Lorraine May
For decades the Bach Flower Essences have been used alone, and in conjunction with other treatments, to heal. Yet, you will still hear people express doubt about their efficacy. Some people simply will not use anything but traditional approaches, and that is certainly their choice. But others have tried BFR and have been disappointed. I would like to point out some common errors and misunderstandings that I have become aware of.
In this article I will focus on Rescue Remedy, the five essence combination used for emergency situations, because it is the most widely known. An emergency situation, by the way, can be anything you deem one - from a car crash to fear of public speaking. The traumatic physiology of your body is present, whether you are mentally judging it as irrational or not! RR works exceptionally well along with the other appropriate emergency treatments one may require.
One problem area is with the dose. The information is generally shared in this way: ‘The standard dose for Rescue Remedy is four drops. Put it directly on your tongue, put it in a beverage, put in your dog’s water.’ Simple, isn‘t it? Yes, but this is only partial information. Four drops of RR can, and should, be repeated every 10 minutes or until a change is seen. The vibrations of the plant essences need ample time and dosage to harmoniously influence the body’s energy, thus raising the vibration, reinstating calm.
When I found a finch, stunned by a car and left in the highway, I held her in a paper towel, administering one drop of RR (for small animals) every now and again for about 20 minutes. Each time, she responded by swallowing and moving a little more. I kept administering one drop over and over again to her beak, until finally she stood up, looked at me, and flew off to the top of a tree. She demonstrated to me the exact amount of time and dosage!
Another common misunderstanding is that RR will be a panacea for whatever ails. Too often, people stop before investigating the other 38 individual essences, each of which has a specific focus and vibratory effect, as well as a powerful indication for underlying issues and long standing problems. Relying solely upon RR will inevitably bring disappointment.
One final error is in the actual administration of RR to someone other than yourself, especially during an emergency. Before I was aware of the remedies, a well meaning bystander tried to put a four drop dose of RR in my mouth. It was not as helpful or well received as it could have been if she had only accompanied her efforts with a few explanatory words: ’Hi. This is a safe natural remedy for emergencies. May I?’ I was not left with a favorable impression at that time!
Always include caution, kindness and manners with any dose!