God's Flower Essences: Discovering Bach Flower Remedies
- Alisha Hicks
- Oct 30
- 13 min read
"Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." - Luke 12:27
When Jesus taught about God's care for His children, He pointed to flowers—delicate, beautiful, and purposefully created. What if the flowers God designed so intricately also hold healing properties for our emotional and spiritual wellbeing? This is the gentle promise of Bach Flower Remedies, a natural system of healing that works with the emotional and soul-level imbalances that often underlie physical illness.
As Christians exploring natural wellness, Bach Flower Remedies offer a profound way to address the emotional and spiritual dimensions of health, recognizing that God created us as integrated beings—body, soul, and spirit—and that true healing must address all three.
What Are Bach Flower Remedies?
Bach Flower Remedies are a system of 38 flower essences developed in the 1930s by Dr. Edward Bach, a British physician, bacteriologist, and homeopath. Disillusioned with conventional medicine's focus on symptoms rather than the whole person, Dr. Bach sought a gentler, more holistic approach to healing.
Through prayer, intuition, and careful observation of nature, he identified 38 flowers whose energetic properties could address specific emotional and spiritual states—fear, worry, discouragement, overwhelm, lack of confidence, and more.
How Flower Essences Work
Flower essences are made by floating freshly picked flowers in pure spring water under sunlight (or through gentle boiling for some varieties). The water is then preserved with brandy, creating a "mother tincture" that's further diluted for use.
Unlike essential oils, which contain physical plant compounds and work biochemically, flower essences work on an energetic or vibrational level. They contain no physical plant material—only the energetic imprint or "essence" of the flower.
The gentle action: Flower essences work by helping to restore emotional balance and harmony. They don't suppress emotions or override your free will, but rather support your natural healing process, helping you move through difficult emotional states toward wholeness.
The 38 Bach Flower Remedies
Dr. Bach organized his remedies into seven emotional categories:
1. Fear: Rock Rose (terror), Mimulus (known fears), Cherry Plum (fear of losing control), Aspen (vague anxieties), Red Chestnut (fear for others)
2. Uncertainty: Cerato (self-doubt), Scleranthus (indecision), Gentian (discouragement), Gorse (hopelessness), Hornbeam (mental weariness), Wild Oat (uncertainty about life direction)
3. Insufficient Interest in Present: Clematis (dreaminess), Honeysuckle (living in the past), Wild Rose (apathy), Olive (exhaustion), White Chestnut (mental chatter), Mustard (deep gloom), Chestnut Bud (failure to learn from experience)
4. Loneliness: Water Violet (aloofness), Impatiens (impatience), Heather (self-centeredness)
5. Oversensitivity: Agrimony (hidden troubles), Centaury (inability to say no), Walnut (protection from change), Holly (jealousy and hatred)
6. Despondency and Despair: Larch (lack of confidence), Pine (guilt), Elm (overwhelm), Sweet Chestnut (extreme anguish), Star of Bethlehem (shock and trauma), Willow (resentment), Oak (striving despite exhaustion), Crab Apple (self-hatred)
7. Over-Care for Others: Chicory (possessiveness), Vervain (over-enthusiasm), Vine (domination), Beech (intolerance), Rock Water (self-repression)
Rescue Remedy: A special combination of five flowers (Rock Rose, Impatiens, Clematis, Star of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum) for emergency situations and acute stress.
Biblical Foundation for Flower Healing
God's Creation Declares His Glory
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands" (Psalm 19:1). All of creation—including flowers—reveals God's nature and purposes. When we look at flowers, we see beauty, diversity, intentionality, and care.
Jesus Himself used flowers to teach about God's provision: "If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?" (Matthew 6:30).
If God cares enough to create flowers with such beauty and detail, might He have also woven healing properties into them?
Plants for Healing Throughout Scripture
The Bible repeatedly affirms that God created plants for healing:
"The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations" (Revelation 22:2). In God's perfect future, trees provide healing through their leaves—affirming that plants carry healing properties.
"By the river on its bank, on one side and on the other, will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither and their fruit will not fail. They will bear every month because their water flows from the sanctuary, and their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing" (Ezekiel 47:12). God promises healing through plants.
Throughout Scripture, we see God using natural substances for healing—from the mandrakes in Genesis to the fig poultice that healed King Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:7) to the wine Paul recommended to Timothy for his stomach ailments (1 Timothy 5:23).
The Whole Person: Body, Soul, and Spirit
"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
God created us as integrated beings. Our emotional health affects our physical health, our spiritual state influences our emotional wellbeing, and our bodies impact our souls. Bach Flower Remedies recognize this biblical reality by addressing the emotional and spiritual dimensions that often underlie physical symptoms.
Modern medicine is only now beginning to acknowledge what the Bible has always taught—that we cannot separate physical health from emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Flower essences work at this soul level, supporting the wholeness God desires for us.
Dr. Edward Bach's Spiritual Foundation
Dr. Bach was deeply spiritual and believed his work was divinely guided. While he wasn't explicitly Christian in the evangelical sense, his writings reflect profound spiritual truths that resonate with biblical principles:
On Divine Guidance: Bach believed God led him to discover each flower remedy through prayer, meditation, and sensitivity to nature. He saw his work as a calling to serve suffering humanity.
On Gentle Healing: He insisted that true healing must be gentle, never forced or harsh. This reflects God's character: "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out" (Isaiah 42:3).
On Treating the Person, Not the Disease: Bach recognized that illness often stems from emotional and spiritual imbalances—from disharmony within ourselves or with our life's purpose. Jesus treated people holistically, addressing not just physical symptoms but hearts and souls.
On Simplicity and Accessibility: Bach wanted healing to be available to everyone, not just the wealthy or educated. He simplified his system so ordinary people could use it. This reflects Jesus's ministry to all people, especially the marginalized.
On Free Will: Flower essences work with, never against, a person's will. They support natural healing without forcing change. This honors the free will God gave humanity.
Addressing Spiritual Concerns
Some Christians have questions about flower essences. Let's address these thoughtfully:
Are Flower Essences "Energy Healing"?
Flower essences do work on an energetic or vibrational level rather than a biochemical one. Some Christians worry this means they're New Age or occultic.
Biblical Perspective: The Bible itself describes different levels of reality. We are body, soul, and spirit—not just physical beings. Paul speaks of "spiritual" realities distinct from physical ones (1 Corinthians 2:13-14, 15:44).
When we say flower essences work "energetically," we're simply acknowledging that there are aspects of God's creation we don't fully understand scientifically. We don't understand how prayer works, how the soul interfaces with the body, or how spiritual realities affect physical ones—yet we know they do.
The key question isn't whether something is "energetic" but whether it operates in alignment with God's design or in opposition to it. Flower essences work with natural healing processes God created, not by invoking spirits or manipulating occult forces.
Is Using Intuition Unbiblical?
Dr. Bach selected remedies through prayer, observation, and intuitive sensitivity to flowers' properties. Some Christians worry about "intuition."
Biblical Perspective: The Bible speaks of discernment, wisdom, and being led by the Holy Spirit. "The spiritual person judges all things" (1 Corinthians 2:15). "My sheep hear my voice" (John 10:27).
God-given intuition—the ability to perceive truth, beauty, and goodness—is different from divination or consulting spirits (which Scripture forbids). Bach's intuitive process was more akin to how a mother knows what her child needs or how an artist perceives beauty—it's using God-given senses to understand His creation.
We can use flower essences without embracing any questionable spiritual practices. You don't need to use pendulums, practice meditation techniques from other religions, or embrace New Age philosophy to benefit from these remedies.
Do Flower Essences Replace Prayer or Trust in God?
Never. Flower essences are tools, not saviors.
Biblical Balance: God works through many means—doctors, medicine, nutrition, prayer, counseling, and natural remedies. Using any of these doesn't indicate lack of faith, but rather wise stewardship.
James instructs us to both pray AND take practical action: "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord" (James 5:14). Prayer AND oil—spiritual AND natural means working together.
Flower essences can support emotional healing while we pray, seek counsel, read Scripture, and do the inner work of growth. They're not a replacement for spiritual disciplines, but a complement to them.
Practical Uses for Christian Families
Emotional Healing and Growth
For Anxiety and Fear:
Mimulus: For specific fears (fear of illness, financial worry, fear of speaking up)
Aspen: For vague, undefined anxiety
Red Chestnut: For excessive worry about loved ones (especially common in mothers)
Rock Rose: For panic or terror
Christian Application: Use these while praying through anxious thoughts, memorizing Scripture about fear, or working through anxiety with a counselor. The remedies support the emotional work you're doing.
For Grief and Loss:
Star of Bethlehem: For shock, trauma, and grief
Sweet Chestnut: For extreme anguish and feeling God is distant
Honeysuckle: For those stuck in the past, unable to move forward
Christian Application: These support the grieving process while you lean on God's comfort, receive support from community, and move through the stages of grief.
For Discouragement and Doubt:
Gentian: For discouragement after setbacks
Gorse: For feelings of hopelessness
Mustard: For deep, dark depression without apparent cause
Willow: For bitterness and resentment
Christian Application: Use these while engaging with truth through Scripture, worship, and fellowship. They help lift emotional heaviness so you can receive God's truth more fully.
For Overwhelm and Burnout:
Elm: For feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities
Oak: For those who push on despite exhaustion
Olive: For complete physical and mental exhaustion
Hornbeam: For Monday morning feeling—weary before starting
Christian Application: These support rest and recovery while you establish healthy boundaries, practice Sabbath, and learn to say no.
For Children's Emotional Needs:
Mimulus: For shy, fearful children
Larch: For lack of confidence
Impatiens: For impatient, quick-tempered children
Chicory: For clingy, attention-seeking behavior
Rescue Remedy: For meltdowns, transitions, or stressful events
Christian Application: Flower essences are wonderfully gentle for children, supporting their emotional development alongside prayer, loving discipline, and teaching biblical truths.
Supporting Spiritual Growth
For Prayer Life:
White Chestnut: Quiets mental chatter during prayer
Clematis: Helps you stay present rather than drifting
Cerato: Supports listening to God's voice amid self-doubt
For Difficult Seasons:
Walnut: Provides protection during transitions and changes
Star of Bethlehem: Heals from traumatic experiences
Rescue Remedy: For acute stress or crisis moments
For Character Development:
Holly: Transforms jealousy, envy, and hatred
Willow: Addresses bitterness and victim mentality
Pine: Heals excessive guilt and self-condemnation
Crab Apple: For those who feel dirty, unworthy, or ashamed
These remedies don't replace repentance, confession, or the Holy Spirit's work, but they can support the emotional healing that accompanies spiritual transformation.
Daily Family Use
Morning Routine: A few drops of Hornbeam or Olive in water can help family members wake up refreshed and ready for the day.
School/Work: White Chestnut for concentration, Larch for confidence, Impatiens for patience.
Bedtime: Rescue Remedy (the alcohol-free version) helps children settle, or White Chestnut for racing thoughts.
Stressful Events: Keep Rescue Remedy on hand for doctor appointments, difficult conversations, travel, or any stressful situation.
Homeschool Challenges: Use specific remedies for individual learning challenges—Larch for low confidence, Chestnut Bud for difficulty learning from mistakes, Clematis for daydreamers.
How to Use Bach Flower Remedies
Selecting Remedies
Self-Selection: Read descriptions and choose remedies that resonate with your current emotional state. You can use up to six or seven remedies at once, though fewer is often better.
Professional Consultation: Bach Flower practitioners can help identify appropriate remedies through consultation.
Prayer and Discernment: Ask God for wisdom in selecting remedies for yourself or family members.
Preparation and Dosage
Stock Bottles: Purchase individual remedy stock bottles from reputable companies.
Treatment Bottle: To make a treatment bottle:
Fill a 1 oz dropper bottle with spring water
Add 2 drops of each selected remedy (up to 6-7 remedies)
Add a teaspoon of brandy as preservative (or use vegetable glycerin for alcohol-free)
Dosage: Take 4 drops under the tongue, 4 times daily (morning, mid-day, evening, bedtime). Continue for 2-3 weeks, then reassess.
Rescue Remedy: Can be used more frequently—every few minutes during crisis, then spacing out as you calm.
Safety
Completely Safe: Flower essences have no side effects, cannot be overdosed, and don't interact with medications. They're safe for babies, pregnant women, elderly, and even pets.
Alcohol Concern: Stock bottles contain brandy as preservative. If alcohol is a concern, you can:
Put drops in hot water (alcohol evaporates)
Use alcohol-free versions (preserved with glycerin)
Apply topically to wrists or temples instead
Non-Addictive: Unlike pharmaceutical medications for emotions, flower essences are non-addictive and don't create dependency.
Creating a Christian Practice with Flower Essences
Prayerful Preparation
When preparing a treatment bottle, pray over it:
"Father, You created these flowers with purpose and beauty. I ask that You would use these essences to bring healing and balance to my emotions. Work through these natural remedies to restore the peace and joy You intend for me. Guide me in using them wisely and help me to always trust in You above all. In Jesus's name, Amen."
Combining with Scripture
Pair specific remedies with relevant Scripture:
Fear remedies with Psalm 23, Isaiah 41:10, 2 Timothy 1:7
Anxiety remedies with Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 6:25-34
Grief remedies with Psalm 34:18, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Discouragement remedies with Isaiah 40:31, Psalm 42:11
Take your remedy drops while meditating on Scripture, allowing both the physical remedy and spiritual truth to minister to you.
Journaling
Keep a journal of your emotional state before and during remedy use. Notice shifts in emotions, thought patterns, or situations. Thank God for healing progress and insights gained.
Community Support
Share your experience with trusted Christian friends. Many believers use flower essences and can offer encouragement, prayer, and practical wisdom.
Flower Essences for Specific Christian Journeys
For Those Struggling with Forgiveness
Willow: Addresses bitterness and resentment, helping you release the victim mentality Holly: Transforms hatred and desire for revenge Pine: If you struggle to forgive yourself
Use these while working through biblical forgiveness principles, praying for your enemies, and choosing to release offense.
For Ministry Burnout
Oak: For those who give and give without rest Elm: For feeling overwhelmed by ministry demands Olive: For complete exhaustion Centaury: For those who can't say no
These support healthy boundaries and rest while you learn to trust God with outcomes and embrace the Sabbath principle.
For Spiritual Warfare
Aspen: For vague spiritual oppression Rock Rose: For terror or intense spiritual attacks Walnut: For protection during vulnerable times
Use alongside prayer, Scripture, worship, fasting, and community support. Remedies support emotional stability during spiritual battles; they don't replace spiritual weapons.
For Waiting on God
Impatiens: For impatience with God's timing Gorse: For losing hope while waiting Gentian: For discouragement when prayers seem unanswered
These help you remain emotionally stable and faithful while God works in His perfect timing.
For Transition and Change
Walnut: The "change remedy"—provides stability during transitions Honeysuckle: Helps you let go of the past Wild Oat: For uncertainty about God's direction
Use during moves, job changes, season shifts, or when God is leading you into something new.
Teaching Children About God's Flower Gifts
Nature Walks and Flower Study
Take children outside to observe wildflowers. Discuss how God created each flower with unique beauty and purpose. Share how these flowers can help our emotions, just as food helps our bodies.
The Parable of the Lilies
Teach children Jesus's words about lilies (Matthew 6:28-30). If God cares for flowers, how much more does He care for us? And if He gave flowers such beauty, might He have also given them ways to help us?
Simple Remedy Use
Let children help select their own remedies by describing how they feel. This teaches emotional vocabulary and self-awareness. Give them their "special flower drops" with prayer.
Gratitude Practice
Teach children to thank God for flowers and their healing properties. Create art projects around favorite remedies. Press flowers as reminders of God's care.
A Prayer for Emotional Healing
Loving Father, You created me as an emotional being, capable of feeling deeply. You gave me the capacity for joy, love, peace—but also for fear, sadness, and pain. I'm grateful that You don't dismiss my emotions but invite me to bring them to You.
Thank You for creating flowers with such intentionality and beauty. Thank You that their essence can support emotional healing and bring me back to balance.
I ask that as I use these flower remedies, You would work through them to heal wounded places in my heart. Restore me to the emotional wholeness You desire for me. Help me process difficult emotions rather than suppressing them, and lead me toward the fruit of Your Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Give me wisdom to know when to use natural remedies, when to seek counseling, when to rest, and when to press in to You. Help me steward my emotional health well, honoring the complex, beautiful way You designed me.
May my healing bring glory to You and enable me to serve others with greater compassion and effectiveness.
In Jesus's name, Amen.
Conclusion: Flowers as God's Gentle Gifts
When Jesus taught about God's care, He pointed to flowers. Not to spectacular miracles, not to dramatic interventions, but to the simple, quiet beauty of flowers clothing the fields. These gentle gifts reveal a God who cares about beauty, who provides abundantly, and who pays attention to details.
Bach Flower Remedies invite us to receive another dimension of God's provision through flowers—their ability to support emotional healing and restore inner harmony. They don't replace prayer, Scripture, counseling, or medical care. But they can gently support the emotional healing journey as we work through life's challenges with God's help.
As you consider using flower essences, remember:
They're safe, gentle, and natural
They work with your healing process, never forcing change
They address emotions that often underlie physical symptoms
They complement spiritual practices and medical care
They honor the integrated nature of body, soul, and spirit
They're accessible, affordable, and simple to use
God created a world full of remedies for our healing—from food that nourishes to herbs that heal to flowers that restore emotional balance. These are all gifts from a loving Father who desires our wholeness.
May you receive these gifts with gratitude, use them with wisdom, and give God glory for every bit of healing that comes.
"He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love." - Song of Solomon 2:4
Consider the flowers. See how beautifully God clothed them. And know that He cares for you even more, providing healing, beauty, and hope through the gifts of His creation.
May God's gentle flower essences support your journey toward emotional wholeness, may you find peace in difficult seasons, and may you always remember that the Creator of flowers cares deeply for every emotion you experience.
Comments