Believing flowers possessed healing properties that affect our state of health, Dr Bach produced a series of remedies. Anne Woodham explains his philosophy

Dr Edward Bach, a bacteriologist, physician and homeopath practising in London at the beginning of the 20th century, was convinced that a healthy mind meant a healthy body. He believed that flowers could affect our state of mind and restore the balance necessary for good health and well-being. When he died in 1936, he had developed a complete self-help system of 38 essences, prepared from 37 flowers of wild plants, shrubs and trees, plus one from rock water.

Healing properties
Dr Bach identified the remedies by holding his hand over a plant, in the belief that he could intuitively recognise its healing properties. A dewdrop warming in the sun on a plant would acquire these properties, he said. Later, when he moved to Mount Vernon, the small house in Oxfordshire that is still the Dr Edward Bach Centre, he perfected the two methods of making plant essences that are used today.

In the first, known as the 'sun method', flowers are gathered at their fullest blossoming on a cloudless sunny day and laid in spring water in a glass bowl. The bowl is left in full sun for three to four hours and when the blossoms begin to wilt they are lifted out of the water with twigs from the same plant. The remaining water is preserved by adding alcohol and then diluted with more spring water before bottling.

Plants that blossom later in the year when the sun is not so strong are processed with the 'boiling method.' The blossoms, twigs and leaves of the plant are simmered in spring water for about 30 minutes. The mixture is left to cool and filtered, then prepared in the same way as in the 'sun method.'

How does it work?
Bach Flower Remedies are said to work in a similar way to homeopathic remedies: the diluted water is said to retain a 'memory' of the original substance even when there is no trace of it left. Sceptics point out that there are no scientific studies to support claims for the remedies, and analysis shows they contain only spring water and alcohol. On the other hand, the placebo effect of mind over body is very powerful - if a person believes that something will do them good, it often does.

What is it used for?
Bach (pronounced 'batch') Flower Remedies are claimed to help you deal with difficult emotions like jealousy or apprehension before they affect you at a deeper level. Each remedy is associated with a different mood, emotion or personality type, rather than a specific complaint.

For example, if you have constant worrying thoughts, White Chestnut may give you peace of mind and trust in a positive outcome. Or if you feel inferior to others and reluctant to attempt something because you feel certain you will fail, Larch may help you feel confident, capable and improve your self-esteem.

Rescue Remedy, used in times of emergency and everyday traumas such as before an exam or after an argument, is made of five Bach Flower Remedies: Impatiens, Clematis, Rock Rose, Cherry Plum and Star of Bethlehem. The remedies are simple to take. Dilute two drops in a glass of water (four if it's Rescue Remedy) and sip at intervals until relief is obtained.

What to watch out for
The remedies can be safely taken by all age groups and with conventional medicine.

How much does it cost?
An hour's consultation with a practitioner averages £20-£25, but could be more in London and South East England. Recommended retail price for Nelsons' general remedies is £3.15 for 10ml. Rescue Remedy is £3.70 for 10ml and £5.95 for 20ml.

How can I find it?
Bach Flower Remedies are available from health shops. If you need guidance in deciding which remedy is appropriate, a Bach Flower Remedy Practitioner will help you uncover your characteristics and fears. A typical consultation takes about an hour.

For further information and a list of practitioners contact:
The Dr Edward Bach Centre
Mount Vernon
Bakers Lane
Sotwell
Oxon OX10 0PZ
Tel 01491 834678
www.bachcentre.com

Bach Flower Remedies are manufactured and distributed by:
A.Nelson & Co Ltd
Broadheath House
83 Parkside
Wimbledon SW19 5LP
Tel 020 8780 4200
www.anelson.co.uk