OPEN FORUM
NATIONAL JOURNAL OF HOMOEOPATHY 1994 Nov / Dec Vol III No 6.
Hasmukh Patel.

Flower Remedies (FR) : A Friend ... Indeed
(Editor: We had earlier taken up Biochemic Remedies as a topic for open forum. Now we take up Flower Remedies - For and Against. Readers please write in.)

Since the past few years, Flower Remedies (Bach) are receiving more attention than every before from the medical profession.

Flower remedies (FR) are the finest and simplest of all medicines and are the answer to the most dreaded aspect of homoeopathy - aggravation.

The following remedies would definitely lessen the suffering of the patients and the relatives:

1. Cherry Plum - Unbearable pains. Weeping from pains.
2. Star of Bethlehem - Shock to the economy (be it a positive one) helps to sustain the pains.
3. Sclerenthus - Tossing. Effects of suppressions.
4. Rock rose, Red Chestnut - To the relatives for terror or anxiety. To the doctor to keep the head cool as demanded by Dr. Kent. 

1. Any good observer, after the use of FR would be convinced that FR does not interfere with the action of the homoeopathic remedies (HR). On the contrary, it accelerates the curative process. They bring about changes in the symptoms and clear the picture for the next prescription. Of course, one has to use the FR with precision and in a very controlled manner along with the HR so as not to produce confusion.
2. I have made good use of FR in skin troubles where the patients become mad from the violent itching after the administration of the similimum (Scratching with the comb all night). A homoeopath can do nothing here, but watch helplessly the suffering of the patient. Cherry-plum (CP) comes to the rescue (most of the times). I have witnessed patients being ameliorated from itching with seconds and off to sleep after taking CP.
   CP is not the remedy for sleeplessness. In fact it was needed by the economy under the action of the similimum. Is this not enough to convince the most desired aspect of FR to homoeopathy?
   Kanjilal, in his famous case of skin disease, has narrated how the patient committed suicide because of the aggravation. Under similar circumstances one may find the solution in FR.
3. Many of our patients know about the single dose of homoeopathy therapy. They thus do not trust the placebos given. Some even avoid reporting back to save fees. With the intelligent use of FR they can be made to take placebos with faith. (note- FR require frequent repetition over a long period).
4. A homoeopath may be tense when an acute crisis occurs while treating a chronic case. Here FR will come to rescue. If the indicated FR is prescribed it will not interfere with the action of the homoeopathic remedy. The patient will in fact be relieved earlier than the due course of the acute crisis.
5. Homoeopathy falls short (if not it is at least, difficult to prescribe for) in certain aspects while FR can be prescribed with least effort. For example - adjustment difficulties or sleeplessness in a new house, seen specially in newly married girls or in persons with job transfers etc. - prescribe Walnut.
6. FR have a special advantage in removing the exciting cause or maintaining cause (non-physical) cause (Aphorism 7) where homoeopathy may fall short. Dr. Gallavardin has touched on this aspect, yet there are limitations. A person can be made to see the situation "(causa occassionalis) with a philosophical attitude. A jealous mother-in-law or a tyrant husband can be made normal.
7. FR are only 38 in number with few symptoms hence easier to learn.

There are many more advantages which an intelligent physician can perceive. I have never cured a chronic case with FR alone, but have made good use of them along with HR.

FR are not to be used routinely. I have cured a 14 year old girl with complaints of thumb sucking with Chicory (Fear alone and better company) instead of the routine - habit remedies. The thumb sucking was stopped from the very first day of treatment.

It is a waste to use FR in liquid form. Use in globule form (nos 20). 2 pills as dose has produced curative action even while they were on the tongue.

It is claimed that FR produce no side effects. In my experience FR lowers the vitality (when not indicated) making a person prone to infections. So use them with care and in regular observations.

In aggravation phase (pains) after the similimum in sciatica, rheumatism etc. Fr act like oil in troubled waters. FR cures in accordance with Herings law of cure. Probably their curative action begins from the more finer centers than that of HR.

Should we not be ready to prove everything which is good as advised by Dr. Nash? Wasnt Dr. Hahnemann himself progressive?

Let not the simplicity of this method deter you from its use, for you will find further your researches advance, the greater you will realize the simplicity of all creations. Final and complete healing will come from within, from the soul itself, which by its beneficence radiates harmony throughout the personality when allowed to do so." - Dr. Edward Bach (the inventor of Flower Remedies).

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