7 Bach Flower Remedies to Treat SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

Do you feel lethargic and tired every winter, unable to enjoy even the things that usually bring you joy? Does your mood take a downturn as the days get shorter and the temperature drops lower? If so, you may be dealing with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD makes it more difficult for many people to manage their emotional state during those cold winter months - not forgetting Blue Monday. But there is something you can do! By exploring the use of Bach flower remedies—highly effective natural remedies customised to each individual—you can improve your resistance against these symptoms without resorting to chemical dependency. Keep reading below to learn how Bach Flower Remedies can help with SAD.

What is SAD and who is at risk for it 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder that is typically brought on by the change in seasons. Individuals who experience SAD usually start to experience symptoms such as low energy, social withdrawal, oversleeping and weight gain beginning in autumn or winter when daylight hours become shorter. The cause of SAD is unknown; however, it appears to be related to lack of sunlight and changes in serotonin levels. People with a family history of depression or other psychiatric conditions are more likely to be at risk for SAD. Additionally, living in higher latitudes with decreased natural light increases the risk for SAD.

What Help is Available for SAD

Light therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat SAD. This involves exposure to artificial bright light for 30 minutes or more each day. The light should be at least 10,000 lux and can be used before, during, or after work hours – whichever works best for you. Light boxes are often recommended for this type of treatment, as they provide the correct amount of light intensity and duration. Benefits of using a light box typically start within just a few days and may last up to two or three weeks.

Other treatments that have been found to help with SAD are yoga and exercise. Doing regular exercise helps combat fatigue and low mood associated with SAD. It also releases endorphins which can help lift your spirits and improve overall wellbeing. Furthermore, yoga has been found to reduce stress and anxiety levels as well as providing a sense of relaxation.

Finally, talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help people identify negative thought patterns that may be causing their symptoms. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts or behaviour patterns, challenging them and replacing them with more positive ones that can lead to improved mental health and wellbeing over time.

Many people also turn to medication such as anti-depressants or natural remedies such as Bach flower remedies.

How Bach Flower Remedies Can Help With SAD

Bach Flower Remedies are a natural, non-invasive way to deal with symptoms of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) such as depression. Derived from flowers and plants, these remedies can help us confront the underlying emotional issues that contribute to the development of SAD while also providing calming effects on the user's mood. The remedies help people to connect more deeply with their emotions, allowing them to release past traumas or regain their emotional balance, giving more space for positive feelings. Bach Flower Remedies are helpful used in combination with other treatments such as counselling, light therapy and lifestyle changes which helps individuals address their SAD in a holistic way. Bach flower remedies can also be taken alongside existing medication (for example anti-depressants) without harm and have no side effects. They are a gentle and natural way to help with emotional issues such as depression or SAD.

7 Bach Flower Remedies That Can Help Treat SAD

Here is a comprehensive guide to Bach Flower remedies as a treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). As a Bach flower practitioner, I have thorough knowledge of the remedies and have carefully researched and chosen the most effective remedies. These remedies can help to alleviate SAD symptoms such as depression, mood swings, low mood, fatigue and lethargy.

Mustard

Mustard flower is a Bach Flower Remedy known to aid those feeling depressed, melancholic, and despondent – often occurring for no reason, and disappearing just as quickly. It helps to lift the darkness of the mind and heart, restoring energy, joy and motivation. Mustard flower remedy can bring about a newfound sense of stability and peace that is unshakeable - regardless of external influences or circumstances. The effects are often subtle yet powerful; providing strength during times of emotional instability and helping to clear mental fog so clarity can reign once again. For those feeling helplessly adrift, Mustard flower offers renewed hope, optimism, and a sense of control.

Gentian 

Gentian is a Bach flower remedy used for restoring feelings of hope, optimism and determination in those who have experienced a setback or disappointment. It can be especially helpful when someone feels despondent and discouraged and has become pessimistic after a difficult life event such as a failed job interview or break up. By infusing the user with these positive qualities, Gentian helps them to approach their problem with an open heart and mind, enabling them to find potential solutions that would not have been possible before. This positive outlook can be the turning point in moving past failure and back into joy again.

Wild Rose

The Wild Rose Bach Flower Remedy is for those who have become apathetic to life, lacking enthusiasm and vitality. They feel resigned to their fate and lack the motivation to take an active interest in their life or make any positive changes. For such people, this remedy can help to reawaken a sense of purpose, while also restoring enthusiasm and vitality. It can bring back much needed energy and motivate them to participate in life once again and embrace opportunities with enthusiasm. This remedy helps to restore emotional balance by creating a desire for growth, inner strength, resilience and hope. It can give one the courage to face challenges and move forward with passion rather than resignation or fear.

Gorse

The Gorse Bach flower remedy helps to bring hope and faith back into the lives of those feeling hopeless, despairing and downhearted. It can help alleviate feelings of being unable to move forward or see any light at the end of the tunnel. This powerful remedy encourages strength from within, enabling individuals to believe that things will get better and bring renewed optimism for the future. People who take this remedy often start to feel more able to cope with their difficult emotions as well as develop a more optimistic outlook on life. Ultimately, the Gorse Bach flower remedy helps to create an environment where growth, healing and transformation are possible.

Hornbeam

The Hornbeam Bach flower remedy is a great way to help overcome feelings of mental exhaustion, lack of motivation and procrastination. Monday morning blues can be particularly difficult to battle, but this remedy helps to lift your spirits and your energy levels, giving you an increased sense of motivation that makes mundane tasks far less daunting. This remedy helps you battle procrastination and get on with your to-do list.

Willow

The Willow Bach flower remedy is designed to help those who feel overwhelmed by resentment, self-pity and bitterness. This remedy can provide relief for those struggling with feelings of life being unfair and feeling that they carry grudges against others. Those struggling with these emotions can become sulky and begrudge the successes of others. The remedy encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own fate and understand that sometimes bad things happen in life, but it's how we respond to them that makes all the difference. It encourages us to let go of our anger and try to find understanding and compassion for ourselves - looking at things from a different perspective can help us move away from negative patterns of thought. By finding acceptance, we can start to create positive changes in our lives.

Scleranthus

Scleranthus helps those who struggle to make decisions or experience frequent mood swings. This remedy can help bring about a sense of calm certainty, replacing uncertainty, indecision, and inner restlessness. It can also improve concentration and help users order their thoughts more effectively. Additionally, this remedy is often used by those who are prone to frequent changes in their outlook or regular changes in their emotions. Scleranthus has been known to be particularly useful for individuals who are sensitive to the changing weather patterns, as they often have difficulty managing mood swings between extreme highs and lows. By taking Scleranthus regularly, individuals may find improved clarity of thought and an ability to make decisions with greater confidence.

Create a Remedy for SAD

The best way to take Bach Flower Remedies

Bach flower remedies are taken by mouth (not to be confused with essential oils!) They can be taken as drops under the tongue or in a glass of water. They should be taken a minimum of four drops, four times a day – ideally first thing in the morning and last thing at night plus at least two other times spread out throughout the day. You can’t overdose on flower remedies so follow your intuition and take as required if your mood is particularly low for example.

How to create a remedy for SAD

At Mindful Remedies, we understand how disheartening it can be to suffer from SAD or depression. That's why we've created a range of customisable flower remedies that can help restore balance and provide much-needed relief. Our personalised bottles give you the ability to choose up to seven individual flower remedies tailored to your unique needs. Our selection includes the full range of 38 Bach flower remedies – including the most effective remedies for treating SAD as listed above. With this approach, you can create your very own custom blend that best suits your healing journey and helps you manage your low moods.

Create a Remedy for SAD

Browse all 38 remedies

Alternatively, if you're looking for professional advice and guidance, you can also book flower therapy services with a registered practitioner. This comprehensive service encompasses both talking therapy consultations as well as one-on-one expert recommendations on which is the 38 flowers remedies will be help you. During the 50 minute online therapy session, your practitioner will work with you to create an entirely personalised blend of flower essences perfect for restoring balance and lifting your spirits.

Book a consultation

This blog post has been written by Lucy Edwards, Qualified Bach Flower Practitioner and Founder of Mindful Remedies. You can book a consultation with her via the link above.