Through intensive study and research, information has recently come to light that Dr. Edward Bach, in addition to his "reactive" Rescue Remedy, also developed a "pro-active" remedy; a preventative, or Maintenance Remedy, totally unique to each individual.

Edward Bach (1886-1936) entered medical school in London in 1906 and practiced conventional medicine from 1912 until 1919, when he joined the staff of the London Homeopathic Hospital as a pathologist and bacteriologist. Impressed with homeopathic medicine, he gradually began to use herbs and plants in place of intestinal bacteria in homeopathic remedies. He noted that his patients often exhibited particular personality types or temperaments, and began to prescribe based on those observations. At the age of 43, he left medical practice and moved to the English countryside, where over the course of the next six years he developed the 38 flower essences or remedies that we are familiar with today.

Perhaps the most well known is his Rescue Remedy, an all-purpose combination of Cherry Plum, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose, and Star of Bethlehem, for treating immediate, unexpected cases of shock and emergency.

Dr. Bach’s personal philosophy about healing and life, was that "The main reason for the failure of modern medical science is that it is dealing with results and not causes … disease is in essence the result of conflict between Soul and Mind, and will never be eradicated except by spiritual and mental effort."

"The prevention and cure of disease," he believed, "could be found by discovering the wrong within ourselves and eradicating this fault by the earnest development of the virtue which will destroy it; not by fighting the wrong, but by bringing in such a flood of its opposing virtue that it will be swept from our natures."

In the course of his work, Dr. Bach identified 38 different flower remedies, and the emotional or psychological states that they affected. His remedies were primarily designed for use according to states of mind, based on his belief that a negative mental condition could be the primary cause of illness, and which, if left untreated, would hinder recovery.

Bach’s philosophy was that humanity shared twelve grouped types, each with distinct traits of character, personality, and temperament; recognisable by behaviour, attitude, and expression, especially in times of illness. Researching the moods from which each type suffers, he concluded that there were twelve states of mind:

• Fear
• Terror
• Mental torture or worry
• Indecision
• Indifference
• Doubt
• Over-concern
• Weakness
• Self-distrust
• Impatience
• Over-enthusiasm
• Pride

He chose twelve remedies—"healers"—that he felt corresponded to each of these states of mind; and related each "healer" to a sign of the zodiac, as he felt each sign had particular traits and weaknesses that could be overcome.

From these "correspondences"—state of mind - healers - birth sign—he went on to develop his Maintenance Remedy, which he intended for long term use to meet these natal, chronic, recurring conditions of personality, character, and mood.

To inspire and protect

It was through regular use that Dr. Bach felt astrology and flower remedies could combine to gently urge and inspire self-awareness and self-realisation; his Maintenance Remedy possessing equal capacity to dispel negative conditions, and encourage those constructive in nature; and protect against stressful natal aspects or harsh inter-planetary transits.

Not formulated to the homeopathic Law of Similars, Bach Flower Remedies will not cause adverse reactions and can be taken by children.

An astrologically derived "personal elixir"

The determination of each Maintenance Remedy based as it is on the interpretation of a natal or birth chart, is quite unique! The personal opinions and biases of the interpreter do not influence the outcome in any way; nor can there be fluctuation in interpretation due to personality, character, or mood—each individual’s Maintenance Remedy is as unique to them as are their fingerprints!

To leave you with the words of Dr. Bach, “Let not the simplicity of this method deter you from its use, for you will find the further your researches advance, the greater you will find the simplicity of all Creation.”

For further information, please visit www.inhltd.net.