Making Your Own Bach Remedies

Hello there!



Well we did it; we made it to Friday. Normally I would have my "Featured Blogger Friday" post, alas no one has stepped forward to be featured so instead I will be sharing how you can make Bach remedies all by yourself!  Edward Bach believed that many emotional, and mental problems could be treated through the extracts of plants, specifically wild flowers. So, my wonderful readers let's dig in.....

~Peace~

Making Your Own Bach Remedies

Using only wild flowers - as cultivated varieties didn't always work - Dr. Bach introduced 38 remedies for a variety of mental and emotional conditions. One of his best known cures, the Rescue Remedy - a combination of Cherry Plum, Clematis, Star of Bethlehem, Impatience and rock Rose extracts - is designed to alleviate stress, fear and shock.

Essences can be extracted in two ways. In the Sun Method, picked flowers are put into a glass bowl with fresh spring water and placed in the Sun for three hours. Since not all flowers bloom at a time of year with plenty of sunshine, the Boiling Method can also be used.

Here, flowers are boiled in water, which is then filtered. Generally , flowers from plants are treated by the Sun Method, while those from trees, shrubs and bushes are treated by the Boiling Method.

Equipment Needed

For both methods, you will need:

• 1 quart sprig water (not mineral water)
• Small Amber bottle
• 4 tbsp Brandy
• Glass measuring jug
• Glass funnel
• Labels
• Twigs for stirring

For The Sun Method~You will need a shallow glass bowl. For the boiling method, you'll need a large saucepan with a lid made of glass, enamel or stainless steel; a source of heat and unbleached filter papers.

• Always use glass containers as they are easier to keep sterile; flower essences easily pick up contaminates from plastics.

Harvesting Your Flowers

To prepare the stock essence for both methods of extraction, sterilize all your utensils by boiling for 20 minutes in pure water - rainwater is preferable.

Leave these air-dry and then wrap in a clean cloth. do not touch the insides of the utensils with your hands as sweat and body chemicals will be transferred onto them, contaminating the water.

Pick the flowers on a sunny day, in the morning between nine o'clock and midday. By this time the Sun has dried the dew, but the flowers are open and still fresh.

In order to retain the fresh essence of the flowers, transfer them to the prepared remedy water as soon as possible. If using the Sun Method, stand the glass bowl as near to the picking site as possible; you can use a camping stove for the Boiling Method if you are allowed to light a fire on the picking site.



The Methods

Sun Method:

  1. Pour the spring water into the bowl and float enough flowers until the whole surface is covered. Stir with a twig to distribute evenly.

  2. Place the bowl and flowers in full sunlight and leave for three hours. As the bowl is uncovered, place it well away from any shadows or sources of contamination.

  3. After three hours, use the twig to remove the flowers from the water. Remove all plant material.

  4.Measure 4 tbsp of the water into the jug and pour into the amber bottle using the funnel. Add the same volume of brandy to the bottle. Close e bottle and shake to mix the liquids. Label with the type of essence it contains and the date on which it was made.

Boiling Method:

  1. Collect sufficient flowering sprigs to fill the saucepan three-quarters full. Pour over the spring water until all the plant material is covered.

  2.  Cover the pan and place on a source of heat. Bring the water to boil and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally with a twig. Remove from the heat and leave out to cool.

  3. Using twigs, remove all the flower sprigs from the water and allow the remaining sediment to settle at the bottom of the pan.

  4. Carefully pour the flower liquid into the jug  using the funnel and the unbleached filter paper. Measure 4 tbsp into the amber bottle, and add the same volume of brandy. Close, shake and label as before.

Storing Your Remedies

Both the Sun and Boiling Methods will produce around half a cup of stock essence, or Mother Tincture - the homeopathic name for the dilutions of water and alcohol. As it is preserved in alcohol, it will last for years. The amber bottle protects it from light so there is no need to store in a dark place. Dilute personal remedies need more careful handling.

• Normally, your bottled essence will last for two or three weeks.

• If you keep it cool, preferably in the refrigerator, the water will stay fresh.

• If you carry the remedy with you, for example, in a pocket, for extended periods, or if you live in a warm climate, add 1 tsp of brandy, cider vinegar or apple vinegar to stop the water from stagnating.

Okay, that's the end...I would love to hear your experiences!