Preparing and Taking the Remedies

In homeopathy we follow the principle of the minimum dose and careful dosing is important. We give precise instructions to our clients on when and how to take a remedy (which, alas, they occasionally do not follow), and we carefully observe the pattern of remedy reaction to determine the timing of next steps. This sometimes requires communicating with clients in between appointments and can add an extra layer of complexity to our case management.

In Bach flower therapy, dosing is much simpler. First of all, the minimum dose is not a central principle of prescribing. In fact, frequent remedy repetition is recommended. While some basic guidelines are given for ease, clients are generally encouraged to manage their own dosing schedules.

Second, Bach remedies are not capable of producing accidental provings or auxiliary symptoms, which means that we do not tend to hear from our clients about “aggravations” nearly as often as we do in homeopathy.

Third, with Bach remedies we do not run the risk of suppression from a poorly indicated remedy. The remedies are prescribed based on mental-emotional symptoms and their action, if it is registered, occurs on the deepest levels (spiritual, mental, and emotional) and then cascades outward from there. Additionally, if a remedy is not needed, the person simply will not respond to it.

Fourth, no significant distinction is made between oral dosing and topical application. These are considered to be essentially equivalent. External application is not considered suppressive.

Fifth, it is not possible to antidote the remedies via exposure to coffee, camphor, or other strong odors.

Sixth, the remedies can be taken at mealtime or even added to one’s food or drink—and this is reported to be equally effective. I do not particularly recommend adding the remedies to food or drinks (other than water) but it is certainly not a problem to take them near food and drink or while eating.

All these factors tend to make case management in Bach flower therapy comparatively simple and easy for the homeopath. Your clients will enjoy the ease and convenience as well!

Acute Prescribing

In acute-type situations or emergencies, in the interest of time and convenience, we typically recommend that the client take the remedies in one of two ways:

  • “Straight” method. Take 2 drops of each individual remedy (or 4 drops if using Rescue Remedy) straight from the stock bottle on the tongue and/or on the skin. Dosage: Take 4 times a day or as often as needed.
  • “Glass of water” method. Place 2 drops of each desired remedy (or 4 drops of Rescue Remedy) in a small glass of water or a water bottle. It is best to use no more than 6 well-indicated remedies at one time. Dosage: Sip throughout the day as needed.

Chronic issues or long-term prescribing

For chronic issues or when we suspect that a client will be taking the remedies for more than a few days, the “dosing bottle” method is more convenient. It is also more cost-effective for the client if multiple remedies are recommended and the homeopath is willing to make up the dosing bottle. 

  • “Dosing bottle” method:
    1. Take a 1 oz. amber dropper bottle and fill it ¾ full of water. 
    2. Top off with brandy or cognac, making sure to leave room for the dropper. If a non-alcoholic preservative is needed, replace the brandy with apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin. When using the latter, the proportion of water to glycerin should be 1:1 or 2:1.
    3. Add 2 drops of each desired remedy, or 4 drops if using Rescue Remedy.

Do not add more than 6 remedies at one time. Dosage: 4 drops, 4 times a day, on the tongue. May take additional doses as often as needed.

External application

There are various ways of applying via skin based on the situation. Get creative! 

  • Drizzle the remedy directly on the skin, spread lightly with fingertips over the area and allow it to dry on its own. Some ideas: apply the remedies at the chakra or pulse points, or wherever you are feeling a particular emotion or sensation, including areas of pain, tension and discomfort in your body.
  • Gauze or compress method. Add stock remedy to a small glass of water. Soak gauze or compress in the glass, wring out excess liquid and leave on the affected area for a time. Repeat as needed.
  • Making your own remedy spray. If you want to spray or mist the contents of a remedy blend, you can order 1 oz. amber spray bottles for this purpose.
  • Making your own remedy cream or lotion. Add remedy from the stock bottle to any cream or lotion (but preferably a neutral, natural base) and mix well. Adding Bach remedies to skin care products is reported by some to have visible effects on tired and irritated skin.
  • Bathing. Place a dropperful of each desired remedy in the bathtub. Olive and Rescue Remedy can be helpful after a long, tiring day. Crab Apple is a popular favorite for detoxification. And of course, the best remedy is your individualized remedy or blend.