The noted British physician, bacteriologist and homeopath. Concluded more than a century ago (1800s) from his research that his patients negative state of mind, mood and their ills were related. Induced imbalance, disharmony and affected their vitality and resistance to disease. According to Dr. Bach the negative state of mind must be replaced with it’s opposite value. (The swing to the left is equal to the swing to the right in the Kybalion 7 Hermetic principles)
Dr. Bach developed a safe, natural and gentle system of treatment, classifying 38 negative states of mind common to all people. For each specific mood he discovered the corresponding flower which assisted the alleviation of the mood.
The story of the Travellers by Dr. Edward Bach:
Once upon a time and it is always once upon a time, 16 travellers set out to journey through a forest. At first, all went well, after they had journeyed some distance one of the number: Agrimony began to be worried as to whether they were on the right path. Later in the afternoon as they went deeper into the shadows. Mimulus began to be afraid that they had lost the road.
When the sun set and the shadows deepened and the night noises of the forest were heard all around them. Rock Rose became full of terror and was in a state of panic. In the middle of the night when all was blackness, Gorse lost all hope and said “I can go no further; you go along, but I shall stay here as I am until death relieves my sufferings”.
Oak on the other hand, though feeling all was lost and that they would never again see the sunshine said “I shall struggle on to the very last”, and he did in a wild way. Scleranthus had some hope but at times he suffered so from uncertainty and indecision, first wanting to take one road and almost at once another.
Clematis plodded on quietly and patiently, but caring oh so little, whether he got out of the forest, he fell sound asleep. Gentian at times much cheered the party, but all others fell into a state of despondency and depression. Others of the travellers never feared but that they would get through and in their own way wanted so much to help their companions. Heather was very sure she knew the path and wanted all the company to take her way.
Chicory had not concern about the end of the journey but was full of solicitude as to whether his fellows were footsore or tired or had enough to eat. Cerato had not much confidence in his judgement and wanted to try every path to be sure they were not wrong. Meek little Centaury so waned to lighten the burdens that he was ready to carry ever body’s baggage. Unfortunately for little Centaury, he generally carried the burden of those most able to bear their own because they called the loudest.
Rock Water, all afire to help, a little depressed the party because he would criticize what they were doing wrong, and yet Rock Water knew the way. Vervain should also have known the path well enough, but although he had become a little confused, held forth at length, as to the only way out of the wood. Impatience too, well knew the pathway home, so well he was impatient with those less speedy than himself.
Water Violet had travelled that way before and knew the right road and yet was a little disdainful that others did not understand. Water Violet thought them a little inferior. In the end they all came through the forest. They all go as guides to other travellers who have not made the journey before, and, because they know there is a pathway through. They also know the forest is but the shadow of the night, they walk as “Gentlemen/ Gentle folk unafraid” and each of the16 sojourners teach in their own way a lesson, the example needed.
Agrimony strides along free of all care, and jests on everything. Mimulus can know no fear. Rock Rose, in the darkest of moments is just a picture of calm, serene courage. Gorse in the blackest night tells them of the progress they will make when the sun rises in the morning. Oak stands steadfast in the strongest gale. Scleranthus walks with perfect certainty
Clematis has had his eyes fixed with joy on the journey’s end. No difficulties and set backs can discourage Gentian. Heather has learned that each traveller must walk in his own way and quietly strides in front to show it can be done. Chicory, always waiting to lend a hand, but only when asked, and then so quietly. Cerato knows so well the little paths that lead to nowhere. Centaury ever seeks the weakest who finds their burden heavy.
Rock Water has forgotten to accuse, he just spends all the time encouraging. Vervain no longer preaches but silently points the way. Impatience knows no hurry, but lingers among the hindmost to keep their pace. Water Violet more like an angel than a man, passes amongst the company like a breath of warm wind or a ray of glorious sunshine, blessing everyone.
“Health depends on being in harmony with our souls ” Dr. Edward Bach.