Bach Flower Essences Combinations

One of the most difficult challenges when first starting to use flower essences is to know which ones to choose, but in formulating Rescue Remedy from five flower essences, Dr Bach himself paved the way for the use of combinations, or mixtures of essences designed for specific purposes.

More recently, observation of patterns of essences that are helpful in particular circumstances has led to the formulation of other combinations. The mixtures are not marketed as such, but are for you to make up at home, or to ask your friendly flower essence shop or practitioner to make up as an inexpensive treatment bottle. Interestingly, with the ever more widespread use of dowsing and kinesiology; some flower essence stockists are now permitting their clients to choose intuitively and make up their own personal combinations. Considering that some stockists now keep more than 500 different essences in stock form, this is a most helpful and proactive way of increasing access and helping people to help themselves. Very few of us could afford to buy a range of that size.

You might want to try some of the following combinations, suggest by Andrew Tresidder. If you have difficulty selecting one to start with, you might try a four to six week course of Relationship Mix, which has had great benefits for many people that have used it. Alternatively, many people carry unresolved sadness below the surface. Even if this is deeply buried, Change and Bereavement Mix or Blues Mix are superb combinations to help resolve such issues. Again, a course of several weeks will be of benefit.

• Relationship Mix

  Chicory, Gentian, Heather, Holly, Impatiens, Mustard, Pine, Red Chestnut, Sweet Chestnut, Vine, Walnut and Wilow.

For clear and honest communication and for forgiveness.

• Anger Mix

  Beech, Cherry Plum, Holly, Impatiens, Pine, Vine and Willow

For anger and irritation, for any wish to dominate, for control, for jealousy, or for bitterness and resentment.

• Confidence Mix

  Centaury, Chestnut Bud, Centain, Larch, Pine, Sweet Chestnut, Walnut and Wild Rose.

Builds inner confidence and constancy.

• Study and Intuition Mix

  Cerato, Chestnut Bud, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Water, Scleranthus, White Chestnut and Wild Oat. On occasions Wild Rose may be added.

Helps concentrated study, with enthusiasm, and without inner distractions.

• Change and Bereavement Mix

  Chestnut Bud, Gentian, Gorse, Heather, Honeysuckle, Mustard, Pine, Star of Bethlehem, Sweet Chestnut, Walnut, Wild Rose and Willow.

Valuable for all who have been bereaved, even in the distant past, this mix also helps you to cope with the changing circumstances of life.

• Carers and Worriers Mix

  Agrimony, Gentian, Heather, Red Chestnut, White Chestnut. For sleeplessness you can also add Vervain.

Carers often carry a heavy burden for a long time, both emotionally and physically. Therefore, Exhaustion Mix is an ideal accompaniment to this mix to help refresh and regenerate.

• Exhaustion Mix

  Elm, Gorse, Hornbeam, Mustard, Oak, Olive, Walnut and Wild Rose.

Useful as a pick me up after prolonged effort; also for those with responsibilities that sometimes feel too heavy.

• Leadership Mix

  Beech, Centaury, Cerato, Chestnut Bud, Elm, Heather, Holly, Impatiens, Oak, Red Chestnut, Rock Water, Scleranthus, Star of Bethlehem, Vervain, Vine, Walnut and Wild Oat.

Helps leaders to stay in emotional balance.

• Addictions Mix

  Agrimony, Cherry Plum, Clematis, Crab Apple, Gentian, Larch, Pine, Rock Rose, Star of Bethlehem, Walnut and White Chestnut.

This mix helps break psychological dependencies by strengthening emotional reserves. One of the main reasons addictions develop is insecurity - while small children may overcome this by sucking their thumbs, adults often adopt more harmful habits. This combination will usually need to be followed with a course of Relationship Mix

• Fears Mix

  Aspen, Cherry Plum, Mimulus, Rock Eose, Star of Bethlehem and White Chestnut.

For fears, terrors and nightmares, in both adults and children.

• Work Stress Mix

  Gentian, Hornbeam, Impatiens, Mustard, Olive, Rock Water, Vervain, Walnut and White Chestnut.

Refreshes and restores interest when you are stressed at work. Emergency Essence is also useful in this situation.

• Follow your Heart Mix

  Centaury, Cerato, Chestnut Bud, Pine, Rock Water and Wild Oat.

To help you follow your intuition and the path in life that is best for you, even if it is not obvious at present. Also helps to gain wisdom from life's experiences.

• Blues Mix

  Gentian, Gorse, Mustard, Sweet Chestnut, Walnut, Wild Rose and Willow.

Helps life low moods and sadness, and allows the sunshine back into life. Do not use it instead of prescribed conventional antidepressants, and always seek medical advice for feelings of depression.

• Insomnia Mix

  Impatiens, Rock Rose, Vervain and White Chestnut.

Useful for releasing mental and emotional patterns and for soothing and quietening any mental excitement that prevents refreshing sleep.