Bach Flower Remedies As an All-Natural Treatment For Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Bach Flower Remedies as an All-Natural Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is caused when a person experiences some type of traumatic event and feels intense fear and helplessness. Most often PTSD is associated with soldiers who have been in combat situations. (During World Wars I and II, it was known has “shell shock”; however, the term PTSD began to be used in relation to Vietnam veterans.) People do not have to experience combat situations, however, to fall victim to PTSD. Many people who have survived massive natural tragedies, such as earthquakes and floods, can succumb to PTSD. Also, survivors of rape and kidnapping can suffer from PTSD. Tranquillizers and psychotherapy are usually prescribed; however, there has been some investigation into more all-natural therapies, which often do not have the same adverse side-effects as other more conventional medications may have. Even the military is supporting research into alternative therapies and is even willing to hand out grants to fund research.

Among the all-natural alternative therapies are the Bach Flower Remedies. Dr. Edward Bach was a prominent London doctor during World War I and did research in immunology. He quit practicing, however, in 1930 after observing that doctors were treating the disease and not the patient. He felt that there was a connection between one’s physical health and one’s mental health and that the goal should be to achieve a balance. He left London and began to spend his time in the English countryside in order to discover what plants could naturally help to achieve this balance. He identified 38 flower essences, believing that the properties of the plants could best be derived from the flowers. His basic (or “stock”) therapy requires that several freshly-picked flowers be floated in pure spring water, which is set in a sunny place for several hours. Brandy is then added to the infusion. This flower essence can later be diluted with additional spring water and brandy to be given to patients. It is Bach’s “Rescue Therapy,” however, that is most frequently used and has been used to help PTSD victims get back to a balanced state and help to calm them. The Rescue Therapy includes the following 5 flower essences:

Cherry Plum: For those who think they may be having a nervous breakdown or fear that they may harm themselves or others. Helps these people to trust in themselves once again.

Clematis: For those who are escaping into a fantasy world and, as a result, are often disconnected. Helps to bring these people back to earth and reality.

Impatiens: For those who are irritable, critical, or impulsive and who are impatient with what they perceive to be the slowness of other people. Promotes patience and understanding of others and is a fast-acting remedy to stress.

Rock Rose: Helps calm those experiencing extreme fear and panic.

Star of Bethlehem: For those who have experienced some type of shock, whether recently or in the distant past. Helps them recover and cope.

Bach’s Rescue Therapy is most often taken by mouth, but it can also be used in the bath, used as a cream, or applied to the wrists and forehead. Bach therapies should only be administered by qualified and licensed Bach flower practitioners (BFRP).