BOOK REVIEW The Encyclopedia of Bach Flower Therapy

The Encyclopedia of Bach Flower Therapy 

by Mechthild Scheffer

Healing Arts Press 2001 (400 pages)

I've delved a little into Homeopathic healing, in Hydrosols (which are homeopathic versions of Aromatherapy) and here lately, into Flower essences which is a form of energetics healing. Dr. Edward Bach was a British physician and homeopath who developed the Bach Flower Remedies in the 1930s. He believed that emotional well-being was key to overall health and created a system of 38 natural flower essences, each targeting specific emotional states. These remedies are designed to help balance emotions and support mental harmony.  This is something we are sore need of in today's world where we are in need of mental health care.

So, I am taking the plunge into Flower therapies and finding it a fascinating world.  Flower therapies differ significantly from essential oil aromatherapy but complements all the natural healing modalities so well. While essential oils focus on chemical compounds for their physical and sometimes pharmacological effects, flower essences concentrate solely on the subtle, energetic qualities of the flower. This means that rather than acting directly on physical symptoms, flower therapies are geared toward addressing the underlying emotional and spiritual aspects that often manifest as physical discomfort. This means that it goes beyond just addressing physical ailments and gets to the heart of what is causing the dis "ease" to manifest itself.

This massive book is a treasure trove that will help anyone learn all the ins and outs of energetic healing.  This is a comprehensive book for beginner, patient and practitioner as well.  This book came on the scene as the first to bring into English the building blocks behind the 38 flower energetics from Bach that combine into over 450 newly developed combination recommendations. The author explores how to hold a Bach Flower diagnostic interview, extensive dosage and treatment guidelines, a section of color photos showing differences and similarities between the Bach flowers, along with 120 full color photos of the flowers and even how-to's on making your own flower essences! 

My experience so far is with the Rescue Remedy in spray form, and it has been successful in keeping on hand during severe stress. Bach Rescue Remedy was developed by Dr. Edward Bach himself, who believed that physical illness was often linked to emotional imbalances. To address these challenges, he formulated a series of flower remedies, and Rescue Remedy emerged as an emergency aid designed to help quickly alleviate acute stress, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions.          

Bach Rescue Remedy is a carefully crafted blend of five Bach Flower Remedies, and it combines the energetic imprints of five specific flowers:

• Rock Rose: Helps alleviate overwhelming fear or terror.

• Impatiens: Aids those feeling extreme impatience or stress.

• Cherry Plum: Is used when there’s a fear of losing control.

• Star of Bethlehem: Addresses trauma and shock.

• Clematis: Aims to bring focus and prevent escapism into daydreams.

The remedy is intended for rapid use during moments when stress, anxiety, or panic strikes, offering a gentle, natural means to rebalance emotions when time doesn’t allow for a personalized selection from the full range of 38 Bach Flower Remedies. It is typically available in various forms such as drops, sprays, or pastilles so people can carry it with them and use it as needed in emergency situations.  Having Rescue Remedy on hand offers a sense of calm and reassurance in challenging moments. This makes it a popular, non-invasive support tool for managing everyday stresses—from interviews and public speaking to coping with sudden upsetting news.  It is quite a handy thing to have on hand.  It can be used for a wide variety of situations including, as stated within the book, "Before and after surgery...Before a funeral...Before a feared dentist visit...after disappointing news...after a car accident and much more.  Even animals and children can be helped with it.

Mechthild Scheffer is a German author and expert in Bach Flower Therapy. Born in 1938 in Potsdam, she introduced Dr. Edward Bach’s work to German-speaking countries in 1981. She has also developed Bach Flower harmonization based on reaction types and created six specific Bach flower mixtures for mental well-being. In 2007, she established the Bach Flower Power Park in Rechnitz, Austria, where visitors can experience all 38 Bach flower plants in a natural setting.  Scheffer has stepped back from active teaching, but her work remains influential, and her research continues to shape the field of flower therapy.