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Clematis – The Clematis flower essence type is a dreamy one; there is insufficient interest in
immediate moment of daily life. The individual may have a strong inner life – abilities to dream, visualize and imagine are well developed, but manifestation into physical world is not strong. Clematis can help bring a warmth to bodily incarnation, such that individual can channel their great gifts into here and now.
Agrimony – The Agimony flower essence type tends to hide more deeply rooted pain or ailments behind a cheerful façade, both inwardly and outwardly. They may make light of their own suffering, or try to ignore it all together, when really there are patterns and feelings which need to be addressed for personal growth and healing. These individuals may have been raised in strict environments, which may not have allowed expression of such troubles. Agrimony flower essence can help them find inner peace, by allowing connection to true inner conditions, acceptance of these conditions, and subsequent transformation.
Chicory – Filled with self-pity, and ‘nobody appreciates me’ attitude, Chicory flower essence type squanders their light by demanding it from others. A guise of seemingly loving behavior can be used to manipulate others into feeding somewhat selfish needs. The Chicory essence is considered important for clearing loving energy pathways so they may be directed outward and given freely. May be particularly helpful with children who have a pattern of negative behavior for demanding attention.
Vervain – The lesson of Vervain flower essence is one of balance. The individual in need of Vervain may be extreme, over-bearing, and very strong – perhaps inflexible – in their ways. Though their energies are high, single-minded efforts of Vervain type can result in stress, when given situations where flexibility is required. This is where mind-body connection can be lost; mind can be so strongly committed to a particular action, it may no longer consider long-term effects to physical being. Vervain flower essence brings grounding and earthly balance, allowing these strong-willed individuals flexibility necessary to manifest their great intentions and efforts.
Centaury - The flower essence for those who cannot say no. The Chicory essence type finds their reason for being in service and acceptance of others. The result is no true value of self, and spreading thin of personal energies. There is recurrent theme of personal boundaries being overstepped, because will to create and enforce those boundaries is weak. Chicory flower essence strengthens value of one’s self, supporting notion that one’s life in and of itself is of importance. The idea that one must truly be honoring and respectful to one’s self first, before others can be served, is reinforced – It is then that personal healing can finally be initiated as a powerful force.
Scleranthus – The personality in need of Scleranthus flower essence is marked by indecision, confusion and hesitation, often wavering between two choices. This inability to decide best course of actions for one’s self can be physically and emotionally draining – this mental energy is used repeatedly examining a situation rather than manifesting best choice. The world can be a difficult place for such individuals, as there are limitless possibilities in which to get lost, never really making headway. Scleranthus will help these individuals define themselves and their world, summoning strength to form an inner resolve. This allows a great release of energy to be happy and manifest one’s chosen work.
Water Violet – This important flower essence is about opening of heart. Those in need of this essence may be functioning quite effectively in society and within their familial relationships, however, deepest parts of these bonds are avoided. Whether due to childhood experiences, karma brought to this life from past, or other situations, individual has constructed a barrier preventing full integration with human family. The true warmth of love and companionship should be utilized to further one’s growth – Water Violet flower essence supports this transformation.
Rock Rose – This is flower essence for great fear. Unlike Mimulus, which is indicated more for a fear which manifests as being ‘timid’, Rock Rose addresses terror. It is often indicated in traumatic events (as a component of Rescue Remedy) or for specific instances where a reaction of overwhelming fear is inhibiting further growth or healing. If one has been diagnosed with a life threatening illness, for example, and one is overcome with fear of death, this fear will inhibit any healing process that may take place. Rock Rose brings courage to those most in need.
Cerato – Cerato flower essence types do not trust their own hearts, minds or instincts; instead they seek advice of others, and rely on this advice to direct their lives. This almost certainly creates an imbalance, for it is only by honestly listening to our own inner voice that we may walk path to true physical and emotional wellness. While seeking advice is certainly important in most of life’s circumstances, Cerato type uses this advice as a crutch. Cerato flower essence will encourage one to listen to one’s own inner wisdom and facilitate spiritual growth in this respect.
This concludes summary of ‘Twelve Healers’ – flower essences Dr. Edward Bach considered key to transforming root personality imbalances. As a physician, Dr. Bach believed that one or more of these imbalances was to be found associated with illness of each patient, and that if these imbalances were addressed, conditions necessary for healing may successfully arise. Of course one does not necessarily need to be outwardly manifesting a state of dis-ease to find benefit in these flower essences; through bringing balance to any person, they may further their personal development and heighten their life’s experience.
In next part of this article, we will look at ‘Seven Helpers’ – Flower essences Dr. Bach considered useful in chronic states of illness.
Misty is a Naturopath and Yoga Teacher in Boulder, Colorado. She is the owner of Ananda Apothecary, an online dispensery of Essential Oils and Flower Essences. Misty employs Bach Flower Essences in her professional practice, finding them a gentle yet effective way to give momentum to her clients' healing.
