Bach Flower Descriptions

1. AGRIMONY - Right now the world seems a pretty troublesome, hostile place. While I do my best to laugh things off, they still get under my skin. I hide behind a smile to deflect as much garbage as possible, but underneath I worry - most of the time. It takes so much effort to stay on top of it all, and that really exhausts me. Its a jungle out there. This essence is for the jovial, cheerful, humorous people who love peace and are distressed by argument or quarrel, to avoid which they will agree to give up much. Though generally they have troubles and are tormented and restless and worried in mind or in body, they hide their cares behind their humour and jesting and are considered very good friends to know. They often take alcohol or drugs in excess, to stimulate themselves and help themselves bear their trials with cheerfulness. I am at peace within. I am honest with myself. I accept myself as I am. I allow others to see who I really am. I accept and respond creatively to conflict. 2. ASPEN - Lifes a constant battle of I WIN/YOU LOSE - and more of the time than I like to admit, Im losing. Sure, every now and then I manage to get my own back - but basically its all I can do to keep the mask on. And sometimes Im overcome with awful bouts of fear, panic even. I cant imagine why, either - yet suddenly Im in panic. Oh, the grind of it all! Its such a struggle just to make do! This essence is for vague unknown fears, for which there can be given no explanation, no reason. Yet the patient may be terrified of something terrible going to happen, he knows not what. These vague unexplainable fears may haunt by night or day. Sufferers often are afraid to tell their trouble to others. I have faith in life. I am open to lifes experiences. I know universal love is within all. I am filled with courage and inner strength. 3. BEECH - The hell with them! Most people are so stupid, so inconsequential! They say Im super-critical. So what? Someone has to shape them up! And so what if Im sarcastic? I resent them, I resent my life. God, if only I had something to be enthusiastic about! Id give almost anything to feel truly alive again! This essence is the remedy for people who 'feel the need to see more good and beauty in all that surrounds them.' Beech people are intolerant of people who are not just like them. They lack compassion and understanding of the different circumstances and different paths that other people are given, and fail to see that others too are working towards perfection but in different ways. Sometimes Beech intolerance is manifested as outbursts of irritability: the remedy helps to encourage tolerance and understanding, and as this happens so the irritability also fades.

I accept differences in the ways of others. I release all feelings of judgement. I see the goodness within others. I create well-being in any environment or situation. I forgive others as I forgive myself. 4. CENTAURY - Im tired almost all the time - exhausted. Its so hopeless, having to live according to others expectations. Im feeling victimised because I am victimised, all the time, by everybody. Even though I know Im letting it happen, Im so separated from myself that I seem to have no will of my own. Its awfully depressing. This essence is for kind, quiet, gentle people who are over-anxious to serve others. They overtax their strength in their endeavours. Their wish so grows upon them that they become more servants than willing helpers. Their good nature leads them to do more than their own share of work, and in so doing they may neglect their own particular mission in life. I am the master of my life. I know my own needs. I share from inner strength. I serve others by being true to myself. I serve others by my loving presence and energy. 5. CERATO - Deep down, I feel betrayed - by life itself. And yet I find myself acting as if the guilt was mine. I placate people, put up with them - even when they hurt me - anything to be acceptable. Sure, I have my own opinions, but thats less important than not rocking the boat (anymore than it is rocking now). I want some validation that Im OK, even if I have to compromise my own beliefs to get it. This essence is for those who have not sufficient confidence in themselves to make their own decisions. They constantly seek advice from others, and are often misguided. I trust my inner voice. I confidently follow what I know to be right for me. I am open to advice which is appropriate for me. 6. CHERRY PLUM - My lifes a flat, grey wasteland. Its hard to go on living when you feel this strung out and wasted. Im so out of touch with myself, I feel like Im going to have a nervous breakdown - or explode and do something terrible to someone in a fit of blind rage, or even do harm to myself. Its all too painfully bleak! This essence is for fear of the mind being over-strained, of reason giving way, of doing fearful and dreaded things, not wished and known wrong, yet there comes the thought and impulse to do them. I remain balanced under extreme stress. I surrender control to the wisdom of my higher self 7. CHESTNUT BUD - Nothing matters anymore. Everything I do seems wrong, so why bother doing anything? The same situations keep coming up again and again and I never get it right. If zombies have feelings, they must feel what I do - numb. If only I could forget the past! This essence is for those who do not take full advantage of observation and experience, and who take a longer time than others to learn the lessons of daily life. Whereas one experience would be enough for some, such people find it necessary to have more, sometimes several, before the lesson is learnt. Therefore, to their regret, they find themselves having to make the same error on different occasions when once would have been enough, or observation of others could have spared them even that one fault. I learn the lessons of my life experience. I am careful in my observation of life. 8. CHICORY - Damn right, Im mad! So would you, if youre denied the kind of life you want by others! I get no credit for all the things I do to help and support them - not even simple

understanding! Im not possessive or demanding - I just want the appreciation due me! And by God until I get it, therell be hell to pay! This essence is for those who are very mindful of the needs of others; they tend to be over-full of care for children, relatives, friends, always finding something that should be put right. They are continually correcting what they consider wrong, and enjoy doing so. They desire that those for whom they care should be near them. I love others for the sake of love itself. I am sensitive in my sharing with others. I respect the individuality of others. I know the source of universal love within me. 9. CLEMATIS - Nobody is interested in me and I resent that, deeply. So I just withdraw into my own thoughts and stick to my own company. What I make up mentally is a lot more interesting than whats going on out there in any case. Until someone takes an interest in me, Im not going to show interest to anybody. If I have to be alone, Id rather be by myself. This essence is for those who are dreamy, drowsy, not fully awake, no great interest in life. Quiet people, not really happy in their present circumstances, living more in the future than in the present; living in hopes of happier times, when their ideals may come true. In illness some make little or no effort to get well, and in certain cases may even look forward to death, in the hope of better times; or maybe, meeting again some beloved one whom they have lost. I am fully awake, here and now. I am inspired to create practical realisation of my ideals. I am interesting enough for myself. 10. CRAB APPLE - I put up with almost anything except disease symptoms and poor hygiene. Uncleanliness, blemishes of any kind - physical problems like that obsess me. Its important to take care of such conditions immediately. Ive been doctor-shopping for years to get rid of my own symptoms. I dont want any symptoms to show. Appearance is terribly important. In fact, thats about all that really matters. This is the remedy of cleansing. For those who feel as if they had something not quite clean about themselves. Often it is something of apparently little importance: in others there may be more serious disease which is almost disregarded compared to the one thing on which they concentrate. In both types they are anxious to be free from the one particular thing which is greatest in their minds and which seems so essential to them that it should be cured. They become despondent if treatment fails. Being a cleanser, this remedy purifies wounds if the patient has reason to believe that some poison has entered which must be drawn out. I experience cleansing on all levels of being. I know inner purification as a way to more clarity of consciousness. I accept my imperfections as I grow more healthy and balanced. I feel clean and harmonious. 11. ELM - I take on so much responsibility because if I dont, Ill lose the love, attention and appreciation I so desperately desire. Better I martyr myself than let anybody down. However inadequate I may feel about attaining perfection, its worth striving for, even if it kills me. Attaining brings the only assurance life has to offer. I cant let my standards down, I cant let others down - that would be the ultimate betrayal. This essence is for those who are doing good work, are following the calling of their life and who hope to do something of importance, and this often for the benefit of humanity. At times there may be periods of depression when they feel that the task they have undertaken is too difficult, and not within the power of a human being.

I release the burden of perfectionistic striving. I have all the help I need. I know that I am a channel for this work being done through me. I am confident in fulfilling my lifes mission. 12. GENTIAN - Theres nothing I can do about the mess Im in. You cant talk about self-doubt or discouragement. It wouldnt make any difference because they dont care. Besides, to talk about things like that only make them worse. Resentment, silence and withdrawal have become a way of life. Indifference is better than more rejection. This essence is for those who are easily discouraged. They may be progressing well in illness, or in the affairs of their daily life, but any small delay or hindrance to progress causes doubt and soon disheartens them. I take responsibility for creating my reality. I am confident of ultimate success. I persevere despite seeming setbacks. I accept each experience as a valuable lesson. 13. GORSE - Ive given up. My situation is hopeless, and Im helpless - blocked at every turn. Under my mask Im in despair, almost catatonic in the face of what more might go wrong! I know Ill carry that anxiety all the rest of my life. Frankly, Ive lost heart through fear. This essence is for very great hopelessness, they have given up belief that more can be done for them. Under persuasion or to please others they may try different treatments, at the same time assuring those around that there is so little hope of relief. I accept the ups and downs of life. I remain hopeful despite difficulties. I have faith in life. 14. HEATHER - God knows I always try to do my best! Still, even when I have nothing to do with what goes wrong, I cant help feeling guilty. And I cant help going into grief over my own, real failures or illnesses or faults. Please understand and accept me - tell me Ive been doing right. And please, dont leave me alone. This essence is for those who are always seeking the companionship of anyone who may be available, as they find it necessary to discuss their own affairs with others, no matter who it may be. They are very unhappy if they have to be alone for any length of time. I am quiet within. I nourish myself from within. I forget self-concern in caring for others. I am able to truly hear others. I am heard. 15. HOLLY - I will not accept any question of my authority! And I want this situation corrected right now! I will not allow myself to lose control of life again - ever! Strike while the irons hot! Move! Do it now! Or youll have a real battle on your hands! For those who sometimes are attacked by thoughts of such kind as jealousy, envy, revenge, suspicion. For the different forms of vexation. Within themselves they may suffer much, often when there is no real cause for their unhappiness. I open my heart. I express the love I feel and receive the love of others. I feel my unity with all life in a universe of abundance. I respond to others with understanding and compassion. 16. HONEYSUCKLE - I simply cant face up to my present problems because I might lose my temper and do something awful! Rather than risk that, I dwell on the good, happy things that have happened in the past. That keeps me calm and under control. No-one wants to deal with all their pent-up rage anyway. Least of all myself.

This essence is for those who live much in the past, perhaps a time of great happiness, or memories of a lost friend, or ambitions which have not come true. They do not expect further happiness such as they have had. I am here now. I am centred in present activities. I learn from the past, while letting it go. 17. HORNBEAM - I can still function, but just barely. Mentally Im exhausted. Responsibilities, relationships, they make me so weary. And, frankly, thats the only thing that sees me through. When youre exhausted no-one expects much of you - they dont ask you to do more than youre able. That way, Im not so likely to fail. This essence is for those who feel that they have not sufficient strength, mentally or physically, to carry the burden of life placed upon them; the affairs of every day seem too much for them to accomplish, though they generally succeed in fulfilling their task. For those who believe that some part, of mind or body, needs to be strengthened before they can easily fulfil their work. I have all the energy I need. I am interested and involved in all that I do. 18. . IMPATIENS - I want oneness, with everything and everybody. But I see constant signals that Im not acceptable; signals of rejection and disinterest. Its not that Im impatient, its that Im so aware of being shut out, denied. Naturally, I prefer to work alone. Then I dont have to deal with that awful separated feeling that comes with differences of opinion and belief. This essence is for those who are quick in thought and action and who wish all things to be done without hesitation or delay. When ill they are anxious for a hasty recovery. They find it very difficult to be patient with people who are slow, as they consider it wrong and a waste of time, and they will endeavour to make such people quicker in all ways. They often prefer to work and think alone, so that they can do everything at their own speed. I am patient and understanding. I accept the flow of life, and the pace of others. I allow lifes processes time to unfold. I feel soothed in mind and body. 19. LARCH - Why try if youre only going to fail? My way of staying in control is not to do anything at all. But thats just my way. Im hostile towards myself, not you. Ill applaud your success - just dont look for me to have any. Ive checked out; the enemy is me. This essence is for those who do not consider themselves as good or capable as those around them, who expect failure, who feel that they will never be a success, and so do not venture or make a strong enough attempt to succeed. I act with confidence. I find success in growing from each experience. I express myself creatively. 20. MIMULUS - Im shy, terminally shy. Ive suffered too many rejections to jeopardize myself again. How I yearn to find oneness with other people! Instead, I feel a wall between us. Theyre on one side, Im on the other, all alone, shut out. I feel so separated from emotion. From myself, really. This essence is for fear of worldly things, illness, pain, accidents, poverty, of dark, of being alone, of misfortune. The fears of everyday life. These people quietly and secretly bear their dread, they do not freely speak of it to others. I act with courage and inner strength. I recognise each difficulty as an opportunity for growth. I accept lifes patterns and forms of experience, and work with them. They drew a circle that shut me out - but I drew a circle that took them in.

21. MUSTARD - Much of the time Im in attunement with my world, personally and professionally. Then all at once something happens and I fall from grace. Its like being in a pit, with no escape. I check out, withdraw, dont want to see anybody or do anything. Sometimes this lasts for hours, sometimes days or even longer. Then, just as suddenly, I feel attuned again - free to function, just humming along. This essence is for those who are liable to times of gloom, or even despair, as though a cold dark cloud overshadowed them and hid the light and the joy of life. It may not be possible to give any reason or explanation for such attacks. Under these conditions it is almost impossible to appear happy or cheerful. I am moving into the light. I am filled with the joy of life. I have faith in my process of growth and integration. I am filled with serenity and peace of mind. I am attuned to present time all of the time. 22. OAK - I act out of strength when I feel threatened. Thats my way to prove self-worth. Even in despair I fight back because Im a survivor, a rock of Gibraltar. I guess thats why other people seem to expect Ill shoulder their burdens along with mine. Too much of the time, Im fool enough to do just that. Suckered again! I could sure use some appreciation! This essence is for those who are struggling and fighting strongly to get well, or in connection with the affairs of their daily life. They will go on trying one thing after another, though their case may seem hopeless. They will fight on. They are discontented with themselves if illness interferes with their duties or helping. I release struggle and flow with life. I feel strong and energetic. I free others to carry their own responsibilities. 23. OLIVE - Working too hard, or prolonged emotional stress or illness, exhausts me physically. Sure, my mind gets tired at such times, but its from a physical cause. My sense of separation is from my body. I dont feel like its mine anymore. I just want to crawl into bed and pull the covers over my head. This essence is for those who have suffered much mentally or physically and are so exhausted and weary that they feel they have no more strength to make any effort. Daily life is hard work for them, without pleasure. I feel revitalised in body and mind. I make conscious use of all my energy. I know my limits in sharing with others. I tap into an unlimited energy source within me. 24. PINE - I dwell on my mistakes and failures. Actually, the obsess me. Its as if I can never perform as well as I want to. Other people tell me I set my sights too high, that my ideals are unrealistic. They dont understand. When I do achieve my ideals, Ill find myself. Until then, I can only go on trying, no matter the cost in fear and guilt. I must attain perfection. Anything less is like dying without being dead. This essence is for those who blame themselves. Even when successful they think that they could have done better, and are never content with their efforts or the results. They are hard-working and suffer much from the faults they attach to themselves. Sometimes if there is any mistake it is due to another, but they will claim responsibility even for that. I accept myself. I release all feelings of guilt and self-blame. I honour the unique expression of life which flows through me. I have faith in the wisdom of the inner-self.

25. RED CHESTNUT - People accuse me of being overly protective. And they criticise me for my anxiety about others well-being too. But when you feel so lost to yourself, all you have to care about is other people. What else matters but to make the world a better place for others to live in and be happy? Maybe in doing so, Ill find the oneness with them that I cant find within myself. This essence is for those who find it difficult not to be anxious for other people. Often they have ceased to worry about themselves, but for those of whom they are fond they may suffer much, frequently anticipating that some unfortunate thing may happen to them. I maintain my own psychic space. I have a healthy detachment from the problems of others. I send calm, healing thoughts to others in need. 26. ROCK ROSE - Im OK during confrontations or accidents, but afterwards, Im in terror. Its as if the worst should have happened to me - as if Im still waiting to be punished or struck down. For what, I dont know. There must be a whole lot of grief and guilt locked away in my subconscious. I dare not take a look at that. Irrational fear is safer than irrational selfcondemnation, isnt it? This essence is the remedy of emergency for cases where there even appears no hope. In accident or sudden illness, or when the patient is very frightened or terrified or if the condition is serious enough to cause great fear to those around. I face the most extreme challenges with unshakeable courage. I transcend limited identification with my personality and body. 27. ROCK WATER - People think Im inflexible - irrational even - when it comes to living out the letter of the law. Perhaps. Yet, if so, that applies only to myself (and those over whose lives I have direct control). On the other hand, this world would be a better place to live in if everyone tried to be as responsible as I am. In fact, Ive denied my own feelings in order to become a living testimony to the right thing, the right way. Thats worthy of respect, not resentment. This essence is for those who are very strict in their way of living; they deny themselves many of the joys and pleasures of life because they consider it might interfere with their work. They are hard masters to themselves. They wish to be well and strong and active, and will do anything which they believe will keep them so. They hope to be examples which will appeal to others who may then follow their ideas and be better as a result. I flow with lifes natural rhythm and order. I relax with myself. I nurture all aspects of my being. I am flexible in applying my ideals. 28. SCLERANTHUS - Im not really indecisive or inconsistent or non-productive. Its just that I attune to both sides when it comes to conflicts and issues. This does make me feel unsure of whats best for me. Sometimes I feel so unsure of my own position that I have to go indifferent to protect myself. Caught between opposing forces, I feel totally immobilised. This essence is for those who suffer much from being unable to decide between two things, first one seeming right then the other. They are usually quiet people, and bear their difficulty alone, as they are not inclined to discuss it with others. I am decisive in thought and action. I am balanced and stable. I act from inner certainty. 29. STAR OF BETHLEHEM - Im feeling divorced from myself. Whats happening is too overwhelming to do anything about. Physical or mental, whatever the cause, Im separated from

my life, my destiny. I know its irrational - this complete withdrawal - but I feel so totally alone, so empty! I need help to re-connect with myself and I need it right now. This essence is for those in great distress under conditions which for a time produce great unhappiness. The shock of serious news, the loss of some one dear, the fright following an accident, and such like. For those who for a time refuse to be consoled this remedy brings comfort. I feel calm and soothed. I am free of the influences of past or present trauma. 30. SWEET CHESTNUT - I passed my limit of endurance long ago. Im just existing, and that existence is absolutely futile. My life means nothing, I mean nothing. Theres no recourse anywhere, not from the outside, not from within. Even suicide wouldnt make a difference. I feel like Im dead right now. This essence is for those moments which happen to some people when the anguish is so great as to seem to be unbearable. When the mind or body feels as if it had borne to the uttermost limit of its endurance, and that now it must give way. When it seems there is nothing but destruction and annihilation left to face. I am sustained by the power of the light. I know the ultimate source of peace within. I surrender to the transformative process. 31. VERVAIN - You bet Im irritable! The world is populated with bone-heads and cursed with smallness of vision - all of which keeps me from doing what I want to do! I hate obstructions and obstructionists! They make me pace the floor at night because of stress and strain. God, how I resent the pack of fools Im forced to deal with! This essence is for those with fixed principles and ideas, which they are confident are right, and which they very rare