Bach's Mimulus

There are Mimulus flowers everywhere . . . well at least on my most recent walk through the desert. My walk took me through a canyon with a small spring fed stream. Mimulus love clear, fresh, flowing water and as far as my eye could see Mimulus lined the banks of this tender stream. It was  a winding sea of yellow through the slate grey and brown landscape of the desert wash.

Dr. Bach and Mimulus

Mimulus was the 3rd flower remedy Dr. Bach made, early on he noticed the significant healing potential of this flower. It truly is a lovely flower to behold and healing potential just radiates from the yellow flowers. 

Mimulus in the Wild

I have come across this plant many times in the wild and I was surprised to find it here in this desert climate. But, it did have the one requirement that this plant craves and needs to thrive; a constant supply of pure, clear, clean, fresh running water. There was an abundance of that available and from this the plant has colonized the entire stream bed.

Mimulus For Addressing Fears

Mimulus is a type remedy, meaning it is good for the personality type that re-coils in shyness and acts with hesitation to the small challenges of life. It is for the known fears as opposed to Aspen for fears of an unknown origin. Fear has the power to impact, influences and subjugates human emotion and behavior. Yet its place in life is greatly exaggerated and over played.

Fear is a Low Vibration

Fear vibrates at a low frequency and when it is present in our minds and hearts it just drags us down in a spiral of contraction and negativity. Most of all FEAR inhibits us and often stops us from moving forward and taking constructive action. This forces us to contract and has no place in the advancement of life. It may serve as a protective force in certain circumstances but FEAR has become all to prevalent in our day to day life and what ever protectiveness it offered at a certain point becomes counterproductive.

The Trick of FEAR
F- False
E- Evidence
A- Appearing
R- Real

The trick of fear is that it actually does not exist outside of us, it is an internal experience created in concert with the mind, imagination and emotions. Unfortunately fear cancels the love of life that is present and available if we choose to allow it. The way that mimulus exhibits its vulnerability, is that it is willing to take risks. The river where it grows is subject to FLASH FLOODS! This lovely scene before me could turn for the worse at any moment. But it must take the risk to thrive that is the profound beauty of it. It is risking being washed away for its place in the sun.

Bach's Discovery

Bach discovered that Mimulus is the perfect remedy to address the fearful concerns of daily life, the fear of worldly things such as illness, poverty, of the dark, of being alone, of accidents and so on. These are fears of a known origin which in one sense is good because they then become easier to treat and heal from. By letting go of fear we can gain more trust in the goodness of life and life can flow elegantly and nourish us, they it does for Mimulus. Always straddling the edge between safe ground and constant flow this flower can teach us about trusting the river of life. With risk taking, straddling the edge, we grow and can overcome our fears.

Dr. Oz Rescue Remedy and Sanity

Am I Normal? Recently there was a segment on Dr. Oz titled "Are You Normal or Nuts", if you have to ask chances are you are normal. You may have behavior that differs from the rest but that doesn't make you "nuts" and in all fairness there is no such thing as "normal". There seems to be an idea that a normalcy exists when in reality we are all unique individuals. We may have behaviors that are uniquely ours and the a question to ask in light of this is: Does the behavior serve you or is it taking away from the quality of your life?


The questions on the Oz show were in regards to OCD behavior, Obsessive, Compulsive Disorder, fears and unresolved emotions showing up in dreams.


I personally like the Dr. Oz show and think he has brought a new perspective to the limelight, that only an MD could do. I say this because he often talks about alternatives to main stream orthodox medicine but because he is a heart surgeon what he says has credibility. So when I heard him mention one of my most favorite topics flower essences I felt compelled to chime in and expand on the topic.

Dr. Oz and Rescue Remedy
Dr. Bach's Rescue Remedy is easily the most widely used and recognized flower essence formula. Dr Oz's Rescue Remedy recommendation came in response to a question of how to deal with paralyzing fear. From a general perspective Rescue Remedy could benefit the person in such a situation. But a paralyzing fear that persists for days leading up to an event would really benefit from a more nuanced approach.

Mimulus
I would need to speak with the person to get a sense of what is going on but right off the bat I would give this client mimulus; which is for fear of known things. A one month treatment cycle with mimulus would help to shift this behavior so it no longer bothers the individual. There is a difference between addressing a symptom and treating the person. One provides temporary relief the other is a long term solution. I am personally more interested in providing my clients with long term solutions.

Rescue Remedy
This formula was developed in the 1930's a much different time than the one we live in. It was developed to address acute stress and anxiety that is the result of trauma or shocking news, such as a death in the family etc. There is a simplicity to this formula which makes it easy to use but as an essence practitioner I think it is being misused. As with many "alternatives" it is falling prey to the allopathic mindset, meaning it is being used to suppress a symptom and not fully address the underlying causes.

Flower Essences and The New Paradigm
Using flower essences therapeutically presents a new paradigm, it is a dramatic shift from how we currently think about health treatment. To sum up the new paradigm as best I can; I would say the New Paradigm that essences work in is to address the person not the aliment. Our current system is diseased focused, this narrow approach is normal, to want to cure a disease is totally legit. And, what if we could take a broader perspective? What if we could see the person behind the disease and treat the person as well?


Bach's Vision
As a doctor Bach had this vision; it revealed itself in his case load and led to the development of flower remedies. What Dr. Bach noticed were these two points:

• The same personality types had the same aliments and complaints
• People coming for single disease treatment have similar personalities 

With that he concluded the following:

• There must be a way to strengthen and balance the personality to protect from disease.
• There must be a way to treat the personality directly and alleviate the disease.

Do you get what he was doing? He was pioneering Mind/Body medicine, his keen observation and dedication to wellness is and was revolutionary. Treat the personality so the patient regains health. I felt the need to give a concise explanation of what Bach was up to before moving on because I feel it is important to understand the intent and vision of the work if we want to get sound results when using essences.

Dr. Oz and Flower Essences
 The proper use of flower essences requires a nuanced understanding if we are to truly address the causes of certain conditions. While I do support his promotion of Rescue Remedy, I want people to understand the depth of healing flower essences can bring to person. This is important because if flower essences are mis-used the results will be paltry and this will lead to flower essences getting dismissed as not helpful. 


Honestly folks if you really want the best results from using flower essences, you need to work with a skilled practitioner. There is an old saying that applies here: "A doctor who treats himself has a fool for a patient." I do welcome the attention essences receive when respected folks like Dr. Oz mention them and as someone who specializes in flower essences I seek to clarify his good intent.

Flower Essence for Shy Students

In this post I will cover a variety of Single Flower Essences for students. This post will address topics such as studying, learning, focus and concentration. These suggestions should be considered adjuncts to a regime of diligence, interest and effort in regards to school and studying. 

When shy students exhibit low self esteem and low self confidence   the pressure of learning may only re-enforce a false belief that they are not capable of the succeeding in school.  Usually they are capable but have yet to find their groove within the structured environment of school. This can be challenging especially for those sensitive students who are easily influenced by their environment.

Clematis- this is the remedy of choice for the dreamer, for the student who has trouble staying connected to what is going on. It helps one to remain present, connected and alleviate mental fog.

Elm- is the stress of what is requested of you testing you ability to maintain your poise. Do you feel unable to handle the pressure of tests and the testing environment? Consider elm to help you in times like these.

Gentian- Has a low test score got you down? Is there a subject you struggle with and just can't seem to get right? Gentian, encourages faith, hope and perseverance in the face of such challenges.

Larch- The power of larch is that it supports us in overcoming the fear of failure. Often those needing this remedy are perfectly capable yet lack the needed confidence to achieve their desired results.

Hornbeam- When weariness has set in this is the go to remedy, great for those who get tired from studying.

Rosemary- This essence is for bringing greater vitality to the whole thinking and cognitive process. This is helpful when feelings of dullness take over, rosemary restores interest and vitality.

Mimulus- Useful when shyness is encountered in the face of challenges.

Sunflower- This remedy fosters sun-like radiant forces within us. This remedy is great for building confidence and for overcoming fear of failure.

Missouri Primrose- This remedy is for connecting with feelings of worthiness.

Mountain Pride- This essence fosters great forces of resilience helping one to confront challenges.

Pink Yarrow- This essence supports emotional boundaries. By helping us to not take on the emotions of others, good for the sensitive soul who is too easily influenced by the thoughts and feelings of others.  

Wild Rose- Has the system your in produced apathy? When we feel we are on the fringe and neglected we can become apathetic and this cycle will feed itself.  Wild rose helps us confront apathy and move forward with renewed interest and vitality. 

Water Violet- I am including this often overlooked essence because it touches on key emotions common with shy and/or sensitive people. They tend to withdraw and avoid confrontation and competition and school has become an increasingly competitive environment.  This essence will also assist those of a sensitive nature to break out and form social bonds, this can greatly increase their confidence and lead to an overall improvement in school. Consider this essence for the withdrawn shy, sensitive soul. 


Everyone is unique and these remedies are presented as possible options for the shy student who is plagued by low self esteem and low self confidence. 

Visit our Store to Shop where you can make a formula from any of the remedies mentioned here.

Disclaimer:
This is NOT medical advice, the information presented here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition.

Bach Rescue Remedy and Variations

There are a number of pre-made flower essence combination remedies available on the market. The most recognized being Edward Bach's original formula known as Rescue Remedy also referred to as Five Flower Formula*. This formula was originally designed to be you used acutely in times of shock, stress or trauma. It works well when used in this manner.

Rescue Remedy consists of the following flowers Cherry Plum, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose and Star of Bethlehem. From this original formula one can make variations on the theme to address more specific concerns. Below are some examples of other possible uses for Rescue Remedy.

Rescue Remedy + Crab Apple: Useful for upset stomach and discomfort from food poisoning, it can also be used topically on the skin for rashes/ hives or other inflammation related skin issues.

Rescue Remedy + Olive: This formula is useful for states of exhaustion it is great for general use.

Rescue Remedy + White Chestnut: This formula is useful for an over anxious mind with it being most helpful when the mind is keeping one from sleeping.

Rescue Remedy +Larch and Mimulus: This formula is useful for stage fright/performance anxiety.

Rescue Remedy + Pomegranate: This formula is excellent for the discomforts associated with PMS and menstrual cramping. Pomegranate is available from FES.

These are just a few examples of how one can get creative with the basic Five Flower Rescue Remedy Formula. There are many stressful situations that can be aided by Rescue Remedy and going off this original formula one can tailor a mixture to best suit their needs.


*Note, Rescue Remedy is a trademark of the Nelson Bach company. In Dr. Bach's lifetime he never made any effort to trademark or patent any of his work, he felt it was a gift to be used freely. Five Flower Formula is the name given to Bach's emergency formula by Healing Herbs Ltd.