Bach Remedies for FEAR

Sai Ram. Let us now take up the study of Bach Flowers in more detail.

Dr.Bach grouped the remedies into various categories based on their interaction with human emotions such Fear, Uncertianity, Loneliness, Depression etc.

We will now take up the remedies that will help us with Fear.

Fear comes from a sense of separation, from a sense of 'I' being separate and different from 'Not I'. This is from a spiritual angle. The ego is always afraid of change, which threatens its existence. Ego is limited, bound. So, it will have its boundaries, comfort zones. Even the most adventurous, change seeking ego has some limits beyond which the ego is unwilling to change and if change is thrust on it, fear may be a result.

From a worldly angle, Fear is no doubt a useful emotion. Fear is useful for survival. For example, either I am bitten by a snake or see some one bitten by a snake and see the consequences. Next time, when I see the snake, fear is my automatic reaction. Fear of a street dog (which may bite), fear of being mugged by a stranger on a dark street., all these are valid fears.

Fear helps us take proper precautions. But if the fear becomes a nuisance and it starts interfering in our day to day life, we need to do something about it. That is where Bach Flowers come into picture.

Specific fears like fear of snakes, fear of fire, fear of failure etc., are addressed by Mimulus. To see the picture of Mimulus and other Bach Flowers, pl. go to
http://www.skylarkbooks.co.uk/Shop/media/Prescribing-Bach-Flower-Remedies.htm#Rock-Rose
Apart from the picture, short descriptions of the indications for each Flower are given there. You can order the flower essences from there or buy the same from your neighborhood (which may be cheaper). That site also lists many of the standard books on Bach Flower Remedies and if you are interested, you may consider reading those books.

Please note that the information presented there (the photographs of the flowers and the short descriptions of their use) may be protected by copyright and so don't simply copy and paste into something else for sharing with your friends. Please give the link given above so that your friends can see the information directly.

Though the system of remedy selection is simple, the interpretation of some of the emotional expressions gives rise to different recommendations by different practitioners. The patients are encouraged to take an active part in remedy selection but it is not always feasible. So, what they express, needs to be interpreted by the practitioner and the same expression lends to different interpretation by different people.

For example, Mimulus is meant to help with specific fears, fears which can be named. But consider the following:
"I am afraid of losing my self control." (This may happen due to any cause. What is important is that the person feels so threatened that he/she feels on edge and feels the downfall is imminent)

On the face of it, it looks as if it is a specific fear and I may advise you to try Mimulus, but a better practitioner will recommend you Cherry Plum!

Again - "I am afraid for the safety of my young son, who has gone with his friends on a picnic." will require Red Chestnut.

How to differentiate? The following guidelines will help:

Mimulus is indicated in specific fears which affect the safety of that person, where as Red Chestnut is afraid for people whom they love.

Note: This type of differentiation - compare and contrast is very important and separates the good practitioner from an inefficient one.

Let us see briefly the main characteristics of the 5 different Flower Remedies indicated in Fears and Terror (which is intense Fear).

Mimulus - Specific fears - Fears of fire, snakes, cats, dogs, fire, thunderstorms etc., which threaten one's existence physically. Mimulus people (who will benefit from Mimulus) are generally shy, timid.

Aspen - Vague Fears - Fears which cannot be specifically named - General Anxiety - Palpitations caused by fear - Nervousness

Red Chestnut - Fear for the welfare of other people (not for oneself)

Rock Rose - Terror (intense fear), nightmares

Cherry Plum - Fear of losing one's control - desperation

We will take up some typical descriptive statements which involve the above Flowers in the next lesson.
Pl. feel free to discuss the ideas presented above and input your own ideas and experiences etc.