again when we excessively attempt to avoid anything and anyone we feel is harmful or corrupt.
with difficulties with human contact: Water Violet
Water Violet is helpful when the loss of our ability to approach other people causes us to become outsiders.
due to bitterness: Willow
People who become loners as the result of a disappointment or through bitterness, even though they had been sociable previously, will find their normal, conciliatory behavior restored. Willow is often combined with Water Violet.
Loss → Grief → Separation
We must work through a loss if we don’t want to be destroyed by it. We must recognize that sheer nothingness doesn’t exist, that emptiness is soon replaced by fullness, and that every loss that fate brings us will be replaced by a gift just as valuable. Because we determine the value of everything that we encounter, it’s up to us to determine whether something makes us happy or not. Although an event may seem “objectively” negative, it is meant for us, tailored to our life. It is a part of us and therefore possesses a positive aspect, even though it might be a source of pain or even death for us. Losing something means receiving something new and, for the moment, something better. It is up to us to recognize this—which is an art that we can and must master if we don’t want to be devastated by a great loss one day.
tendency toward: Chicory
People who have too great a need for possession often feel under constant threat of facing a loss, and Chicory can help them. If we don’t have anything, we can’t lose anything.
with grief: Honeysuckle
If we can’t bring ourselves to part with what we’ve lost and constantly grieve, Honeysuckle can help.
causing psychic trauma: Star of Bethlehem
When we are not strong enough to bear a loss, it remains a painful wound in our spirit. Star of Bethlehem helps heal the wound.
as a cause of bitterness: Willow
loss of love causing sadness *8/16
loss causing depression *16/21
loss causing trauma *16/29
loss causing bitterness *16/38
loss of self-confidence from a mental or emotional trauma *19/29
Love, thoughts of, obsessive *8/35
Lung Conditions
Breathing is a decidedly vital, life-affirming phenomenon, and oxygen is one of our most important nutrients. Without the desire to breathe, the need for air and for life, the lungs can’t remain healthy. Lung ailments have psychic causes, for the most part. Spiritual problems can weaken or damage the lungs and lead to such complications as bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, or a pulmonary embolism. The appropriate Bach flower treatment—as a supplement to medical treatment—speeds up the healing process and creates the conditions necessary for healing.
asthma: Rescue Remedy
Asthma of the lungs (there is also asthma of the heart caused by a weakness of the heart) is generally a condition we’re born with; it can appear in childhood as crusta lactea or eczema and later as an allergy (especially hay fever). Often there is inherited damage from tuberculosis. Asthma can often be triggered by suppressive allopathic treatment (such as corticosteroids or antibiotics) and also by chemicals, pollutants, and especially psychic problems. Animal hair can trigger a severe allergic reaction (→ Allergies). If homeopathic treatment is not successful, it should be followed by allopathic treatment. Bach flower treatment can be given to supplement medical treatment, with the goal of addressing the underlying psychic problems. In acute cases with panic, Rescue Remedy has proved to be effective: take three drops on the lips or tongue every five to ten minutes until the condition improves. For accompanying treatments, → breathing difficulties → Allergies.
breathing difficulties: Agrimony + Aspen + Mimulus
It is difficult to breathe when we are afraid, because the tension blocks the diaphragm. Over the long term, this condition can affect the oxygen supply as well as the lungs’ resistance. This combination helps minimize all sorts of fear.
chronic cough: Crab Apple + Gentian + Heather + Larch + Star of Bethlehem + Walnut
Chronic coughing often appears in connection with a lost territorial battle or some kind of discouragement (→ Compete, inability to). Crab Apple has a purifying effect, Gentian works against discouragement, Heather treats an excessive need for attention, Larch counters feelings of inferiority, Star of Bethlehem helps process unresolved trauma, and Walnut makes us internally stronger and more secure.
for an endangered constitution: Impatiens + Wild Oat
People who are rushed, impatient, or restless or who always need a change of pace are susceptible to lung conditions, especially tuberculosis. The physical constitution can be positively influenced by the following combinations.
tuberculosis (consumption)
Many lung conditions, especially tuberculosis, are cause by sadness and heartbreak. People who are sad, afraid, or without hope often cannot breathe properly. The following essences and combinations can help.
Clematis + Wild Rose for a resigned attitude toward life and a latent death wish
Gorse for hopelessness
Honeysuckle for sadness associated with loss (especially→Home sickness) with a lack of interest in the present
Red Chestnut for worry
Mimulus for fear
Mustard for inexplicable sadness or depression
pulmonary embolism: Heather + Larch + Star of Bethlehem + Willow; Rescue Remedy
Many supposed embolisms are, in fact, thromboses of the lung vessels that result from a humiliating experience. This combination (as a supplement to medical treatment) treats all the contributing factors: Heather helps temper an excessive craving for recognition, Larch helps lessen feelings of inferiority caused by a defeat or humiliation, Star of Bethlehem helps treat unprocessed shock, and Walnut helps lessen bitterness. In the acute phase, give Rescue Remedy (again in addition to proper medical treatment), two to three drops every hour.
Malice → Aggression → Bitterness → Rage
Mania: Cherry Plum + Impatiens + Mustard + Vervain + White Chestnut
We characterize someone as “manic” when they are excessively optimistic, active, and enthusiastic. Mania is the opposite of depression (in which everything comes to a standstill) and often alternates with it (manic-depressive condition). This combination can normalize the condition: Cherry Plum softens the emotions, Impatiens makes us calmer, Mustard prevents the condition from transforming into depression, Vervain makes us more restrained, and White Chestnut frees us.
Melancholia: Honeysuckle (→ Depression)
melancholic resignation *16/37
Memory
not good enough: Chestnut Bud
too good: Honeysuckle
A memory that is too good can make us sick when it focuses on painful, unresolved experiences. Normally, the psyche protects itself by forgetting and stores everything it cannot process in the subconscious for the day that it can be retrieved when needed. Honeysuckle helps us reach closure with the past. It can be combined with Star of Bethlehem (16/29).
obsessive memories *16/35
Menopause
In menopause, hormonal changes cause a woman to lose her fertility. This drastic loss, combined with the strain of beginning a new phase in life, are not always borne by women without complications. They will often experience such symptoms as hot flashes, heart palpitations, nervousness, and mucosal changes as well as emotional instability, depression, or psychoses. Some women find it difficult to accept their imagined sexual and social “devaluation.” Women who have not led an active sexual life may try to overcompensate in the early phases of menopause.
due to suppression: Agrimony
Agrimony helps us come to terms with reality. It is useful for any woman who attempts to compensate for her advancing years by putting on a facade of exaggerated youth. Agrimony is often used in combination with Heather (1/14).
with hysteria or psychoses: Cherry Plum
A strong but suppressed sexuality can make a woman seem obsessed or “crazed.” Cherry Plum reduces emotional pressure.
with hot flashes: Cherry Plum + Impatiens + Rock Rose + Walnut
Cherry Plum and Rock Rose are for uncontrollable vegetative reactions, Impatiens works against general restlessness, and Walnut restores the hormonal balance.
and feelings of inferiority: Larch
Larch helps women who feel devalued find renewed self-confidence and also helps prevent osteoporosis (→ Osteoporosis).
disruption in life flow: Star of Bethlehem
Unprocessed traumatic experiences can impede our mental and emotional development if they prevent us from expanding our consciousness. It is often fairly easy to locate the exact point in time that such an experience took place. Star of Bethlehem can help relieve the psychic blockade. It is often used for children who cannot accept the way things are because of their own unrealistic (and often learned) expectations and attitudes. It is often combined with Honeysuckle (16/29) or Willow (29/38).
general problems with adjusting: Walnut
Walnut should be used for any problems related to a new phase in physical or psychic development. It promotes inner order and helps us reorient ourselves.
Mental Anguish
secret: Agrimony
absolute: Sweet Chestnut
Mental Block, due to nebulous fears *2/35
Mental Illness → Absentmindedness → Obsession
→ Behavioral Problems
Misanthrope, irritable *15/34
Missionary Tendencies: Vervain
Vervain is for people who hold their convictions and ideas to be absolutely right and tend to impose them upon others.
Mistakes: Chestnut Bud (→ Learning Difficulties)
Chestnut Bud helps us to learn from our mistakes.
Mistreatment, consequences of → Shock
with general fear: Aspen
with a broken will: Centaury
with hate and feelings of revenge: Holly + Willow
with damage to the feeling of self-worth: Larch
with fear of repeating: Mimulus
with lingering effects: Star of Bethlehem
Mistrust
toward life: Aspen
toward our own instincts and feelings: Cerato
caused by a basic negative attitude: Holly
caused by a lack of self-confidence: Larch
due to fear: Mimulus
due to negative experiences: Star of Bethlehem
Modesty → Self-denial
True modesty means taking only what we need and never having the feeling that we are lacking anything. False modesty, on the other hand, is a form of denial; it is a type of hypocrisy, because secretly we are covetous.
due to an eagerness for self-denial: Centaury
Centaury is effective against any “modest” form of self-denial, which is really only the manifestation of a weakness in the personality.
instead of immoderation: Chicory
Chicory promotes true modesty by reducing greed and craving—especially for attention. It helps us be content with what we have.
due to underestimating oneself: Larch
Larch is appropriate if our modesty stems from a lack of self-confidence. This behavior is only a tactic, not a genuine form of modesty.
instead of indecisiveness: Scleranthus
Scleranthus helps us make sound decisions, which means deciding what is right for us. It is appropriate for anyone who has too many choices.
Moodiness
We often think that moodiness is just an undisciplined impertinence that can be overcome with willpower. Actually, it’s the result of very complex emotional phenomena that cannot be easily dismissed. Sensitive people with intense emotions tend toward moodiness. When they can clearly see that their own inadequacy is the cause, they can begin to work on overcoming their moods or at least stop themselves from inflicting them on other people. We should also be aware that emotional instability can be the result of an illness (especially of the liver or heart or hormonal or intestinal problems). Sensitivity to the weather (→ Weather, sensitivity to) can be another important cause and can be a sign of a disruption of the vegetative nerve system.
due to the weather → Weather, sensitivity to
groundless bad moods: Mustard
Mustard works against depression and moodiness that can arise for no apparent reason.
frequent, changeable: Scleranthus + Wild Oat
This combination keeps changeable, unpredictable moods in balance, especially for people who are unsure how to behave or who are not sure of their purpose in life.
quick to take offense: Willow
People who seem to be looking for a reason to take offense need Willow. Taken in combination with Chicory (craving for love) or Heather (vanity), it can help avoid unpleasant moodiness.
Moods, bad → Depression → Moodiness
moodiness and depression *12/21
Mood Swings *21/28
Morals, obsessive Æ Conscience
Normally, we think of any learned or imposed rule or behavior that tries to maintain societal order as “moral.” But there is also a more personal (and valid) form of morality—our inner voice, which tells us what is right for us and helps us act and think with the goal of making us happy and satisfied. Only this form of morality can make a person truly “good.” Since it does not always jibe with the prevailing societal morality, this can often be a source of serious conflict or even put our lives in danger. In such cases, we must examine very carefully if we are prepared to endure the consequences of following our inner voice or if—at least for the moment—it might not be better to follow the pack until we are stronger.
due to the desire for purity: Crab Apple
Crab Apple can suppress an unnatural “moral” need for spiritual purity, which can lead to self-rejection.
with guilt: Pine
Pine is used by people whose morality is too severely dominated by a sense of guilt and motivated primarily by a fear of punishment. This type of morality does not make us better; it is imposed by education and a fear of punishment and results in a latent rejection of the self.
with self-denial: Rock Water
Rock Water helps us be more generous and lenient with ourselves and helps us question the moral rules we’ve imposed on ourselves.
moral compulsions making us unnaturally tolerant *3/24
morality and an obsession with cleanliness *10/24
feeling of moral inferiority *19/24
Morning Moodiness
due to feelings of stress and overwork: Hornbeam
due to a gloomy mood: Mustard
Mother Problems
The central position of the mother in every life has potential dangers that can only be avoided through a clear, honest definition of the mother’s mission and roles. Too many children (and mothers as well) have become unhappy owing to a mother’s immaturity, unrestrained emotions, and selfish behavior.
yieldingness, softness: Centaury
When a mother lets herself be used by her children, she’s not doing them a bit of good. She’s only preparing them for a life of selfishness and thoughtlessness.
doting mother: Chicory
The so-called doting mother, who does too much for her children, only serves to make them dependent on her and unable to deal with real life. Chicory can help free us to free our children.
worries: Red Chestnut
A mother’s constant worrying is hardly a virtue but in truth a burden for all involved. Red Chestnut helps a mother let go and allow her children to lead more independent lives.
Muddleheaded, scatterbrained behavior → Concentration, difficulties with → Impatience
due to absentmindedness: Clematis
due to impatience: Impatiens
due to indecisiveness: Scleranthus
due to compulsive thoughts: White Chestnut
Naïveté → Influenced, too easily
Narrow-mindedness
Narrow-mindedness is useful when we want to reach a specific goal quickly, but it makes it difficult for us to react properly to the mutability of life or the wide range of experiences and interests of other people. Errors and unfairness are the inevitable results.
with purposefulness: Oak
Oak helps when we have latched too tightly on to an impossible plan and we can no longer see any alternatives.
with absolute conviction: Vervain
Vervain is useful when we monomaniacally try to convince other people of our ideas and attitudes.
with intolerant, arrogant, self-righteous behavior: Vine
Vine should be given to stubborn, dogmatic people who can take only their own opinions seriously.
Nausea: Crab Apple
Nausea can be a healthy instinctive reaction, or the result of oversensitivity; Crab Apple can help.
nausea, pathological *12/23
Nervous Behavior
due to overwhelming stress: Elm
caused by impatience and being rushed: Impatiens
due to a lack of self-confidence: Larch
caused by fear: Mimulus
caused by worries: Red Chestnut
due to a mental or emotional shock: Star of Bethlehem
due to contact problems: Water Violet
Water Violet improves the ability to communicate and makes us more able to bear the company of other people.
Nervous Collapse
for strong, suppressed emotions with the danger of a sudden irrational act or nervous breakdown: Cherry Plum
for excessive responsibility or a heavy load to bear: Elm
after a severe mental or emotional shock: Star of Bethlehem
for all emergencies where panic or shock is involved: Rescue Remedy
when we are absolutely desperate and see no way out: Sweet Chestnut
Neurodermatitis Æ Skin Conditions
Neuroses Æ Behavioral Problems
New Beginnings: Agrimony + Chicory + Gentian + Honeysuckle + Larch + Mimulus + Wild Oat (Æ Crisis)
Starting all over again is very difficult for many people. Many would rather stay in a familiar but unhappy situation out of fear, inflexibility, or possessiveness than dare to listen to their inner call for happiness or learn from their life experience and create a new life. These combinations are helpful and should be taken over the long term. Agrimony makes us more honest with ourselves. Chicory helps us let go. Gentian strengthens our will and our resolve so that we don’t give up at the first sign of difficulties. Honeysuckle frees us from sentimental memories. Larch gives us self-confidence and allows us to believe in our success. Mimulus counters various fears. Wild Oat helps us recognize our new life goals. Willow frees us from negative emotional attachments.
Nightmares
Nightmares are dreamed fears, which are triggered by mental strain or physical disruptions (heavy meals, toxins, etc.). Generally they indicate the need for a life change.
caused by fear: Aspen
Aspen mitigates fears that can manifest in the form of nightmares and prevents our nightmares, in turn, from giving rise to further fears.
from feelings of guilt: Pine
Guilt is the moral alienation caused by the fear of punishment. Sometimes guilt even follows us into our dreams. The psyche wants to motivate us to behave in a better manner or bring us to the realization that we are not actually guilty.
from a terrible experience: Star of Bethlehem
Every experience—especially when it is traumatic—has a deep and personal meaning. If we cannot recognize this meaning, the psyche will not let go of it, and it will continue to surface in various forms.
through mental overexertion: White Chestnut
When certain problems or fears dominate our thoughts, they can also poison our dreams. White Chestnut can help us think clearly again and eliminate the thoughts that cause our fears.
Nostalgia
prohibiting a realistic attitude: Honeysuckle
nostalgia making us inattentive *7/16
nostalgic weakness *12/16
Obligation, excessive sense of → Perfectionism
Obsequiousness → Humility, false → Servility
obsequiousness caused by fear *4/20
Obsession → Rash Behavior → Irrational Behavior → Psychosis
When important emotions are suppressed or pushed out of our consciousness, they can, depending on their quality and intensity, dominate the psyche and terrorize our thoughts (psychosis) or provoke irrational behavior.
due to vague fears: Aspen
Suppressed, unclear emotions can elicit vague fears or a state of panic. Aspen can promote a healthy sense of judgment, clarify our feelings, and restore our inner balance and order.
psychotic: Cherry Plum
Cherry Plum is needed when we are in danger of going crazy or acting irrationally owing to strong, suppressed emotions. Sometimes it can help with an already existing psychosis and, at the very least, improves the effects of appropriate psychopharmaceuticals.
due to certain thoughts: White Chestnut
Certain thoughts can impose themselves and block our normal thoughts, especially when they are emotionally charged, until the underlying causes and issues are resolved. Generally, the cause is an important personal problem, the solution of which we (generally unconsciously) strive to avoid because it signifies a confrontation with embarrassments. Sometimes, however, the cause is only superficial thinking. In such cases, the psyche then allows us access only to certain thoughts in the deeper layers; these thoughts represent, so to speak, the eye of the needle through which we must pass. White Chestnut relieves these obsessions and returns our thinking to its natural, multileveled nature. (It is often combined with Cherry Plum → 6/35.)
obsessive thoughts *6/36
Offended, easily → Bitterness
due to a craving for emotional relationships: Chicory
When we want too much, we always have the feeling we aren’t getting enough and are therefore easily disappointed. Chicory normalizes our need for attention (can be combined with Heather *8/14).
from an injured sense of vanity: Heather
Heather minimizes vanity or an excessive need for recognition so that we don’t feel miffed (can be combined with Chicory *8/14).
due to problems with human contact: Water Violet
If we have broken off contact with someone owing to some insult or have withdrawn from the world, Water Violet helps us become open and approachable again. Only in this way can we hope to clear up misunderstandings (often combined with Willow).
with resentment or an unforgiving nature: Willow
Willow makes us more conciliatory with regard to the missteps of others. When we react with bitterness to an insult, we suffer twice as much.
Openness, excessive → Influenced, too easily
Having an open demeanor can make us well liked, but it can also have the danger of bringing us under the influence of other people, especially when we are enmeshed in personal problems and seek a new life path. Out of insecurity, we often cannot defend ourselves from a lot of “good advice” and more subtle forms of blackmail that friends, relatives, and acquaintances will try to inflict upon us to prevent us from setting out on the path to independence.
due to insecurity: Cerato
Cerato helps us trust our own instinct and become impervious to bad advice.
Opinionated: Vine (→ Dogmatism)
When we think we know the truth and demand that everyone listen to us, we need Vine.
Opposition, causing rage *15/32
Optimism, uncritical: Clematis
Optimism can be just as much a negative quality as pessimism if it is groundless. Clematis is used to treat groundless optimism and daydreaming.
Order, fanatical
People who suffer from fear and insecurity often tend to manifest these feelings in the form of a senseless (and ineffective) need for order. They attempt to impose external order while their internal life is characterized by disorder (insecurity or fear).
with obsessive cleanliness: Crab Apple
Crab Apple is for people who manifest their inner compulsions in the form of excessive cleanliness and order.
with excessive self-discipline: Rock Water
When order manifests itself only as compulsion, self-denial, and excessive self-discipline, Rock Water can help.
with others: Vine
People who feel compelled to force their inflexible opinions on others need Vine.
Osteoporosis → Spinal Problems
Outsider → Loner
Overwork
due to excessive perfectionism: Crab Apple + Rock Water
due to being rushed: Impatience
due to overactivity: Vervain
Pain
basic treatment: Agrimony
Pain is increased by tension and lessens with relaxation. Agrimony functions to decrease tension, and should be combined with the following essences, according to the condition.
for all emergencies: Rescue Remedy
if the pain is unbearable: Cherry Plum + Elm + White Chestnut
with a tendency toward self-pity: Chicory
with restlessness: Impatiens
after an injury: Star of Bethlehem
with contrariness and an aversion to socializing and participating: Water Violet
Panic → Rash Behavior
The more we avoid consciously facing our fear-related problems, the less we are able to deal with them; when we are confronted with them unexpectedly and directly, we lose the conscious control of our thoughts and actions. The ever present subconscious fear swells like a raging river after a thunderstorm, and it creates in us a primitive/animalistic instinct to flee, where we try to confront only the immediate threat. When this panicky, occasionally very aggressive impulse to flee confronts an equally strong inhibition related to societal taboos, the result is a severe inner conflict that negates all of our strength and makes us unable to act; we suffer paralysis from fear or horror, and let the disaster simply wash over us. Such catastrophes seldom come at us all at once with full force but rather by degrees; we can help defuse or avoid them by consciously facing the little everyday shocks and surprises and thus becoming aware of our weaknesses. This is where Bach flowers enter the picture. They can also often help when panic has already set in.
as a result of suppression: Agrimony
When we suppress anything that is unpleasant or causes anxiety, we run the risk of suddenly being overcome by it.
due to vague fears: Aspen
When we avoid our fears, we merely displace them. They remain indecipherable, morphing in our psyches, and they can often cause sudden, inexplicable, and severe panic that seems to come from out of the blue. Aspen can be used to prevent vague, anxious feelings and premonitions and also to treat sudden onset of panic and fear.
due to a traumatic experience: Rock Rose
While Aspen is used to treat panic due to internal causes, Rock Rose is helpful for panic that is triggered by external factors, such as a catastrophe. In combination with Star of Bethlehem, it can strengthen the psyche’s defenses.
panic with the danger of going over the edge *6/26
panic with unconsciousness *9/26
panic due to stress *11/26
panicky hyperactivity *18/26
panic caused by fear *20/26
panicky worries *25/26
panic making us unable to act *26/28
panic due to psychic trauma *26/29
panicky fear leaving us desperate *26/30
Partner Problems → Distance → Contact Problems → Heartbreak
The term partnership is a traditional term for a sense of feeling or belonging together: it encompasses the terms love, friendship, or marriage and gives expression to the contemporary desire for more personal freedom and equality in relationships. The well-known problems of humans living together still exist, however, because people today struggle and compete for survival—perhaps in a more subtle form—and we, in principle, are no more mature or better equipped (in a spiritual sense) than our ancestors. The problems of interpersonal relationships have hardly changed because we are too seldom aware that we recognize ourselves only in other people and that we love or fight against the same things in those that we love as we do in ourselves. Thus, we end up unconsciously making the same mistakes again and again; leading to misjudgments, misunderstandings, and enmity. Moreover, we can’t solve our problems because we are looking in the wrong place: we should look at ourselves. We also cannot keep the right measure of distance (→ Distance), which is the foundation of a harmonious relationship.
due to insincerity: Agrimony (→ Artificiality)
Honesty is the most important element in any relationship. Only honesty can bring about trust and freedom, and these, in turn, make it possible for us to open our hearts. It is a fundamental element of relationships and provides a stable foundation, but it is no law that can be followed by the letter. We don’t need to burden our partners with every miserable petty detail or every minuscule problem; we don’t need to point out to our partners their every personal weakness or trivial error. It’s perfectly natural that we don’t lay all our cards on the table (our partners are following suit). Another thing entirely, however, are the unnecessary, petty little lies and hypocrisy, false politeness, and poses that can lend a permanent air of artificiality to a relationship. Even if they are not done with malicious intent and are the result of old habits or childhood fears, they can sabotage an atmosphere of trust and intimacy, which is so essential to a loving partnership. The partners become actors, and the relationship develops into a comedy, drama, or tragedy. Agrimony will develop in us the desire (and the courage) for honest, natural behavior.
due to acquisitiveness or a craving for love: Chicory (→ Distance)
Excessive “love” is actually a form of greed or acquisitiveness, and it is repellent. When one partner tries to make the other dependent by excessive attention or doting, it often has the opposite of the intended effect; it triggers a more or less unconscious repulsion. Love can arise only voluntarily.
due to dreaminess: Clematis, Honeysuckle
A partnership takes place in the present. When we live in the past (Honeysuckle) or in the future, we don’t pay sufficient attention to what’s going on around us, and we endanger our relationship.
due to obsessive cleanliness: Crab Apple
Life is hardly a “clean” undertaking, and an excessive need for cleanliness can muck up any relationship. Furthermore, when sexuality is a cause of revulsion, we can never be content.
due to an excessive need for recognition: Heather (→ Egocentrism)
When we use and abuse our partners in order to provoke their admiration, it is a serious detriment to relationships.
due to rage and irritability: Holly
As for abusive relationships, in which both partners can express only their aggressions, an unfriendly, irritating demeanor destroys every relationship over time.
due to impatience: Impatiens
Excessive impatience or haste prevents us from relating to our partners. Impatient people are often lonely.
due to feelings of inferiority: Larch
We accept each other at face value. To feel inferior to our partners is to undermine mutual respect, and to enjoy seeing our partners humiliated is a sign of immaturity. Larch can strengthen our feeling of self-worth and enable us to feel proud of ourselves regardless of our weaknesses and shortcomings.
due to exhaustion: Olive
We can’t relate to our partners when we’re exhausted. In the long term, the relationship becomes too strenuous because we’re so exhausted that we can’t even give ourselves the attention we need.
due to guilt feelings: Pine
Most bad partnerships continue because of the fear of a guilty conscience. We think that we’ll be guilty if we try to free ourselves. This kind of guilty thinking is often used by those who stand to profit from it: by a partner, who uses it as a kind of emotional blackmail, and by society, which uses it to maintain order and the status quo. While this method can be effective in achieving a certain level of external, societal, or financial benefits, the people involved (and their ability to love) stand to lose the most: in the end, the results are guilt feelings and hate. In fact, more relationships are held together out of hate and guilt than out of friendship and love.
due to self-denial: Rock Water
People who concentrate on themselves, on disciplining or even denying themselves, are egocentric and mostly unable to devote attention to anyone else.
due to negative experiences: Star of Bethlehem
It’s only natural that we have negative as well as positive experiences with other people. Such negative experiences can be learning experiences that bring us great insight, but they can also undermine our optimism and trust in other people—and our ability to engage in a harmonious partnership. Star of Bethlehem can restore our divine, trusting inner nature.
caused by missionary tendencies: Vervain
The habit of forcing our own thoughts on our partners, or of believing that what is good for us is good for our partners, is unpleasant and can drive the mate away. Each of us defends (even at the cost of unhappiness) his or her unique nature because it is what makes us at peace with ourselves and helps us find our own happiness.
due to intolerance: Vine
Love is not possible without tolerance. Tolerance means not just being forced to put up with our partner’s faults but understanding them as a part of the whole—and if not understanding, at least accepting lovingly. Vine is for potential domestic tyrants who have difficulty doing this and who can tolerate in their partners only what they can accept from themselves.
due to loneliness: Water Violet
Excessive isolation inhibits the development of a relationship between partners. We don’t need to spend every minute of every day in each other’s company, but a certain amount of joy in spending time together is a prerequisite for a happy relationship.
due to frustration: Wild Oat
When we can’t find any meaning in life, or when we don’t know what we’re after or which path we should take, we’re often frustrated and are also unpleasant company. Some partnerships can be ruined in this situation. Water Violet helps us find our goals, sometimes even together with our partners.
due to lack of initiative or resignation: Wild Rose
Wild Rose helps when a partnership is threatened because we have no interest in life.
due to bitterness: Willow
A good partnership lives or dies based on our readiness to be understanding and forgiving of personal weaknesses. Willow prevents us from becoming too bitter when we’re disappointed.
at the end of a partnership → Separation
Pedantry: Vine (→ Pettiness)
People who are absolutely convinced of the rightness of their opinions are unable to compromise in trivial matters. When everything does not meet their expectations down to the smallest details, they become frustrated or tyrannical.
Perfectionism
In the best sense, perfectionism means being able to do things properly, right down to the last detail; as long as this serves a purpose, it can be a meaningful, positive quality, especially in the areas of technology, science, or logic. But life, with its irrationality and uncertainty, is no place for perfectionism. We have limited insight and are not able to make everything “just so.” Only nature and life itself are perfect; their examples can give us some insight into our own infallibility and, in so doing, allow us to try to become perfect and whole ourselves. When we are uncompromising in trying to realize our expectations down to the last detail, we have problems when we encounter reality, which seldom coincides with our expectations.
in matters of cleanliness: Crab Apple
Crab Apple can help people who have an excessive need for cleanliness or order. It puts us more at ease with our surroundings and with life in general.
due to principles: Oak
When we feel compelled to constantly behave perfectly, even when it is not within our abilities, we need Oak.
due to guilty thoughts: Pine
Pine is helpful when we strive for perfection not out of the joy of the thing itself but out of a fear of criticism. A guilty conscience can lead to no good.
due to self-denial: Rock Water
Rock Water helps us become more generous and forgiving with ourselves. It is helpful when we want to be better than we really are.
due to a high opinion of oneself: Vine
We need Vine when we always know exactly what is right and when we demand everyone to fulfill our expectations.
perfectionism, unyielding *22/24
perfectionism, obsessive *24/27
Pessimism → Depression → Hope, lack of
Pessimism is dangerous, and it often signals the beginning of the end; when we no longer have positive expectations, we are in no position to mobilize our strength when we need it. We all know that when we have the expectation of success, we are more likely to succeed than if we have negative expectations. Pessimism is just an external symptom with many causes. We must pay close attention to these causes if we want to overcome it. Often pessimism will accompany heart or liver/gall conditions, which should be treated appropriately.
due to fear: Aspen, Mimulus
Fear is a typical form of pessimism. Aspen helps resolve general fears, and Mimulus helps with specific ones.
due to stress and overwork: Elm
Elm helps us when we are confident and active, and then suddenly feel that we can’t go on.
with a tendency to give up: Gentian
Gentian can help avoid pessimism that constantly threatens to overcome us and causes us to quit at the first sign of difficulties.
with hopelessness: Gorse
Gorse can help revive us if we are overcome with hopelessness and pessimism.
with gloominess: Hornbeam
Hornbeam can help if we are overcome with pessimism in the morning, and it is connected to our daily work.
due to a lack of self-confidence: Larch
Larch helps us look at our own abilities and prospects for success more optimistically.
due to exhaustion: Olive
Olive can help when fatigue and exhaustion are the root of our pessimism and negativity.
causing a mental block: White Chestnut
White Chestnut helps us find peace when we can think only of unhappiness and catastrophe.
due to bitterness: Willow
Bitter people have only negative expectations of the future; their bad experiences have poisoned their outlook. Willow helps us come to terms with the world.
Pettiness
related to cleanliness: Crab Apple
and guilt: Pine
in our personal convictions: Vine
“Piety,” false
Good Christians often consider a person “holy” if he bases his life on self-denial. Normally, however, such people are just practicing false piety, a sort of playacting, which serves to satisfy a certain vanity, need for power, or neurotic guilt feelings. On the other hand, people who lead a life of genuine, unpretentious simplicity seldom consider themselves to be holy—it is not in their temperament.
caused by bearing suffering without complaint: Agrimony
Agrimony is for people who keep their problems and fears concealed and who even try to cheer up those around them. It seems as if they do this to help others, but actually they are afraid of facing their own problems.
caused by selflessness in service to others: Centaury
If we deny or suppress our own needs and put ourselves in the service of other people, we come very close to an ideal state of piety. Such individuals are more common than we might think. While a genuinely pious person will act this way out of a conscious, life-affirming choice to help others, people who need Centaury act “selflessly” because of their own weaknesses.
caused by a selfless concern or worry over others: Red Chestnut
People who worry only about the welfare of others and neglect their own well-being are often admired for their selflessness. In reality, however, they are just projecting their own fears. Their behavior often helps no one and often hurts the very people they are trying to help.
caused by extreme self-discipline: Rock Water
Self-denial is often incorrectly taken to be a form of piety or holiness. Except for a few cases in which it is actually a conscious attempt to learn our personal limits, it is really a sign of limited intelligence, unreflective force, or even a life-negating phenomenon. Life is by nature expansive and geared toward joy, not toward denial and negativity.
Pigheadedness → Dogmatism → Stubbornness
Pimples → Skin Conditions
Pity → Self-pity → Self-sacrifice
Sympathy is a special form of sorrow. Sorrow is a sign that something is not right. Normally, we regard pity as something of a virtue and believe that suffering shared is suffering halved. Actually, sharing our suffering with another only doubles the suffering. We should strive for something else, namely, compassion: the ability to take an interest in the suffering of another and, if needed and necessary, stand by that person. We are social creatures, and compassion provides the bridge that links us to other people. Above all, it helps lessen the world’s suffering; we strive not to suffer ourselves and to ease the suffering of those around us.
with self-pity: Chicory
excessive: Red Chestnut
Poisoning, fear of: Aspen + Crab Apple
This combination is useful when compulsive cleanliness leads to a fear of being poisoned.
Posture, bad → Spinal Problems
Pregnancy → Birth
with vague fears of the future: Aspen
with daydreaming and losing touch with reality: Clematis
with a feeling of being overwhelmed: Elm
with clear, specific fears: Mimulus
with depression: Mustard
with general exhaustion: Olive
with anemia: Olive + Wild
Rose with worries for the child: Red Chestnut
for transition and self-discovery: Walnut
Prejudice → Dogmatism → Stubbornness
Prejudice is a product of the imagination; we can judge only when we have some idea what’s going on. Prejudice is a sign of emotional immaturity and is often an expression of fear.
due to excessively strong missionary convictions: Vervain
Vervain is for people with the urgent desire to bring others to their own way of thinking. If they would admit that other people have just as much of a claim to the truth, their actions would lose their moral justification.
due to closed-mindedness: Vine
Vine is for the dogmatic know-it-all who takes only her own opinion seriously and feels justified in passing judgment without considering all the facts.
Premonitions and Foreboding, anxious: Aspen
Knowledge that is not conscious is often experienced in the form of premonitions. When we try to fight against this knowledge because we can’t bear the potential consequences, we feel fear.
Presence of Mind, insufficient → Panic
Pressure, excessive emotional: Cherry Plum
pressure, excessive emotional, caused by repression *1/6
Pride → Arrogance
Pride can mean many things. It can be the expression of sheer happiness because of an accomplishment or a quality and, in this sense, is a perfectly healthy, self-affirming sign of a feeling of self-worth. It can also be a way of protecting us from people whom, for whatever reason, we cannot accept. Or it can be arrogance. The first form of pride can create happiness and bring us friends; the second helps us achieve a certain distance and prevents conflict with those different than we are; and the third creates enmity and can be a source of humiliation for other people. People who are proud of something in which they played no active role (such as inherited privilege) should not be proud; instead, they should be joyfully thankful, quietly and reflectively, for their unearned good fortune.
with a great need for recognition: Heather
Heather is for people who make themselves indispensable everywhere and find it important to be admired for their talents and merits. This can be very irritating to those around them.
with distance: Water Violet (→ Isolation)
Water Violet is for people who are loners by nature. They keep a natural distance, which is often taken as a sign of excessive pride.
Problems
Seeing more problems than actually exist is a sign of psychic imbalance. See the appropriate essences discussed under Pessimism.
avoiding: Agrimony + Gentian
Avoiding problems is absolutely natural and proper. Sometimes, however, we must face them and try to solve them, especially when we are in the position to take action and when they can have negative consequences. Avoiding them buys us only a temporary reprieve.
looking for: Oak
Oak can help people who tend to find a personal challenge in all problems. They always take the most difficult route and often stretch themselves beyond their limits. When difficulties seem unsolvable, Oak can make us more yielding and willing to compromise.
Psoriasis → Skin Conditions
Psychosis → Obsession → Rash Behavior
psychosis, impending, due to suppression *1/6
psychosis, impending, with restlessness *6/18
psychosis, impending, due to stress and overwork *6/22
psychosis as the result of severe self-suppression *6/27
psychosis due to an emotional or mental injury *6/29
psychotic rage *6/15
Puberty: Agrimony + Larch + Pine + Walnut (+ Water Violet) (→ Sexual Dysfunction)
During puberty, we become aware of our most important biological function. This decisive new orientation can bring about great problems: we must develop a healthy relationship to our new physical needs, and we must also define our new role in society. Agrimony helps us behave naturally; it helps counter the affected shame that often arises in connection with developing sexuality. Larch strengthens our feelings of self-worth, which now must take on a new dimension with our burgeoning sexual awareness and strength. Pine helps curb sexual guilt feelings that today indecently poison the growing person. Walnut is the most important essence for change and new beginnings and helps us transfer our internal order to external functions, allowing us to be and become our “true” selves. Water Violet can be given to a young person with human contact problems.
Purpose, lack of
when we give up too easily: Gentian
when we can’t make decisions: Scleranthus
when we don’t know what we want: Wild Oat
Purpose in Life, lacking or unrealistic
We need a purpose in life if we’re to develop our joy, strength, and creativity. When we have no goals or when life seems meaningless, we become physically or psychically ill. Bach flower therapy can help us find our true character and our purpose in this life.
due to insecurity: Cerato
When we don’t know what to do or when we don’t trust our own instincts, we are unable to fulfill our personal mission in life. Cerato helps us understand our own inner “adviser” and makes us more confident with our own opinions.
due to a weak will: Gentian
When we are too easily discouraged and distracted from our goals, Gentian can help restore our strength of will and resolve.
due to a lack of self-confidence: Larch
Sometimes when we are faced with happiness, we feel that we are not up to it or that we haven’t earned it. Larch can help strengthen our self-confidence.
leading to depression: Mustard
Many people are overcome again and again by a seemingly groundless depression. Actually, a lack of motivation or goals in life can be the cause.
due to pathological guilt: Pine
Pine helps us pursue our goals and desires when we feel that we are not deserving and that our lives must be filled with self-denial.
due to self-denial: Rock Water
Rock Water is useful when we believe that we can find meaning in life only through self-discipline and through eliminating our “worthless” or “superficial” qualities.
due to being too easily influenced: Walnut
We all have our own personality and our own life path. The more resolve we use in following it, the happier we’ll be. The more we allow ourselves to be dissuaded from it, the more frustrating and meaningless life will seem.
due to a lack of clarity: Wild Oat
Wild Oat helps us in our search for goals or a purpose in life. It can open our eyes to our own personal talents and tendencies, but it must be taken over a long period of time.
lacking a purpose in life due to insecurity *5/36
lacking a purpose in life because of inattentiveness *7/36
lacking a purpose in life due to a lack of self-confidence *19/36
false purpose in life due to self-castigation *27/36
lacking a life goal *33/37
Pushiness → Distance, emotional → Missionary Tendencies
pushy, insistent “helping” or concern for others: Chicory
from missionary zeal: Vervain
imposing one’s will: Vine
pushiness in love or caring for others *8/22
pushiness caused by a fear of loneliness *14/20
Rage → Aggression → Cold Emotions → Hate → Bitterness
directly felt: Holly
internalized, with bitterness: Willow
rage, psychotic *6/15
rage caused by opposition or errors *15/32
rage and bitterness *15/38
Rash Behavior → Panic → Psychoses
When we are suddenly overcome by intense emotions, we can lose conscious control of our reactions and become absolutely numb or lose control.
due to the suppression of drives: Cherry Plum
with panic: Rescue Remedy, Rock Rose
Recognition, need for: Heather + Larch (→ Vanity → Inferiority, feelings of)
An extreme need for recognition is the result of strong feelings of inferiority (→ Inferiority, feelings of) combined with ambition (→ Ambition) or pronounced vanity (→Vanity). People who crave recognition try to gloss over their feelings of inferiority by trying to be acknowledged, admired, or honored. This is a major source of stress for them because they are in constant fear of being exposed and it tends to make them unpopular. It would be much better for them if instead of seeking approval from others, they paid more attention to themselves. That way, they wouldn’t think so much about their (mostly imaginary) weaknesses but could concentrate on their strengths, which they possess just as anyone does. The value of all things is relative; it just depends on who the observer is—and the social worth of a person depends in large part on the company that person keeps. When we feel inferior, it’s often because we’re running with the wrong crowd, just as a plant will not thrive if it’s not planted in the right location. We need to be in the right place, where our talents and qualities will be appreciated and where we can appreciate them ourselves. The combination described here makes us more discreet, modest, and self-confident. It can also be combined with Walnut.
Rejection, of other people (→ Self-denial)
Normally, rejecting unpleasant people is the expression of a natural instinct for self-preservation. It can, however, be the result of a psychic disruption or pathological insecurity; in such cases, it serves no use but only makes us tense or lonely.
because others are too slow: Impatiens
The need to do everything quickly makes us feel that slower people are a burden or an obstacle.
from fear: Mimulus
We avoid with excessive caution any human contact that might put us at risk.
due to a negative experience: Star of Bethlehem
A child learns to stay away from a fire once he has been burned; likewise, we avoid anyone who reminds us of a traumatic situation.
from the need to be alone: Water Violet
We don’t want to be disturbed and take great pains to avoid human contact.
from disappointment or bitterness: Willow
Willow helps us understand and forgive.
Relapse
into old habits: Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle helps us face the present instead of living in the past.
in the healing process: Gentian
When we suffer continued setbacks in the healing process, Gentian can help restore the body’s resilience.
relapse during convalescence *12/28
Relationships, inability to initiate and maintain → Contact Problems
Relationships, fear of: Water Violet
Water Violet makes us more sociable and counters the pathological fear of human relationships. It cannot make a social butterfly out of a total loner, but it can free us from excessive isolation.
Remorse, excessive → Guilt Feelings
Renunciation → Self-sacrifice → Selflessness
It is better to give than to receive but only when the giving is voluntary and with positive intentions. Denial is essentially life-negating; the natural tendency of life is one of expansion and increase. Because life consists of soul as well as body, renunciation, if it leads to spiritual enrichment, can be more of a blessing than retention. This is the significance of the classic biblical victim who, with little cost, is able to achieve great rewards (the blessing of God). Renunciation doesn’t have to be a self-negating phenomenon; but it can be an uplifting joy of giving. It is only “right” when we derive joy from giving, instead of the poison of guilt feelings, moralistic blackmail, or personal weakness. When our motives are pure, we need no thanks; the act of giving is its own reward. Purely motivated giving and renunciation help promote personal integrity and spiritual maturity. Normally we must work for a long time with great honesty to earn this ability.
caused by a weak personality: Centaury
People who act in the interests of others and neglect themselves because of psychic immaturity or weakness only strengthen the thoughtlessness of those who use them. It’s common to see children who sacrifice themselves for their egotistical parents. They live like slaves and need Centaury to begin living their own lives.
due to despondency: Gentian
Gentian is for a weak will, which causes us to give up at the first sign of difficulties and makes us easy game for others willing to profit from our own weakness.
due to a lack of self-confidence: Larch
When we have no self-confidence, we tend toward unnecessary and premature self-denial and renunciation.
caused by exhaustion: Olive
due to self-castigation: Rock Water (→ Asceticism)
Resentment → Bitterness
Reserved: Water Violet
Water Violet is helpful when we suddenly become cold or antisocial or if we suddenly shun the company of others at the onset of or during an illness.
reserved, mentally *7/34
Reserved Behavior: Water Violet (→ Distance, emotional)
Resignation: Gorse + Wild Rose (→ Giving up → Interest, lack of → Hopelessness → Resignation to Fate)
When we have lost all hope and have no will to live, the life virtually goes out of the body. Resignation poses a danger that should be taken seriously, especially when an illness is involved. These combinations can reawaken our will to live.
resignation due to a weak personality *4/37
resignation and a longing for death *9/37
resignation and a weak will *12/37
total resignation *13/37
resignation with melancholic memories *16/37
resignation due to stress and overwork *17/37
resignation due to a lack of self-confidence *19/37
resignation due to depression *21/37
resignation due to exhaustion *23/37
resignation due to a mental or emotional trauma *29/37
Resignation to Fate
Fatalists, in the good sense of the word, truly know how to make the best of things. They try their best to achieve their plans and desires, but when they are confronted by insurmountable obstacles, they are prepared to give up. They realize that there is a divine, benevolent order working toward an unknown goal. They don’t fall to pieces at every mishap, setback, disappointment, accident, or illness. Instead, they use these unexpected events as opportunities to extract the strength and the insight to further their personal development. They submit to fate without complaint, but that doesn’t mean that they flutter around aimlessly like leaves on a tree. They are willing to follow the signs that life has given them.
with hopelessness: Gorse
Hopelessness signifies not just resignation but a rejection of fate.
with resignation: Wild Rose
People who are uninterested and let life pass them by need Wild Rose.
too little (resignation)
We suffer when blind ambition or mere contrariness makes us resist the inevitable.
Oak is for people who don’t know when to give up, even though the strain is too great
Sweet Chestnut helps us take life as it comes and not become desperate with each test of fate or misfortune
Willow makes us conciliatory, open, and willing to compromise
Resistance, mental and emotional, impaired owing to exhaustion *23/29
Resistance, to psychic trauma, too weak *29/33
Resolve, lack of
when we can’t form our own opinions and constantly ask for advice: Cerato
when we have no staying power in resolving our problems and give up too easily: Gentian
when we cannot choose among several alternatives: Scleranthus
when we lack purpose and begin new projects before we complete existing ones: Wild Oat
Responsibility, excessive → Guilt Feelings → Unreliability
Being responsible means being accountable, either to ourselves (the psychological “superego”) or to a higher authority (of a divine nature or a person). Responsibility engenders security, because it brings order to our behavior; it can either serve to constrain us when it obligates us or it can be a kind of distinction. Some people gladly accept responsibility because it brings a clarity and moral authority to their lives; others, on the other hand, fight against it because they feel their freedom is inhibited. Responsibility (apart from its function of providing social order) is a subjective matter; it’s perfect for us when it’s a source of happiness but totally inappropriate when it causes us to suffer.
compulsive: Oak
An excessive feeling of responsibility (compulsion from the superego) can cause us to lose sight of our own limits and harm ourselves in pursuit of a task or mission. Oak is for people who pursue their goals so ambitiously and uncompromisingly that they harm themselves.
due to guilt: Pine
Pine can free us from a compulsive sense of responsibility that stems from a latent guilt complex. It is useful when we act out of a sense of obligation and not out of joy.
to oneself: Rock Water
When we hear ourselves say, “It’s my own fault,” it’s a sign that we are not free with ourselves. Rock Water is often used in combination with Pine.
avoiding: Water Violet
Responsibility helps maintain the social order and cannot be totally avoided. We should all undertake as much responsibility as is good for us. If we avoid it to the extent that we become alienated from society at large, we need Water Violet.
Restlessness, inner: Agrimony + Cherry Plum + Scleranthus + White Chestnut
This combination makes us more easygoing and more mature and brings us to a state of inner clarity.
Restraint → Distance, emotional
Revenge, lust for → Hate
revenge, unrelenting lust for *22/38
Rheumatism → Sciatica
Rheumatism describes any illnesses or painful changes of the bones, joints, muscles, or tendons. Bach flower treatment can bring a certain amount of improvement because character or behavior often play important roles in this condition.
general purification of the blood: Crab Apple
Rheumatic complaints are often caused by chronic infections that arise at various locations (especially the teeth, sinuses, gallbladder, lower body, or intestines). Crab Apple promotes the elimination of toxins and pathogens and should be used as a primary essence in the treatment of rheumatism.
with liver conditions: Holly, Mustard, Willow, Water Violet
Any essence that treats a bad mood is appropriate for liver conditions, including Holly (irritability), Mustard (melancholia), Willow (bitterness), and Water Violet (antisocial behavior).
with impatience, nervousness, restlessness: Impatiens
Impatiens can be used to strengthen the constitution when rheumatism is present, which appears in the framework of a tubercular predisposition (inherited weakness or a cured illness). Movement will bring improvement.
with inflexibility or unyieldingness: Oak, Rock Water, Vine
Mental or emotional rigidity mean stiffness and inflexibility in the body. Oak is for people who are unyielding, Rock Water for people who are too strict with themselves, Vine for mental inflexibility.
Rules, making: Vine
Vine is effective against the nasty habit of telling others what they should do; it’s for people who always believe they know what’s right.
Running Amok → Irrational Behavior
Rush and Stress *18/34
Sad Thoughts and Feelings: Cherry Plum + Mustard + White Chestnut
This combination helps us achieve an inner distance; it can be taken with Honeysuckle or Willow.
Sadness → Depression
Scatterbrained Behavior → Concentration, difficulties with → Impatience
due to thoughtlessness: Clematis
due to impatience: Impatiens
due to indecisiveness: Scleranthus
due to compulsive thoughts: White Chestnut
White Chestnut is called for when our concentration is disrupted because we can’t shake certain thoughts or ideas.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is the result of severe emotional conflict and inner turmoil and consists of a splitting up of the personality into various personalities or realities. Some Bach flowers treat the causes of this disruption and are appropriate as preventive or therapeutic treatments.
due to a “double life”: Agrimony
People who act other than their true nature need Agrimony. They are split and live in a constant state of tension because they have no outlet for their potentially explosive emotions.
with fears and anxieties: Aspen + Mimulus + Rock Rose
When fear has no appropriate outlet, it can give rise to inner conflict, and this can be disastrous in people with a tendency toward schizophrenia. This combination treats fears of all kinds.
due to suppressed emotions: Cherry Plum
Emotions have a lot of energy: if they are suppressed and not allowed an outlet, they can create dangerous internal pressure, which can disrupt and split the consciousness.
due to unprocessed shock: Star of Bethlehem
Traumatic experiences that are not consciously processed and worked through can become permanent sources of emotional problems. Star of Bethlehem should be used whenever the mental and emotional faculties are disrupted, even when there is no evident source of trauma.
with compulsive thoughts: White Chestnut
People whose thoughts are dominated by the same ideas repeated over and over need White Chestnut.
Sciatica → Rheumatism → Spinal Problems
Here we refer to painful irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which stretches from the lumbar to the toes. The pain associated with this condition is often in the back side of the upper thighs. Sciatic problems can be triggered by a disc problem, infections, or sudden or irregular movements. Normally, they appear in relation to infections or kidney or abdominal problems. Psychic influences can play a role as well, by causing tension in the muscles around the spine, which can limit our flexible movements. A relaxed body and an “upright” mind and spirit are the best preventive measures for spinal complaints.
with a strain: Agrimony + Star of Bethlehem
To treat spinal strains and tension and to loosen up the spinal musculature.
due to aggravation and rage: Holly
Severe aggravation can affect the spine by causing our movements to become violent or aggressive, which can irritate the sciatic nerve. Holly can alleviate the tension and cause the irritation to subside.
due to stress: Impatiens
Impatiens is indicated when our movement becomes rushed, hasty, or impatient, which can lead to “dislocations” of the spine.
with excessive ambition or the need for accomplishment: Oak
Oak is indicated when our excessive ambition or desire for accomplishment causes too much tension in the body. This places an extreme strain on the spine.
Secrecy → Facade
Self-abuse → Asceticism
self-abuse due to fear *2/27
self-abuse due to mental and emotional dependence *5/27
Self-alienation
Only when we have an understanding of the deeper, fundamental factors of life and of our abilities, needs, and qualities can we mold them all into a unified whole and find a satisfying meaning in life. We can accomplish this in spite of the multifarious influences that can drive us to a sense of self-alienation: possessions, idle pleasure, honor, power, fear, and a system of education that has nothing to do with humanity and everything to do with making us useful and productive. Most of us spend our whole lives running from ourselves, until a meaningless death takes us away in fear. When we are at one with our true selves, we have no reason to fear life or death because we possess the fundamental knowledge that everything that happens is right and meaningful.
due to repression and hypocrisy: Agrimony
Agrimony is for people who do not dare to be themselves. They put up a front, play a role, and take pains to be anything but what they really are. They don’t dare show their true natures to anyone, often even to themselves. Agrimony strengthens our desire to be and act as we really are, allowing our external life to jibe with our internal goals and needs. Agrimony helps remove this defense mechanism and can be combined with Walnut, which helps rebuild the true personality.
lack of clarity: Wild Oat
Anyone who feels that they don’t know where to find the meaning in life or who is discontented because they feel that time is just slipping away uselessly can take Wild Oat to get back on track. It must be taken over a long period of time.
self-alienation, total *1/33
Self-assertiveness, insufficient → Compete, inability to
Self-awareness, lack of *1/36
Self-blame: Pine (→ Conscience → Guilt)
Blaming ourselves is both unnatural and dangerous because it disrupts our inner balance. It means accepting the values imposed upon us by others, and it is a sign of a lack of self-confidence and a deeply rooted fear of punishment. We are no longer aware of the reasons for our actions, which were appropriate at the time. We all make mistakes, but we generally realize this only when we are somewhat advanced in our development. Blaming ourselves after the fact is pointless, because it means applying our current awareness and knowledge to an earlier situation, which is impossible.
Self-castigation → Asceticism
self-castigation and retreat from the world *27/34
self-castigation as a replacement for a meaning in life *27/36
Self-confidence → Inferiority, feelings of
too little: Larch + Walnut
too much: Oak, Water Violet
Oak when we don’t know, or want to know, our own limits Water
Violet when we believe that we don’t need other people
self-confidence is suddenly lost *11/19
self-confidence, insufficient, with a weak will *12/19
self-confidence, insufficient, causing fear *19/20
self-confidence, insufficient, due to exhaustion *19/23
self-confidence, insufficient, due to a mental or emotional trauma *19/29
self-confidence, insufficient, causing us to be too easily influenced *19/33
self-confidence, insufficient, making a meaningful life impossible *19/36
self-confidence, insufficient, making us resigned *19/37
Self-confidence, insufficient
A healthy sense of self-confidence is essential because it gives us courage and strength in the struggle for survival. It means being aware of and being able to assess our strengths as well as our weaknesses, our abilities and our “disabilities,” and being able to assess our position in society.
with a tendency toward self-denigration: Centaury
with feelings of inferiority: Walnut
Walnut gives us more clarity with respect to our needs and protects us from external influences.
Self-control (excessive)
when we hide our fears, suffering, and problems behind a carefree facade: Agrimony
when we don’t know when to give up: Oak
when we don’t allow ourselves to make any mistakes: Rock Water
Self-criticism → Self-blame
Self-deception → Modesty → Hypocrisy → Inferiority, feelings of
Self-deception is a form of lying. It is even found in nature (in various guises) and is a legitimate phenomenon as long as it’s used for protection, but it has negative consequences when it’s used for no good reason. Deceiving ourselves is a form of self-negation and can lead in the wrong direction in life because we are falsely judged by those around us and alienated from ourselves.
due to unnecessary deception: Agrimony
Agrimony is appropriate when we try to pass ourselves off as something other than we truly are and when our true essence and feelings are hidden behind a facade.
due to obsequiousness: Centaury
Centaury is helpful when we allow ourselves to be used by other people instead of living our own lives.
caused by a lack of self-confidence: Larch
When we feel that we are inferior, we tend (without good reason) to try to blend into the background.
Self-denial → Renunciation
caused by guilt feelings: Pine
with strict morality: Rock Rose
Self-discipline, severe, with a need for cleanliness *10/27
Self-love → Egocentrism
Self-negation → Self-deception
Self-pity: Chicory (→ Pity)
When we have pity for ourselves, we want it from others as well. Self-pity is just like a drug; it’s great when we’re weak but it does nothing to help us out of our misery. When we feel self-pity, we’re portraying ourselves as poor, innocent victims who can do nothing about our own suffering. This is a crippling attitude, especially because it’s usually untrue. If we say, however, “It’s your own fault, so stop complaining and do something about it,” we are ready and motivated to improve our situation. Taking responsibility for ourselves makes us free and strong; feeling sorry for ourselves makes us weak and a slave to misfortune. Chicory strengthens our independence and is often combined with Walnut.
Self-righteousness → Bitterness
Self-sacrifice → Selflessness
with a weak personality and weak will: Centaury
We selflessly put ourselves at the disposal of others but cannot assert ourselves.
with other motives: Chicory
Chicory is appropriate when we want to obligate other people with our selflessness.
out of a strong sense of responsibility and unyieldingness: Oak
self-sacrifice, simultaneously selfless and selfish *4/8
self-sacrifice due to guilt *4/24
self-sacrifice caused by resignation *4/37
self-sacrifice, total *8/25
Self-torment → Asceticism
due to useless worrying about others: Red Chestnut
due to being severely strict with ourselves: Rock Water
tormenting obsession to achieve *22/27
Selfish Self-sacrifice *4/8
self-suppression leading to psychosis *6/27
self-contempt due to feelings of being unclean *10/19
Selflessness, pathological → Self-sacrifice → Renunciation
Usually, we instinctively avoid any kind of self-denial. If we can’t plant our own field, we can’t share the harvest. Self-destructive selflessness serves no positive purpose. It serves only to feed the selfishness of the egotist and the addiction of the (emotional) blackmailer. True selflessness requires a healthy, stable psyche; only then can we hope to help those weaker than we are, and thereby enrich our own souls.
due to a weak personality: Centaury
Centaury helps people who achieve a false “selflessness” out of a lack of self-assertiveness, which serves only to strengthen the selfishness of others.
with worries: Red Chestnut
Red Chestnut can help anyone who thinks only of others and forgets about her own needs.
selflessness, worrisome *4/25
Sentimentality: Clematis + Honeysuckle
Sentimentality is an artificial, arbitrary state of mind. It causes us to be sentimental; we lose our grip on reality as well as the ability to feel true happiness and to overcome unhappiness. Clematis helps treat sentimental fantasies of the future, and Honeysuckle is appropriate for sentimental memories.
Separation → Partner Problems → Grief → Loss
Human relationships can never be severed. If the relationship is an enriching one or a damaging one, it is the expression of the spirit of each of the participants and changes all involved. Externally, a relationship may come to an end, but internally everything endures. When a partnership ends, we can tell if it was characterized by friendship and love or by psychic weaknesses and opportunism. If we have the luck to be able to hold on to the wonderful feelings that existed at the beginning of the relationship, then the end doesn’t mean a devastating loss but is more like leafing through the pages of a good book; we retain what we’ve read in the previous pages and take that as a prelude of what’s to come. Separation is just one step further in the ongoing process of widening our horizons.
due to dishonesty: Agrimony
Agrimony helps us stay honest with ourselves and with our partner. It can prevent a false, painful atmosphere from developing in the process of separation and becoming a black spot in our biography.
due to possessiveness: Chicory
When “love” becomes possessiveness or emotional dependence instead of free and joyful emotions, it’s difficult to let go of someone. Chicory helps us let go, to become free ourselves, and to avoid self-pity.
due to hateful rage: Holly
Holly minimizes negative feelings; it makes it possible for us to behave in a loving, friendly manner.
due to feelings of loss: Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle helps us find closure with what is already past and direct our attention to the present.
with bitterness: Willow
If separation causes bitterness or resentment, or leads us to rail against fate, Willow is helpful.
Seriousness, excessive → Humorlessness
Servility: Centaury (→ Humility → Obsequiousness)
Serving something or someone is positive only when it is done out of a positive motivation. Our own happiness is the best motivation, which means that we put ourselves in the service of something that seems good to us or that we can make ourselves happy by some helping act. Serving, understood correctly, means wanting to act in a strong and positive manner in order to serve a higher good or value. If a weakness in our personality causes us to be put in a position of servility or to be subjugated when we normally would protect ourselves against it, we need Centaury to put an end to the degrading situation.
Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction generally stems from psychic causes. Sexual relationships are characterized by especially intense, private contact with another person. Sexuality embraces procreation and also the possibility of experiencing profound emotions; it’s no wonder, then, that practically all psychic problems can have a negative impact on it.
due to a lack of emotional investment: Agrimony
The more trust we place in our partners and the more enthusiasm for life we have, the more satisfying our sexual experiences will be. Agrimony helps when we hold back too much or when we’re just going through the motions.
due to revulsion: Crab Apple
From a strictly biological point of view, sexuality is a primitive, animalistic phenomenon; there are some people who live in a sterile, artificial, antiseptic world and who see sex as filthy or revolting, which inhibits their enjoyment. Crab Apple helps minimize compulsive cleanliness.
leading to psychosis: Cherry Plum
At times, the sexual drive is one of the strongest powers we possess. When moral pressures inhibit this drive, a severe inner conflict can result, in which the inner balance is disrupted and we are in danger of a breakdown, hysteria, or psychosis. Cherry Plum helps relieve these pressures and resolve our inner conflict.
due to overarousal: Impatiens + Vervain
due to fear: Mimulus
Sexuality can be disrupted by all kinds of fear, some justified and some arising for absolutely no reason—for example, fear of becoming pregnant, fear of contracting an illness, fear of disgrace, or fear of damnation. Mimulus can help eliminate the ungrounded fears. It is often used for a first sexual experience. In the case of fear of failure, it can be combined with Larch.
due to exhaustion: Olive
due to moralistic pressures: Pine
Over the past few centuries, Christian culture has demonized sexuality to the extent that, even today, many people see it as a “sinful” experience. When we do something with a guilty conscience, we can’t enjoy it and, in some circumstances, will try to avoid it.
due to negative experiences: Star of Bethlehem
Because of our great expectations and lack of experience, the fears and reservations associated with sex can develop into psychic trauma that is often difficult to work through owing to the complex nature of the topic. Such traumas can eventually lead to a kind of sexual block.
frigidity
Frigidity can be caused by a lack of emotional investment, fear, revulsion, moralistic compulsions, or previous negative experiences. See the appropriate sections for more information.
impotence
Impotence can be caused by overstimulation (Impatiens + Vervain), fear of failure (Larch), exhaustion (Olive), or negative experiences (Star of Bethlehem). See the appropriate sections for more information.
Shame
lack of: Cherry Plum
Shamelessness can be a way of venting emotional pressures.
excessive
Shame is the expression of taboos placed on the individual by society to promote “appropriate” behavior. These taboos are deeply embedded in the emotional structure through threats and punishment and can inhibit certain kinds of behavior. When shame is thoughtful and reflective and indicative of our finer emotions, it can serve a purpose. When it is unreflective, groundless, and forced upon us, however, it can inhibit the development of a healthy personality and lay the foundation for many psychic problems.
Agrimony is used when we act falsely and are afraid to show our true nature
Crab Apple can be taken when we have an excessive need for cleanliness and purity, especially with sexual behavior
Larch helps when our shame stems from feelings of inferiority
Pine is given when our shame is associated with guilt feelings
Shock
Shocks and traumas disrupt the existing order and clear the way for a better one. If we can transform a traumatic experience into a new form of knowledge or an important addition to our life experience, we become stronger, smarter, and more secure; otherwise, we will be eliminated from the “war games” of life. This happens when we cannot absorb a shock or trauma. It has something like the effect of a deep freeze on us: we lose our elasticity and flexibility and are easily shattered. It’s good to use the little shocks of day-today life as a sort of practice for the larger, more devastating ones.
acute: Clematis + Cherry Plum + Rock Rose; Rescue Remedy
Clematis is for the tendency to faint, Cherry Plum is for falling to pieces, and Rock Rose works against panic. This combination constitutes part of Rescue Remedy.
consequences of: Star of Bethlehem
Star of Bethlehem helps relieve psychic numbness, which can arise as the result of a shock.
shock reaction, allergic *3/15
shocking experience leading to insecurity *5/29
shock causing unconsciousness *9/29
Showing off → Inferiority, feelings of
showing off owing to feelings of inferiority *14/19
Shyness → Conformity → Contact Problems
We all have feelings about other people and know whether they have our well-being at heart, and we all have a tendency to categorize everyone we know as “friends” or “enemies.” When we feel strong, we fight to reach our goals, but when we feel defeated, we withdraw. This behavior can manifest itself as extreme shyness (especially when we are very sensitive or have suffered through negative experiences or are among people who do not understand us) and can seriously inhibit our ability to make contact with other people. Bach flower treatment or psychotherapy is needed in these circumstances, especially for children.
out of fear of showing who we are: Agrimony
due to fear: Aspen, Mimulus
Shyness is a fear of other people. It can be eased with Aspen when the cause is not entirely clear or with Mimulus when the cause is known. It can also be combined with Star of Bethlehem when the cause is an intimidating experience.
due to feelings of inferiority: Larch
When we avoid contact with other people because we feel we won’t be noticed, Larch can help. When these feelings of inferiority arise from a discouraging experience, Larch can be combined with Star of Bethlehem (19/29).
due to pathological isolation: Water Violet
Some people are by nature reserved. Water Violet is needed only when their condition becomes a disadvantage or causes them unhappiness.
Skin Conditions
The skin is not just a protective layer but above all our largest excreting, reacting, and regulating organ. Skin conditions, such as eczema, abscesses, and allergies, are nearly always reactions to some inner disturbance and represent the organism’s attempt to defuse the problem by drawing it out of the body. Any treatment of skin conditions must therefore first be directed at inner problems: when we merely shut off the body’s “ventilation system,” for example, with cortisone treatments, we are just making the skin unable to react properly and intensifying the inner problem. Depending on the severity of the problem, this can put the whole organism into danger.
neurodermatitis: Beech + Crab Apple + Holly + Impatiens + Larch + Willow
There are nutritional, environmental, and psychic factors that contribute to neurodermatitis and psoriasis. The more healthy our lifestyle (both physically and spiritually), the less often these conditions appear. Beech has positive effects on the allergic component. Crab Apple purifies the blood and promotes the skin’s reactive abilities. Holly lessens extreme reactions and calms the disposition. Impatiens makes us calmer and more stable and lessens itching. Larch strengthens the feeling of self-worth when we are plagued by skin conditions and prevents us from feeling embarrassed. Willow works against negative attitudes that can cause skin reactions.
with pus or abscesses: Crab Apple
Pus is a function of blood purification. It is not an illness in itself, but a sign that the body is detoxifying itself. We should not try to eliminate or reduce pus, but instead allow it an outlet and support the body in its efforts, for example, by giving Crab Apple combined with Star of Bethlehem.
impurities: Crab Apple, Larch
Crab Apple is the most important of the essences for purifying the blood. It should be used as a basic treatment for skin conditions. Larch strengthens our feelings of self-worth, especially if we are plagued with acne.
acne: Crab Apple + Larch + Walnut
Crab Apple purifies the blood, Larch treats self-rejection, and Walnut restores hormonal balance and develops the personality.
with itching: Impatiens
Impatiens can have a positive influence on nervousness, itching, or tingling and can be diluted and applied directly to the skin.
psoriasis → neurodermatitis
Sluggishness → Apathy
Softness: Agrimony + Mimulus + Walnut
Agrimony is for the inability to deal with unpleasantness, Mimulus for timidity, and Walnut for insufficient inner resolve.
Spinal Problems
There is an inseparable bond between body and soul. Generally, we can recognize from afar what kind of mood someone is in or what kind of person he is. Continuous tension deforms the spine, as does obsequiousness, an inferiority complex, or stress. Proper posture is impossible without a straight spine.
osteoporosis (Bechterev’s syndrome, Scheuermann’s syndrome): Centaury + Larch (Mimulus, Mustard)
Osteoporosis is an abnormal, sometimes painful reduction of bone matter, which can lead to fractures of the bones and spine. Medical science has uncovered many fascinating details but has not devoted any attention to psychic factors. Medical treatment usually tries to rebuild bone matter, which brings a certain amount of improvement but can also have harmful side effects; complete recovery isn’t possible unless treatment takes both body and soul into account. Allopathic treatment should be undertaken only in severe cases and only after other, natural forms of treatment have proved ineffective. We should start by asking why the organism is reducing the amount of bone matter. The answer lies in the function of bone: it is a framework, which helps us go through life upright and with confidence. With weak bones or a weak spine, we can’t stand up to difficulties, stand at the same level as other people, or even lift ourselves above them. Reduction of bone makes people, to some extent, like lowly reptiles, and it always occurs when we lack the strength to stand upright that comes from a healthy sense of self-confidence. When we feel that we are inferior, less able, or weaker than those around us, we simply can’t approach them upright. Our posture and crooked back are signs of fear and submissiveness. The body reflects our inner state, and the frame loses its upright, resilient appearance. Scheuermann’s syndrome can develop in children, Bechterev’s syndrome in young adults, and osteoporosis in older people (especially menopausal women). This comes as no surprise, since many menopausal women feel socially and sexually inferior when they lose their reproductive capabilities. An unconscious consequence is that they can no longer bear themselves upright and with self-confidence, which leads to poor, bent posture and weakening of the spine. An example is the so-called widow’s hump, which used to be quite common when widowhood meant a loss of social status. Osteoporosis in the thighs is also a common problem, distinguished by diminished walking ability and the typical and dangerous fractures of the femur in older people when they can no longer meet the demands of daily life. Any meaningful form of treatment (or prevention) must help restore or instill self-confidence. It is common knowledge that we are lost when we give up. The combination given here can help strengthen self-confidence and feelings of self-worth. It is also appropriate for older people who are having difficulty dealing with the loss of strength and abilities that accompany the aging process; it helps compensate with a corresponding increase in mental, spiritual, or human values and activities. Mimulus should also be given in cases of timidity and Mustard in cases of depression.
Stage Fright: Cherry Plum + Gentian + Heather + Hornbeam + Impatiens + Larch + Mimulus (+ Star of Bethlehem)
Cherry Plum works for inner tranquillity. Gentian is for inner confidence. Heather counters the fear of disgrace. Hornbeam fights feelings of inadequacy. Impatiens alleviates nervousness. Larch instills more self-confidence. Mimulus minimizes timidity.
with negative experiences: Star of Bethlehem
Standoffishness Æ Pride Æ Distance
standoffish with excessive tolerance *3/34
Stomach Ailments
The connection between mind and body is especially clear in the stomach. It can become ill when it receives too much or too little or the wrong kinds of food. For the stomach, the world consists of food that must be processed and digested, just as the psyche must process and digest certain life situations and problems.
gastritis due to stress and overwork
When we are faced with a great challenge or responsibility, the stomach reacts just as if it had a load of food to digest. It responds by boosting the production of acids, which in turn eat away at the stomach’s mucous lining. Essentially, it ends up digesting itself, and the result is heartburn and pain. In such cases, the causes of stress should be limited.
Elm when we feel we’ve taken on too much and are afraid of failing
Impatiens when we’re always in a rush
Mimulus when we’re afraid of an upcoming responsibility or test (can be combined with Larch)
Oak when we’ve taken on more than we can handle, but don’t know when to give up
gastritis caused by envy or greed: Chicory + Holly
The feeling that we don’t receive what we deserve is similar to the stomach’s feeling of hunger. An empty stomach eats itself up, so to speak. We should try to be content with what we have. This combination helps suppress envy and anger.
gastritis and ulcers caused by anger and annoyance
Suppressed anger has the same effect as that of indigestible, inedible food. It eats away at the stomach. Over time, gastritis can become an ulcer (a wound in the stomach’s mucous lining). In severe cases, it can even become cancer. Anger that arises from family situations can be especially devastating. It develops over a long period of time, and we try to keep it quiet so as not to rock the boat. If we cannot find a way of avoiding this anger (for example, by leaving the family), we must try to change our attitude.
Holly for long-term irritability or rage
Star of Bethlehem when we take things too seriously
Willow to enable us to forgive and forget
Strain → Tension
Strength, loss of → Exhaustion → Weakness
Stress
Theoretically, stress is caused by greed or a lack of discipline. It is a sign that we’ve passed the limits of what we can safely achieve. Long-term stress is harmful because it inhibits the body’s normal processes of detoxification and regeneration. Short periods of stress can make us ill; long periods of stress can kill us.
due to secrecy or artificiality: Agrimony
When we try to disguise or hide our true nature, we are going against our own best interests and are also afraid of being found out.
due to suppressed drives and emotions: Cherry Plum
When we suppress important natural drives and emotions, we only create stress because this must be done forcefully.
with an acute sense of stress and overwork: Elm
Elm is useful when an important job or responsibility makes us feel so stressed that we’re in danger of a collapse.
due to impatience: Impatiens
Hasty, impatient people often find themselves stressed when they are held up for any reason.
due to fear: Mimulus
due to unyieldingness or ambition: Oak
Oak is for people who put themselves under too much pressure.
due to excessive enthusiasm: Vervain
stress bringing us to the emotional breaking point *6/22
stress, emotional, leading to psychosis *6/30
addicted to love and popularity *8/14
stress causing panic *11/26
stress and haste *22/31
stress due to an overbearing compulsion to achieve *22/31
Stress and Overwork
on the verge of collapse: Elm
imagined: Hornbeam
Hornbeam is for people who believe that they are not up to a task, even though they are perfectly capable.
caused by a lack of self-confidence: Larch
We are quickly overwhelmed when we lack confidence.
stress and overwork caused by dependence *4/17
stress and overwork leading to discouragement *11/12
stress and overwork with hopelessness *11/13
stress and overwork caused by a compulsion to achieve *11/22
stress and overwork with desperation *11/30
stress and overwork causing a retreat into the past *16/17
stress and overwork caused by a lack of self-confidence *17/19
stress and overwork causing resignation *17/37
Strictness → Discipline
strict with oneself and unnaturally generous with others *3/27
strict personality *27/32
Stubbornness → Dogmatism → Habits and Routines → Tension
Stubbornness and inflexibility prevent us from acting quickly. This is a cause for concern, since life and growth are dynamic, expansive phenomena characterized by constant change. Tradition brings with its unchanging nature a certain amount of comfort and security, but it prevents the necessary process of renewal. Inflexibility means death, while flexibility means life. Inflexible people have a tendency toward tension (→ Tension), rheumatism (→ Rheumatism), and degeneration.
with unyieldingness: Oak
Oak is needed when we are too uncompromising.
with oneself: Rock Water
Rock Water is effective against obstinate self-discipline.
with others: Vine
Vine is helpful for people who are inflexible and intolerant.
Stuttering
Bach flowers can be effective for stuttering children when we keep in mind the underlying psychic causes. Treatment often involves combining several essences.
with persistence: Gentian
Gentian prevents us from giving up too easily when we can’t form our words. Persistence will help us overcome the problem. It should be given frequently.
with an excessive need for recognition: Heather
Heather is for vain children who have an urgent need for recognition and temporarily lose the ability to speak freely and fluidly.
due to nervousness: Impatiens
due to fear: Mimulus
If we have ever stuttered, it’s quite natural that we will be afraid that it might recur. Mimulus is effective against these fears of negative expectations.
caused by problems with muscular coordination: Scleranthus
Scleranthus enables the body to coordinate its efforts and allows us to properly articulate our words. It is a basic essence in the treatment of stuttering.
due to psychic trauma: Star of Bethlehem
Star of Bethlehem can help when stuttering has been caused by a psychic trauma.
trauma caused by a fear of punishment, unresolved *24/29
Suicide, danger of
Rescue Remedy should be used in any emergency, even a potential suicide situation.
due to mental anguish: Agrimony
When we try too hard to conceal our problems we suffer twice as much.
due to emotional pressure: Cherry Plum
Cherry Plum is helpful when we suppress our drives and emotions so severely and for so long that we lose our ability to act rationally and are on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
with a death wish: Clematis
We have no joy in life because we can’t come to terms with it. Typically, we want to end it all.
due to total hopelessness: Gorse
due to depression: Mustard
Mustard is appropriate for any condition in which it seems as if our lives are covered by a black cloud that obscures the meaning of life from us.
due to desperation: Sweet Chestnut
Superficiality
due to forced, artificial behavior: Agrimony
Agrimony helps people who cannot bring themselves to face their problems and fears and seek refuge in superficial words and deeds.
in society: Heather
Heather helps people who do not seek deeper interpersonal relationships but who are concerned only with being regarded in a favorable light.
due to haste and impatience: Impatiens
People who need Impatiens are so driven that they have no time for deeper relationships or activities.
due to isolation: Water Violet
Water Violet helps bridge distance between people and fosters deeper human relationships.
Suppression: Agrimony
Suppressing the unpleasant is a natural and useful function of the psyche. It protects us from any mental or emotional influences that can overpower us. The suppressed material is stored in a kind of subconscious archive, where it can be retrieved when we are ready to deal with it. It then appears in the form of a “problem” and affords us no rest until we solve it. The attempt to suppress or ignore problems that have surfaced in our consciousness leads to severe inner conflict. Agrimony helps put an end to this running from ourselves and helps us tear down the facades we present to the world in an attempt to conceal the truth. The more willing we are to honestly confront the unpleasant questions the spirit asks us, the more content we will be. The soul can accept only the truth.
suppression of fears *1/2
suppression creating excessive psychic pressure *1/6
Talkativeness
to be popular and distract us from ourselves: Agrimony
Agrimony helps people who try to hide their problems and fears behind a flurry of cheerful chatter.
due to insecurity: Cerato
Cerato is helpful for anyone who needs to talk about all her problems and wants good advice.
psychotic: Cherry Plum
Cherry Plum is indicated for people who are under extreme emotional pressure and need solace and companionship to keep from going crazy.
due to a craving for recognition: Heather
Heather is for people who feel compelled to boast of their own talents and accomplishments.
due to missionary zeal: Vervain
Vervain diminishes the urge to convince everyone of our own ideas and convictions.
Teeth
jaw problems
The shape of the jaw and the type of “bite” can be divided into two categories: the overbite and the underbite. By looking at the bite, we can see the attitude with which a person relates to his environment—for example, if he tends to give up or dig in the heels and fight back when faced with difficulties. With an overbite, the lower jaw is less prominent than the upper, and the chin recedes. This type of bite doesn’t have quite the same “dangerous” or “brutal” expression as an underbite, where the lower jaw protrudes farther than the upper. Between these extremes is a neutral position, in which the jaws are evenly aligned. Naturally, Bach flower essences can’t change the shape or alignment of the jaw, but they can help the underlying personality conditions.
overbite
Overbite, characterized by a smaller lower jaw and teeth aligned to the rear, can be found in people who are overly sensitive and have difficulty asserting themselves. They tend to be introverts; everything first affects them internally and must be mulled over before they can react appropriately. They tend to give up when faced with difficulties or to subordinate themselves or put themselves through agonizing inner struggles. When this characteristic is very pronounced, use any essence that strengthens courage and personal strength.
Centaury for excessive cheerfulness and tractability or allowing one self to be used
Gentian for insufficient strength of will
Hornbeam for stress and overwork and fear of failure
Larch for underdeveloped self-confidence
underbite
Underbite occurs less frequently. The chin juts forward and gives the face an energetic expression. These people are usually easily provoked; they don’t try to avoid difficulties but confront them directly. Essences that promote yieldingness, friendliness, and flexibility are appropriate.
Holly for a tendency toward rage or violent outbursts of anger
Oak for unyieldingness and unwillingness to compromise
Vervain for excessive enthusiasm and hyperactivity
Vine for a tendency toward self-righteousness
tooth decay, cavities, and receding gums
Cavities and receding gums have a variety of causes, many of which have yet to be fully understood. Improper dental care, bacteria, hereditary weakness, internal illness, or toxins can all be decisive factors, but psychic factors have been little noticed. In times of emotional stress, the force used in biting, chewing, and grinding can have devastating effects on teeth, roots, and gums.
Agrimony for internal tension
Elm for excessive stress
Holly + Willow for anger and rage
Oak for a tendency to struggle and fret through difficulties
grinding teeth: Agrimony + Holly + Oak + Vervain
This combination helps relax the jaw muscles. Agrimony works generally against tension, Holly helps counter aggression, Oak suppresses emotions, Vervain minimizes hyperactivity. Willow should be added to curb bitterness, and Cherry Plum to help resolve bottled-up emotions.
children’s teeth: Walnut
Walnut helps body and soul make the transition to a new life phase. It helps everything run smoothly and exactly as planned.
debilitating guilt complex *23/24
debilitating worries *23/25
Temperament
too soft
Centaury for yieldingness
Gentian for a weak will
Larch for lack of assertiveness
too hard
Holly for aggressiveness
Vervain for a hot temper
Vine for intolerance
Tension → Stress
Pathological inner tension arises when we take on or expect of ourselves more than we are able to achieve. Tension can assist the development of certain abilities, but it is harmful when we don’t allow ourselves periods of rest.
due to artificiality: Agrimony
The attempt to seem to be something that we are not creates a severe inner tension because our real self must be forcefully kept in check. Generally, we can recognize inner tension in our movements, posture, and artificial or phony facial expressions.
caused by unyieldingness: Oak
When we demand more of ourselves than we are able to accomplish, we must allow ourselves a rest if we are to continue. In the long term, nothing good can come of the situation.
due to excessive self-discipline: Rock Water
Self-discipline is often motivated by the desire to suppress certain qualities, but since these qualities are integral parts of the personality, they resist this suppression.
due to overzealousness: Vervain
Tension, inner: Cherry Plum
Cherry Plum is helpful when we are under such severe internal pressure that we are in danger of acting irrationally or of psychosis.
Terrible Emotions: Aspen
Thoughtlessness → Egotism
toward others: Holly, Impatiens
Holly minimizes aggressive behavior, while Impatiens works against impatience, which causes thoughtless behavior.
toward ourselves: Oak, Red Chestnut
Oak is for people who are so obsessed with reaching their goals that they forget about their other needs until they are at the limits of their endurance. Red Chestnut is effective against the senseless habit of worrying intensely about other people and forgetting about ourselves.
Thyroid Problems
The thyroid transfers emotions into bodily functions. We become ill when this does not happen successfully.
hyperactive thyroid, with glassy eyes, nervousness, restlessness, shaking, thinness
Cherry Plum for strong, suppressed emotions and sexual drives
Impatiens + Vervain for severe nervousness and hyperactivity
Oak when we are grim and put too much pressure on ourselves
hypoactive thyroid, characterized by reduced activity with slowness, lethargy, weakness
Clematis + Wild Rose for lack of enthusiasm and drive, drowsiness, and a lack of interest in life
Hornbeam for weakness and a permanent feeling of stress and overwork
Timidity → Fear
Tolerance → Intolerance → Chapter 1: Beech, Vine
True tolerance stems from the knowledge that everything is justified in its existence and that we should all learn to live and let live. If we are to be tolerated by other people, we must be willing to tolerate them as well. This can happen only when we learn to tolerate all of our own inconsistencies and shortcomings; any quality that we disapprove of in ourselves, we are certain to disapprove of in other people. The more openly and honestly we can face our own shortcomings, the more tolerant and understanding we will be with other people. We are not all tolerant by nature. There are people who are intolerant and struggle against everything with which they are not familiar. When they try to hide their intolerance and pass themselves off as tolerant and understanding, they become confused by their own lies. It’s better if they simply learn to recognize and acknowledge their intolerance—their eternal criticizing and struggling will at least have a note of honesty, which will be more tolerable for other people.
hypocritical: Agrimony
Agrimony is useful for people who try to pass themselves off as tolerant and positive to distance themselves from their true nature and to be popular.
apparent: Beech
When we appear to be tolerant but deep inside we are actually intolerant, we need Beech. This openness and understanding has an artificial air and prevents us from facing reality honestly.
due to a lack of interest: Wild Rose
When we have lost our interest in life, nothing really matters anymore. This “tolerance” is the sign of a spiritual illness and is by no means an indication of virtue.
tolerance, artificial or excessive *1/3
tolerance, opportunistic *3/14
tolerance, due to a lack of self-confidence *3/19
tolerance, due to timidity *3/20
tolerance, unnatural and moralistic *3/24
tolerance, excessive, and emotional distance *3/34
Trauma, psychic → Injury
trauma leading to hopelessness *13/29
trauma caused by humiliation *14/29
trauma due to a loss *16/29
trauma undermining self-confidence *19/29
trauma creating timidity *20/29
trauma causing depression *21/29
traumatic experiences causing excessive worry *25/29
trauma weakening the psychic defenses *29/33
trauma causing human contact problems *29/34
traumatic thoughts *29/35
trauma causing resignation *29/37
trauma causing bitterness *29/38
Tuberculosis → Lung Conditions
Turmoil, inner
due to insecurity: Cerato
When we are too afraid of making mistakes, we tend to ask everyone for advice; the problem is that we end up exactly where we started because we don’t have a clue whose advice is correct. Cerato improves our ability to act on our own impulses.
due to indecisiveness: Scleranthus
Scleranthus helps when we waver among several alternatives and simply can’t make a decision.
caused by lacking direction in life: Wild Oat
Wild Oat is useful when we want to do something sensible and meaningful but we don’t know what and we undertake many things halfheartedly.
turmoil, inner, and life crisis → 28/36
Ulcer, duodenal → Stomach Ailments
Unbearable Life Situations
due to placing oneself under extreme pressure: Cherry Plum
The more strongly we suppress important needs or drives, the greater is our distress. Cherry Plum is useful when we feel we can’t stand the pressure anymore and are about to do something terrible.
due to insufficient mental and psychic strength: Star of Bethlehem
Star of Bethlehem helps us work through traumatic, devastating situations.
due to inner inflexibility: Sweet Chestnut
When we are too strong and refuse to bend to fate, we can create an unbearable inner pressure from which there seems to be no release. Sweet Chestnut can help defuse or prevent such situations.
Uncleanliness Causes Fear *10/20 (→ Cleanliness)
Uncompromising → Stubbornness
Unconsciousness: Clematis
Clematis is a preventive measure when we have a tendency to lose consciousness. For emergencies (→ Emergencies), use Rescue Remedy, which contains Clematis.
unconsciousness with panic *9/26
unconsciousness caused by a shocking experience *9/29
Understanding, excessive: Beech (→ Tolerance)
Uneasiness → Restlessness
due to secret worries: Agrimony
Agrimony is for people who try to conceal their true inner condition. This causes a constant strain. Although they try to appear carefree, they are somehow driven and restless.
due to insecurity: Cerato
When we want things to be just fine with everyone but don’t know how to make them so, we lose our inner peace and never find ourselves.
with nervous chatter and showing off: Heather
Heather is for people who become restless when they don’t receive enough attention; they constantly draw attention to themselves and put themselves in the spotlight.
with impatience and nervousness: Impatiens
Impatiens is the basic essence for all conditions related to haste or restlessness and uneasiness.
due to guilt feelings: Pine
We can never find inner peace when we have a bad conscience.
due to excessive worrying about others: Red Chestnut
restlessness and danger of psychosis *6/18
restlessness with fear *18/20
restlessness caused by worries *18/25
restlessness with a tendency toward panic *18/26
Unforgiving: Chicory + Willow (→ Bitterness)
Unforgiving people are, above all, emotional and demanding. They invest their emotions heavily in their expectations and tend to become deeply disappointed when these expectations are not met. Sometimes they can feel a need for revenge as well. Chicory helps diminish these intensive emotional demands, and Willow counters the tendency to react bitterly. We can come to terms with the supposed injustice and become more conciliatory.
Ungratefulness
due to never being satisfied: Chicory
Chicory is for people who can never seem to have enough.
due to bitterness: Willow
When resentment or denial of a desire causes us to forget everything that we do have, we need Willow.
Unhappiness → Depression
Unreliability
caused by an inability to make decisions: Scleranthus
People who have difficulty making decisions jump from one choice to the next. It often seems that they are being pressured to reverse their decisions, and they appear to be unreliable.
due to being too easily influenced: Walnut
When we are too easily influenced, we are not reliable and can often not even trust ourselves. Walnut helps us stay true to ourselves and hold our own course.
caused by distraction: Wild Oat
When we don’t know what we want, it’s easy to be distracted from our goals or to be interrupted from a task that we’ve started. Wild Oat helps us recognize what’s important and what’s right.
Unsociable, due to exhaustion *23/34
Unyielding → Stubbornness
unyieldingness with perfectionism *22/24
Used, allowing oneself to be → Good naturedness
Validation, need for: Cerato
We try desperately to avoid mistakes by asking others for their opinion, which makes us even more insecure.
Vanity: Heather (→ Inferiority, feelings of)
It is a healthy function of the psyche to want to be beautiful, adored, or important. Such desires motivate us to positive social behavior. When this behavior makes people unhappy because it is excessive or unrealistic, or becomes compulsive out of the fear of being rejected by society, or endangers our being able to get along with other people, it takes on a negative character. Heather can bring our need for recognition and popularity to tolerable (for ourselves and others) levels and reduce our fear of disgrace and humiliation.
vain youth *14/16
compulsive vanity *14/35
Vices, secret: Agrimony (→ Drug Abuse → Facade)
Victim → Self-sacrifice → Used, allowing oneself to be
Violence → Aggression
Vision Problems → Eye Conditions
Vocation, unsure of: Wild Oat
Wild Oat helps us rediscover meaning in our lives—either consciously or unconsciously, intellectually or practically. We can be happy only if we find our true calling.
Washing, compulsive: Crab Apple
Weak Personality
We are all blessed with a variety of talents and abilities, which form our personality. The more fully and purely this occurs, the more decisively we can strike out on our path in life. The strength of a personality consists of an inner aspect (how we treat ourselves) and an outer aspect (our relationships with others). People with stronger personalities are sure of themselves and behave correctly and confidently take their proper place in society. Whether they have a low or high social standing, they give the impression that they are confident in themselves and that they have a unified, whole personality. Weak personalities, on the other hand, cannot come to terms with themselves, with other people, or with life itself. They often give the impression that they are somehow underdeveloped or that something is missing. Bach flowers can help remedy these deficits.
with fear of the truth: Agrimony
Agrimony awakens within us the desire to be as we truly are. When we do not dare face the truth about ourselves, or when fear of other people causes us to be other than we are, we become weak and unstable and must constantly blind ourselves to important aspects of reality. We cannot develop a strong personality in such a state.
due to a lack of self-confidence: Centaury (→ Servility)
Only people who are psychically weak and defeated let themselves be used and deceive themselves. Centaury will help them become more aware of their rights and obligations and enable them to stand up to emotional blackmail and free them from a position of servitude. Naturally, this has nothing to do with people who serve others out of an inner sense of freedom and strength: they will not be used or blackmailed but act only out of a sense of inner joy.
with insecurity and mistrust of our instincts: Cerato
To help ensure our survival, nature endowed us with instincts and our critical faculties. Cerato helps us when we constantly seek the advice of others instead of finding the important answers for ourselves.
due to vanity: Heather
Vanity is not just compulsive cleanliness but has to do with the image we want to project to others as well. It is essentially a personal weakness because we depend upon the recognition, praise, or admiration of others and become dependent on trying to please them. Heather is especially suitable for treating that special form of vanity that is characterized by showing off and annoying boasting.
due to feelings of inferiority: Larch
Larch helps build self-confidence. It is helpful when we don’t pay attention to ourselves or don’t believe in ourselves and are therefore not taken seriously.
due to guilty thoughts: Pine
When we judge ourselves, we make ourselves weaker. A significant sign of a strong personality is self-reconciliation. If we carefully examine our guilty conscience, we realize that in very large measure it arises out of a fear of punishment and—taking all factors into account—that we acted the best we could under the circumstances. It’s senseless to judge ourselves, and the result is that we are voluntarily acting in a juvenile, obsequious manner. It makes more sense to get to know ourselves better and to learn to improve our actions from one day to the next.
due to indecisiveness: Scleranthus
The ability to make clear, thoughtful decisions is the sign of a strong personality. Scleranthus helps us when we let all of our divergent tendencies get the better of us.
due to psychic trauma: Star of Bethlehem
Being able to survive a severe mental or emotional trauma is an important factor of a strong, healthy personality. Star of Bethlehem helps restore our inner balance and maintain our mental and emotional resilience.
from being too easily influenced: Walnut
Staying true to oneself is one of the most important measures of a strong personality. It means the unity of being and doing and of internal and external life; without this unity, there is no contentment.
weak personality with dependence *4/5
weak will and personality *4/12
Weakness → Exhaustion
weakness with nostalgic tendencies *12/16
Weather, sensitivity to
Sensitivity to the weather signifies an instability of the vegetative nerve system, which can be caused by either a hereditary illness or hidden infections or can be a sign of a developing illness, which Bach essences can often help prevent.
with ominous feelings: Aspen
with fatigue: Elm + Olive
with irritability: Holly
with restlessness or fidgetiness: Impatiens
with moodiness or depression: Mustard
with the need for quiet and distance: Water Violet
Weepy → Hypersensitivity
Will, strong
A strength can become a weakness if it can’t be controlled or damages us.
makes us inflexible: Oak
as a cause of self-abuse: Rock
Water in the form of missionary pushiness: Vervain
with stubborn self-righteousness: Vine
Will, weak → Giving up
when we let ourselves be used too much: Centaury
when we give up too early when we encounter difficulties: Gentian
weak will and a weak personality *4/12
weak will and inattentiveness *7/12
weak will and hopelessness *12/13
weak will and daydreaming *12/16
weak will and a lack of self-confidence *12/19
weak will caused by psychic trauma *12/29
compliance due to hopelessness *4/13
Worries
hidden: Agrimony
fearful: Aspen
caused by a desire to possess: Chicory
about others: Red Chestnut
dominating the thoughts: White Chestnut
worries, secret *1/25
worries, vague and dominated by fear *2/25
worries, inducing rage *6/25 worrisome restlessness *18/25
worries, with fear *20/25
worrisome depression *21/25
worries, debilitating *23/25
worries, due to a bad conscience *24/25
worries causing panic *25/26
worries caused by negative experiences *25/29
worrisome thoughts *25/35
Wounds, mental and spiritual behind a happy facade *1/29
Yieldingness → Conformity → Compete, inability to
Zealous Convert → Know-it-all → Missionary Tendencies
We need Oak if we cannot give up once we have a goal in mind.