...is the remedy for deep gloom and depression that descends for no apparent reason out of a clear blue sky. People in this state often list all the reasons they have to feel happy and contented, but still everything looks black and hopeless to them.

The remedy helps to dispel the clouds so that the person can once again find joy and peace in life.

Dr Bach's description

Those who are liable to times of gloom, or even despair, as though a cold dark cloud overshadowed them and hid the light and the joy of life. It may not be possible to give any reason or explanation for such attacks. Under these conditions it is almost impossible to appear happy or cheerful.

Oak - the plodder who keeps going past the point of exhaustion

Oak...

...is the remedy for strong, steady people who never give up under adversity. Instead they plod on with determination, and never consider resting until they are past the point of exhaustion. Because they are so steady they often have many people relying on them, and their sense of duty is strong, so that they can feel frustrated and unhappy if illness or exhaustion get in the way of discharging duties.

So much is positive about the Oak person, but the negative side is the stubborn refusal to rest or sit back when the need for rest is obvious to all around. The remedy is used to help the Oak remain strong in adversity and not crack under the strain, while at the same time a different wisdom is learned, so that the person in this state can learn when not to strive.

Dr Bach's description

For those who are struggling and fighting strongly to get well, or in connection with the affairs of their daily life. They will go on trying one thing after another, though their case may seem hopeless. They will fight on. They are discontented with themselves if illness interferes with their duties or helping others. They are brave people, fighting against great difficulties, without loss of hope or effort.

Olive - exhaustion following mental or physical effort

Olive...

...is the remedy for tiredness and exhaustion after an effort of some kind, such as hard physical or mental labour, or the long struggle against illness. It can be usefully contrasted with Hornbeam, which is the remedy for tiredness felt even before an effort has been made.

The remedy is given to restore feelings of strength and the faith needed to continue.

Dr Bach's description

Those who have suffered much mentally or physically and are so exhausted and weary that they feel they have no more strength to make any effort. Daily life is hard work for them, without pleasure.

Pine - guilt

Pine...

... is for people who blame themselves for something they feel they have done in the past, some neglect of a parent, some fault in themselves, something they have left undone, and for those who reproach themselves that, even though they may have been successful in their work, they should have done better. They are never, as Dr Bach writes in "The Twelve Healers", content with their own efforts or the results. They also at times tend to claim responsibility for the mistakes made by others.

They are perfectionists and set themselves high standards, and this may cause them to over-work and strain to do better, and when the strain becomes too much for the physical body, they blame themselves for the ensuing illness as they feel they are failing in their duty to others, to their work and the family responsibilities. This guilt-complex takes so much of the joy out of their lives and they become despondent and begin to despair. They can often feel so guilty about some minor matter that these thoughts fill their minds and they are always asking for forgiveness.

Dr Bach said that this feeling of guilt and self-reproach was a waste of time, for the faults of the past are but experiences to teach us not to make the same mistakes again. A lesson once learnt will guide us happily through any same experience in the future. The positive aspect of Pine is seen in those who acknowledge their faults but do not waste time dwelling on them, having learnt from them to avoid repetition. They are those who are willing to take responsibility and bear the burdens of others if it will truly help them, but having the wisdom to know this is not always the best way of helping. They have great powers of perseverance and are humble about these gifts

Dr Bach's description

For those who blame themselves. Even when successful they think that they could have done better, and are never content with their efforts or the results. They are hard-working and suffer much from the faults they attach to themselves. Sometimes if there is any mistake it is due to another, but they will claim responsibility even for that.

Red Chestnut - over-concern for the welfare of loved ones

Red Chestnut...

...is for people who feel fear for the well-being of others: the husband afraid when his wife goes out alone after dark, the mother fretting over what may happen to her child at school. Red Chestnut fears are natural, normal concerns magnified to the point where they may have a negative effect on the person who is the object of concern, destroying confidence and undermining self-belief.

The remedy helps people in this state to send out calm, unworried thoughts to their loved ones, so that instead of making everyone anxious they are rocks of strength on whom others lean..

Dr Bach's description

For those who find it difficult not to be anxious for other people. Often they have ceased to worry about themselves, but for those of whom they are fond they may suffer much, frequently anticipating that some unfortunate thing may happen to them.

Rock Rose - terror and fright

Rock Rose...

...is the remedy against terror, and as such is an important ingredient in Rescue Remedy. The Rock Rose state may start out as a Mimulus, Aspen or Red Chestnut state, but it is further along the path from any of these, being a panicky, terrorstruck fear that makes conscious thought and decision next to impossible.

The remedy provides calm and courage. The self is forgotten and strength reappears.

Dr Bach's description

The rescue remedy. The remedy of emergency for cases where there even appears no hope. In accident or sudden illness, or when the patient is very frightened or terrified or if the condition is serious enough to cause great fear to those around. If the patient is not conscious the lips may be moistened with the remedy. Other remedies in addition may also be required, as, for example, if there is unconsciousness, which is a deep, sleepy state, Clematis ; if there is torture, Agrimony, and so on.

Rock Water - self-denial, rigidity and self-repression

Rock Water...

...is the remedy for people who take self-repression and self-denial to extremes. They are very wrapped up in themselves, seeking always to perfect themselves in some way and setting themselves targets and being very unkind to themselves if they fail to live according to their own rules. If they seek to influence others it is not directly but by example only.

The Rock Water remedy does not stop people from having high ideals or from trying to meet them. But it does help ease the excesses of the Rock Water personality, so that people like this can show more flexibility when it is necessary, and are not so hard on themselves.

Dr Bach's description

Those who are very strict in their way of living; they deny themselves many of the joys and pleasures of life because they consider it might interfere with their work. They are hard masters to themselves. They wish to be well and strong and active, and will do anything which they believe will keep them so. They hope to be examples which will appeal to others who may then follow their ideas and be better as a result.

Scleranthus - inability to choose between alternatives

Scleranthus...

...is the remedy for people who find it difficult to make up their minds which option of two or more they ought to choose. The Scleranthus indecision commonly affects the small decisions of life as much as the big ones: 'should I marry Joe or Peter?' and 'should I buy a red notebook or a blue one?' are both Scleranthus states.

Sometimes the chronic uncertainty of the Scleranthus person manifests itself in other ways. There may be mood swings and even motion sickness: although these symptoms are not in themselves infallible guides to Scleranthus, but only signs that this is a remedy to consider. In any case, the remedy is given to help the person to act more decisively and know his or her own mind.

Dr Bach's description

Those who suffer much from being unable to decide between two things, first one seeming right then the other. They are usually quiet people, and bear their difficulty alone, as they are not inclined to discuss it with others.

Star of Bethlehem - shock

Star of Bethlehem...

...is one of the remedies in the Rescue Remedy. It isthe remedy for the after-effects of any shock, such as unexpected bad news or an unexpected and unwelcome event. And it can be used just as well for the effects of a shock received many years ago, even very early in childhood.

This is also the remedy for the sense of emptiness and loss that sometimes occurs when a loved one dies or moves away, since this too can be a great shock to the system. Star of Bethlehem is the comforting remedy to give in such circumstances.

Dr Bach's description

For those in great distress under conditions which for a time produce great unhappiness. The shock of serious news, the loss of some one dear, the fright following an accident, and such like. For those who for a time refuse to be consoled this remedy brings comfort.

Sweet Chestnut - Extreme mental anguish, when everything has been tried and there is no light left

Sweet Chestnut...

...is the remedy for people who have reached the limits of their endurance, who have explored all avenues but see no way out of their difficulties, and who feel that there is nothing left for them but annihilation and emptiness. Whereas people in a Gorse state have fallen into a state of hopelessness when there are actually possible solutions all around, the person in a Sweet Chestnut state is genuinely at the end of the line: theirs is appalling, final despair.

The remedy helps people in this extreme state to remain masters of their lives and renew their hope and strength. And sometimes a way out may open even at this stage of life.

Dr Bach's description

For those moments which happen to some people when the anguish is so great as to seem to be unbearable. When the mind or body feels as if it had borne to the uttermost limit of its endurance, and that now it must give way. When it seems there is nothing but destruction and annihilation left to face.

Vervain - over-enthusiasm

Vervain...

...people are perfectionists with a keen sense of justice and extreme mental energy that they willingly throw behind those causes that they believe in. Their enthusiasm can be infectious, and they feel a strong need to persuade others to their own point of view.

At an extreme Vervain people can become fanatics, unable to listen to alternative points of view, and they may put themselves under a great deal of stress because they find it so hard to switch off and relax. The remedy is given to help people in this state to pull back from time to time so that body and mind and be restored. It encourages the wisdom to enjoy life and the passage of time instead of always feeling the need to be active.

Dr Bach's description

Those with fixed principles and ideas, which they are confident are right, and which they very rarely change. They have a great wish to convert all around them to their own views of life. They are strong of will and have much courage when they are convinced of those things that they wish to teach. In illness they struggle on long after many would have given up their duties.

Vine - dominance and inflexibility

Vine...

...is for people who know their own minds and think they know whatis best for others. They are mentally strong and enjoy the exercise of power, but in their negative states this can lead them to dominate others by force alone. Tyrannical fathers and overbearing bosses are typical negative Vines, in that they will expect absolute obedience from others and will not be overly concerned with winning hearts and minds as long as their orders are followed. In this respect they are very different from Vervain people, who will attempt to convert others to their way of thinking: Vines are content with the simple imposition of discipline.

In their positive aspect Vine people make wise, gentle and loving guides who can inspire and lead others without resorting to force. The remedy is given to encourage this positive side of the Vine nature.

Dr Bach's description

Very capable people, certain of their own ability, confident of success. Being so assured, they think that it would be for the benefit of others if they could be persuaded to do things as they themselves do, or as they are certain is right. Even in illness they will direct their attendants. They may be of great value in emergency.

Walnut - protection from change and unwanted influences

Walnut...

...is the remedy to help to protect against outside influences in general, and against the effects of change in particular.

Walnut types are people who are fulfilling their purpose in life but who under the influence of the opinions, theories or beliefs of others, or of external circumstances in general, may be led to doubt their path. They are not like Cerato people, who actively seek out the opinions of others, but instead may be affected almost despite themselves.

As a remedy against the effects of change, Walnut is useful at all the transitions of life, from being born to teething to going to school to puberty to marriage to childbearing to retirement and beyond. It helps to break links with the past so that the person can move forward with confidence and without undue suffering.

Dr Bach's description

For those who have definite ideals and ambitions in life and are fulfilling them, but on rare occasions are tempted to be led away from their own ideas, aims and work by the enthusiasm, convictions or strong opinions of others. The remedy gives constancy and protection from outside influences.

Water Violet - pride and aloofness

Water Violet...

...is the remedy for those talented, capable people whose independence and self-reliance can make them seem to be proud and disdainful of others. True Water Violet people are quiet and dignified and prefer their own company or that of a few close friends, but where their natural reserve has built a barrier between them and others they may actually become lonely and be unable to make contact with others. When this happens the remedy can help to bring them back into balance so that they can be more involved with humanity.

Dr Bach's description

For those who in health or illness like to be alone. Very quiet people, who move about without noise, speak little, and then gently. Very independent, capable and self-reliant. Almost free of the opinions of others. They are aloof, leave people alone and go their own way. Often clever and talented. Their peace and calmness is a blessing to those around them.

White Chestnut - unwanted thoughts and mental arguments

White Chestnut...

...is the remedy for unwanted thoughts, worries and mental arguments, which intrude into the mind and stop people from concentrating on things that they should be doing. White Chestnut thoughts are repetitive and go nowhere, simply circling round and round in the head like a stuck gramophone record.

The remedy is used to help people control their thoughts again so that they can deal calmly and rationally with any underlying problems that might be causing the trouble.

Dr Bach's description

For those who cannot prevent thoughts, ideas, arguments which they do not desire from entering their minds. Usually at such times when the interest of the moment is not strong enough to keep the mind full. Thoughts which worry and will remain, or if for a time thrown out, will return. They seem to circle round and round and cause mental torture. The presence of such unpleasant thoughts drives out peace and interferes with being able to think only of the work or pleasure of the day.

Wild Oat - uncertainty over one's direction in life

Wild Oat...

...is the remedy for people who feel that they want to do something worthwhile with their lives but do not know in which direction they should move. So instead they drift from occupation to occupation, but without finding their true path, which leads in turn to feelings of frustration and consequent depression.

This state of indecision is not like the Scleranthus one, because in the case of Scleranthus the path itself isn't in doubt, but rather the different ways of following it: the different options are known. Wild Oat people do not know what their options are because their goals are not defined.

The remedy helps people to find their true role, putting them back in touch with their own basic purpose in life so that the way ahead seems obvious.

Dr Bach's description

Those who have ambitions to do something of prominence in life, who wish to have much experience, and to enjoy all that which is possible for them, to take life to the full. Their difficulty is to determine what occupation to follow; as although their ambitions are strong, they have no calling which appeals to them above all others. This may cause delay and dissatisfaction.

Wild Rose - drifting, resignation, apathy

Wild Rose...

...is for people who have accepted all that life throws at them and have given up the struggle for fulfilment. Instead they have resigned themselves to the way things are, to the extent where they don't even complain or seem particularly unhappy. Instead they shrug their shoulders - there's no point complaining or trying to change - and seem happy just to drift through life.

The remedy is given to reawaken interest in life. The positive Wild Rose person will still be a happy-go-lucky type, but instead of apathy will feel a sense of purpose that will bring increased happiness and enjoyment.

Dr Bach's description

Those who without apparently sufficient reason become resigned to all that happens, and just glide through life, take it as it is, without any effort to improve things and find some joy. They have surrendered to the struggle of life without complaint.

Willow - self-pity and resentment

Willow...

...is for people who feel resentful and bitter about the way their lives have gone. They begrudge others their successes and happiness, and are reluctant to admit when their own lives go well, preferring to concentrate on what is going wrong. Willow people are grumblers, and when ill make bad patients because they are never satisfied with what is done for them.

Willow can be compared to Holly in that it too is a negative state directed towards others. But where Holly burns with hatred and suspicion, Willow smoulders with resentment and self-pity.

The remedy is given to encourage the rebirth of optimism and faith, and to help the person in the negative Willow state to be more generous in praise of others and also more aware of how his own negative thinking can attract the very ill-fortune that he blames on others.

Dr Bach's description

For those who have suffered adversity or misfortune and find these difficult to accept, without complaint or resentment, as they judge life much by the success which it brings. They feel that they have not deserved so great a trial, that it was unjust, and they become embittered. They often take less interest and less activity in those things of life which they had previously enjoyed.