©1999 by Shirley Li-Raun

It is sometimes especially effective to administer a single remedy, one that suits a chief concern the client is expressing. Here are two cases from my practice in which White Chestnut, made by Bach and Healing Herbs, seemed indicated as a single remedy.

White Chestnut is for unwanted nagging, worrying thoughts or conversations in our minds. The thoughts go round and round in what Dr. Bach describes as "a gramophone state of mind." This mental pattern keeps repeating to the point where concentration is disturbed. This can even be dangerous at times, as a distracted person can become accident-prone. A White Chestnut personality can suffer from insomnia, fatigue, depression or headaches because of the unsettling mental babble. (Description drawn from the Illustrated book of the Bach Flower Remedies by Phillip M. Chancellor, page 212. C.W Daniel Book Company Ltd. 1971)

In the first instance, a 29-year-old male pharmacy technician's sleeping pattern was disturbed because he was worried about the careless mistakes his co-worker was making. He was concerned that one day she would make a big one and harm someone. He felt it was his duty to cover for her and to make sure it did not happen. I suggested Bach's White Chestnut to deal with his insomnia and worried thoughts.

After taking the remedy for two weeks, he stated that his mind felt clear at night and he was sleeping better. He no longer lies in bed with thoughts racing through his head. Another financial crisis came up but this time he was less stressed out about it. He said he was able to take it in stride and not worry too much about it. As a medical professional, he was skeptical at first but found the remedies to be, "an excellent option compared to conventional drug therapy."

On the other hand, a 33-year-old cameraman diagnosed with generalised anxiety (though not taking any medication or psychiatric treatment) has just started his third bottle of remedies containing White Chestnut. He says he has always had a problem with anxiety, and it affects him to the point where it holds him back on a daily basis. His mind is persistently filled with chatter and thoughts he cannot prevent from occurring. He says that he has constant thoughts of avoiding any association with anything unpleasant whether it is words, numbers, objects or things, to the point where he is obsessive and compulsive about it.

After the second bottle, he felt that not much had changed, though he was sleeping better since he started the remedies. He also felt mentally better, and the anxieties were more noticeable when he was not taking the remedies. He asked to continue the Bach Flower Remedies since he feels that they are beneficial for dealing with his apprehensions.

I have been asked several times how long someone has to take the Bach Flower Remedies before they "are better." I would say there is no time limit on how long. It's really whether you feel you have dealt with the entire emotional trauma you have been carrying. Some of my clients felt well after one dosage bottle--which lasts about two weeks--and did not need to continue with the remedies. I've had other clients that have been taking the remedies for longer, as new issues keep coming up that they want to deal with. When the White Chestnut remedy starts benefiting a person they experience a clear, calmer mind with a sense of peace and purpose. They no longer replay the day's happenings over and over mentally.

A NOTE FROM DONNA CUNNINGHAM, MSW: As one of Vibration's editors, I would be remiss not to point out that these remedies cannot replace psychotherapy or psychotropic medication in cases where they are needed, as for instance in a severe or chronic panic disorder or a severe anxiety state. I also found in my practice that those on strong doses of psychotropic medications may respond more slowly to the remedies, though they can still progress on underlying issues.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Shirley Li-Raun is a Bach Flower Counselor based in Vancouver, BC. She works with animals and people and is available for consults online and by phone. Her other interests include photography and writing. Please check out her web site, or reach her via email.

DESIGN CREDITS: The background is by Kalazar at Other World Graphics.

The World Wide Essence Society does not mean to imply any recommendation of nor give certification to any individuals or companies above. This article is provided purely for informational purposes. We ask consumers to make their own determination as to quality of the services and products offered above. This article is not meant to be advice, and the information is not meant to replace medical or psychological treatment.

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