Even gentler than homeopathy, flower remedies aim to combat stress and illness by balancing our emotional energies. It’s easy to see why people should think flowers can heal psychological wounds. Their delicate beauty and fragrance have always been linked with spirituality.

In the 1930s, idealistic homeopath Dr Edward Bach came to believe flowers have an affinity with the human soul and could put people back in turn with their higher natures. This in turn would reduce illness, which is so often caused by mental stresses.

He developed a range of 38 essences, which he believed dealt with every emotional state people could suffer.

The remedies aren’t claimed to solve problems directly, but are aimed at helping people bring their feelings back into balance.

Since then other practitioners around the world have taken up the idea and there are now about two dozen different ranges containing more than 1,200 remedies. That’s everything from New Zealand’s abelia, which helps balance our rational and emotional sides to the African zinnia, which helps us loosen up and re-learn to laugh.

Bach remedies seem to be the easiest to find – the little bottles are widely sold in chemists and health stores. You can use up to a half a dozen at a time, putting a few drops in a drink or straight onto your tongue. Rescue Remedy is the best known – a blend of impatiens, star of Bethlehem, cherry plum, rock rose and clematis to relieve stress and panic in an emergency. Some remedies contain alcohol in them as a preservative, and are harmless. They can be used alongside any medical treatment.

Bach Remedies for Stress

The following remedies can have a marked effect on you when you are feeling stressed out. They will help you relax.

At least one of the following remedies will be suitable for you – however bad your mood!

Impatiens if you’re energetic, but tense
Cherry Plum if it’s all getting too much and you feel you can’t cope anymore.
Rock rose for frozen terror and a sense of helplessness.
Star of Bethlehem for the after effects of shock.
Agrimony for mental torment behind a brave face.
Aspen for fears of unknown origin.
Elm if overwhelmed by responsibility.
Gorse for despair.
Red Chestnut when you’re over concerned for others.
Sweet Chestnut for extreme mental anguish.
White chestnut for obsessive worrying
Wild Rose for apathy