Dr. Bach wanted his system to be easy to use. You don’t need special techniques or mystical abilities. You just need to be honest with yourself and aware of your feelings.
Here’s a step by step guide – and for more help, go to the bottom of the page.
In the first instance, be clear about why you would like to take remedies
Perhaps you’re seeking help for a physical complaint such as asthma or arthritis or backache?
Dr. Bach found a correlation between the way we feel emotionally and the way we feel physically, so that better emotional balance often translates into more physical well-being.
But there is no Bach remedy aimed specifically at any physical ailment or condition. The remedies work purely on an emotional level. This applies, whatever your current problem is.
Which leads to the next step…
Think about your current feelings
Start by thinking about the way you feel at the moment. Do you feel worried? anxious? uncertain? sad? depressed?
It may be that you have had a setback and are left feeling discouraged. This could indicate the remedy Gentian. Or perhaps your son is about to start school and quite without cause, you are frightened that he will be bullied? – this could indicate Red Chestnut as it is the remedy for the fear that something bad will happen to loved ones.
Or perhaps you have been working too hard and are exhausted? – this could indicate the need for Olive.
Consult the list of remedies – there are only 38 – and see which ones best match your current feelings, your current mood, the way you are reacting to your situation and the people around you.
If you do have a physical problem, consider how it makes you feel emotionally. Do you feel frustrated, annoyed, resentful, discouraged, resigned about the condition? Are you always thinking it about it? Does it make you feel anxious?
As before, look through the list of remedies and find those that best match how you feel.
You could also think about your basic personality – the sort of person you are underneath everything else.
Perhaps you are someone who tends to be quiet, shy and timid, and doesn’t like meeting new people? – This might indicate that you are a Mimulus type.
On the other hand, maybe you recognise yourself as a Vervain person, full of enthusiasm and energy, and committed to justice for others?
Or you might be something of a loner, liking quiet pursuits and your own company, reserved and upright? – That would make you a Water Violet personality.
Don’t worry if you can’t find a personality remedy right away, though. The important thing is to select remedies for your current emotions.
Narrowing the choice
You can select and mix together up to six or seven different remedies at a time. Don’t worry if you make a wrong selection, because if a remedy isn’t needed it won’t do anything – it certainly won’t make things worse.
Experience has shown, however, that too many remedies taken at one time tend to lessen the effect. There is no point mixing all 38 to zap everything at once! – instead, consider your current feelings and the most important issues that concern you now.
If you find you have more than seven or eight remedies in your mix, you are probably including some that aren’t necessary. Leave out any that relate to feelings that are in the past, and any that aren’t really needed because another remedy is more accurate.
For example, if you have several remedies for fear in your mix, think about what it is you are actually afraid of, as it may be better to concentrate on the remedy that most accurately represents the quality of your anxiety.
Getting further help
If you would like to study the system for yourself, you can read a book – or you might like to join a Level 1 introductory class, either in a classroom, or via distance learning.
And if you need personal help making your selection – or if you get stuck and would like an outside opinion – you can always consult a Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner.
BFRPs act as teachers and advisers, and will help give you the confidence to select remedies for yourself, family and friends.