An Introduction to Bach Flower Essences Part II – The Seven Helpers
The 12-7-19 method of Bach flower classification
Dr. Edward Bach, developer of flower essence therapy, classified the original 38 essences he used in his practice according to the 12-7-19 method: the Twelve Healers, the Seven Helpers, and the Second Nineteen. In Part I of this series, the flower essences of the Twelve Healers were reviewed, along with the underlying theory of flower essence therapy; here we will see the rhymes and reasons of the Seven Helpers.
Dr. Bach prescribed one or more of the Seven Helpers essences for patients who did not seem to respond sufficiently to therapy with one of the Twelve Healers. The Twelve Healers flower essences – Impatiens, Gentian, Mimulus, Clematis, Agrimony, Chicory, Vervain, Centaury, Scleranthus, Water Violet, Rock Rose and Cerato – were developed by Dr. Bach to address what he considered to be imbalances of the twelve archetypal personality types. It is through the vibrational transformation of these imbalances that, in many cases, healing of underlying disease states can be initiated. However, Dr. Bach discovered that there were people who did not respond to flower essence therapy with the Twelve Healers; this led to his discovery of the Seven Helpers.
The purpose of the Seven Helpers is to address chronically ingrained negative vibrational patterns that may be obscuring the core personality type. For example, Olive, one of the Seven Helper flower essences, is prescribed for states of exhaustion, when one has been worn down by the healing struggle or other life event. In this case, it can be difficult to see what the individual’s main personality type may be, since true fatigue does not reveal much more; this real tiredness can mask other personality traits or patterns.
Or it may be that the chronic condition simply impedes progress on the path of healing that might otherwise take place. Once again, using olive essence as an example: it is clear that a person may need one of the Twelve Healers. Perhaps they live in fear and need Mimulus, and removing this fear would allow them to heal. However, their fatigue is so great that they don’t have the strength to work through these problems; in this case, it may be helpful to use Olive in conjunction with Mimulus to offer more complete support of flower essence therapy.
Seven Helper essences can also be administered individually, particularly if a specific flower essence is strongly indicated. Dr. Bach had also written that if an individual does not respond to other essences, Wild Oat (one of the Seven) can be used: “If ever a case does not respond to treatment, give Holly or Wild Oat, and it will recover.” . be obvious which of the other remedies may be necessary. In all cases where the patient is of the active and intense type, give Holly. In patients who are the weak and downcast type, give Wild Oat.”
Beyond the original works of Dr. Bach, Flower Essence Services’ Flower Essence Repertoire offers descriptions of these seven essences beyond what a physician can see. FES expands the application of flowers to include their use for those in need of a change that may or may not be related to a health condition. This is an important point, as one may have tendencies that they may wish to transform, but do not take a serious risk. This application of flower essence is encouraged as any support for personal and ‘soul’ evolution is truly invaluable. So within the following descriptions of Seven Helper flower essences, a broad view will be kept, so that the widest audience can find a suitable essence.
As is always the case with flower essence therapy, in cases of illness, treatment is not a substitute for proper professional care. It may be the case that an illness has emotional roots and that flowers can help, but one should not rely solely on self-prescribing flower essences as a cure.
And let’s go with the descriptions…
The seven helpers:
Olive – As has been said before, the olive flower essence is indicated when a great tiredness has occurred. An individual may be pale, drained, and/or exhausted after excessive worry, illness, injury, or other struggle. The individual may feel that he does not have the strength to continue; that both have used up their physical energy source. The Olive remedy allows access to a new source of light, helping us to see and feel a rejuvenation that comes from establishing (or re-establishing) a connection with a universal energy. This connection can provide the necessary impetus for change in other areas, or it can be transformational in itself by helping to realize that the etheric ‘spiritual’ body and the physical body are inseparable.
Gorse – This floral essence is used when the will has been lost due to discouragement, despair and resignation to one’s own condition. Perhaps you have been giving too much energy to negative possibilities, solidifying this perspective so that no progress can be made. This remedy restores hope to such people, so that they can have a brighter outlook, perhaps more joy, when faced with life’s challenges.
Oak – The remedy for those who make an overexertion, regardless of whether that effort is having a positive result. Those who need oak flower essence have great determination and strength, which can be real assets. However, sometimes it is crucial to balance this force with subtlety and grace. The individual may even have resigned himself to the inevitable failure of his effort or succumbed to illness, but continues with his efforts. Oak helps to restore balance, allowing one the freedom to relax or unwind when that is indeed what is required. An important essence in today’s working world.
Wine – For those who see their path as the ‘right’ path or the only path, the essence of Vine allows an opening in one’s perception to other points of view. A person who needs Vine may have a domineering personality, insisting that everyone else follow her example, including health professionals. Such a point of view can lead to great stress when it is perceived that they do not share the same ideas, and that damage, or at least lack of healing, can occur. The essence of the vine can soften this egotistical nature, helping us to understand that other points of view can be totally valid and, in fact, more complete than our own. This allows the individual to receive the necessary support, often a key component in any personal transformation.
Heather – The Heather type seems obsessed with himself, continually talking about his own situations and problems. In fact, these people are truly lonely and often in great emotional pain. They may feel an emptiness or hunger, which they feed off of the attention of others. This flower essence helps to establish a connection with the Higher Self, finding peace and comfort in the unity of all beings. This helps one realize that they can overcome the loneliness and disconnection they may feel, drawing on emotional self-sufficiency and true shared relationship with others for help.
rock water – For those who are too hard on themselves. Being thoughtful and aware is one thing, going so far as to limit the enjoyment of life (and that of friends and family) is another. Flexibility and spontaneity are key components of ‘life well lived’. Additionally, a rigid lifestyle can prevent one from finding joy, an important factor in curing many illnesses. This essence is sometimes indicated for those starting flower essence therapy or for those not seeing results, as it can help open the soul to the energies of the plant kingdom.
wild oats – Health and happiness are closely related to one’s ability to find their true calling. Wandering through life feeling a lack of purpose can lead to states of anguish, with the possible results of addictions or discouragement. Wild Oat Flower Essence can help align one with their true calling, so that both the individual and the larger environment can benefit. When one finds this sense of meaning, there is a strong inner light that can shine, supporting one’s own health and the health of those around one.
These are the Seven Helpers, as classified by Dr. Edward Bach’s 12-7-19 flower essence method. It is said that with the Twelve Healers and Seven Helpers, one can support the transformation of many vibrational/emotional states. At the same time, it is important to keep an open mind to the possibilities; there are a large number of researched flower essences available, some of which may be more precisely applied to a particular situation. However, the Healer and Helper essences are a fantastic place to start if one is looking for an effective collection of remedies, suited to the needs of many beings.