Bach Flower Remedies for Coping with Chronic Illness

Bach Flower Remedies for Coping with Chronic Illness

Navigating life with a chronic illness brings not just physical challenges but often a whirlwind of emotions, ranging from anxiety and anger to profound sadness and uncertainty. The emotional terrain following such a diagnosis can be overwhelming, leaving individuals grappling with a myriad of sentiments that often go unaddressed in the pursuit of physical wellbeing. Bach Flower Remedies can be a natural support for the emotions for people with chronic illness, whether that be when you’ve first found out about a diagnosis or been living with an illness for many years. Here we explore the range of emotions you might be experiencing, talk more about what Bach flower remedies are and provide some specific recommendations on remedies that can help support.

Understanding Your Emotions:

The diagnosis of a chronic illness sets off an intricate interplay of emotions, weaving a tapestry of feelings that often go unacknowledged. Anxiety, the constant companion of uncertainty, can pervade every thought. Anger, stemming from the disruption of life's plans, can simmer beneath the surface. Feelings of resentment and bitterness might take root, questioning the fairness of the situation, leading to self-pity and blame. Shock and trauma, often overlooked but deeply felt, cast a shadow that lingers long after the diagnosis has been delivered. Guilt, a silent yet heavy burden, can weigh down those grappling with a chronic condition, fostering a belief in self-blame.

These emotions, intertwined and often suppressed, create a complex emotional terrain that individuals navigate alongside the physical challenges of their condition. They can become an unspoken narrative, overshadowed by the urgency of medical treatment, yet can have a significant impact on overall wellbeing and it’s important to address these emotions with adequate care and support alongside any physical treatments.

Recognising and acknowledging these emotions is the first step towards emotional healing. It opens the door to addressing and processing them, allowing individuals to navigate the emotional complexities of chronic illness with greater resilience and understanding. Bach Flower Remedies can be a natural support for addressing these emotional imbalances. They coexist harmoniously with ongoing treatments, offering emotional support without interference.

bach flower remedies for chronic illness

What are Bach flower remedies?

Bach Flower Remedies are a holistic approach to emotional wellbeing and are a collection of 38 natural remedies developed by Dr Edward Bach in the early 20th century. Rooted in the belief that emotional imbalances can impact physical health, these remedies aim to address emotional imbalances.

Each remedy is derived from specific high vibrational flowers and plants, capturing their energetic essence. Each essence resonates with a specific emotional state, gently guiding individuals back towards emotional balance. Dr Bach believed that by addressing emotional disharmony, the body's natural healing mechanisms could be stimulated, aiding in overall wellbeing.

Bach Flower Remedies are gentle yet they can have a profound impact. They work on an energetic level, influencing emotions without causing any side effects or interference with other forms of treatment. This makes them safe to use alongside conventional medical approaches, providing complementary emotional support.

Our regular treatment bottles are made with a little organic brandy but you opt for an alcohol free version if you prefer, just select this option at the checkout. As with any complementary treatment, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.

The remedies are prepared through a gentle process, capturing the energetic imprint of the flowers. They come in liquid form and can be taken orally or added to water or other beverages. The selection of remedies is based on emotional needs, with each remedy targeting specific emotional states or imbalances. A person can work with up to seven remedies at any one time. When selecting remedies, it’s important to think about the emotions most prevalent at this time. Resolve those them you can move onto other remedies or emotions.

At Mindful Remedies, we believe in the power of these remedies to empower individuals on their emotional journey. Our approach allows individuals to curate their own blend of remedies, selecting up to 7 essences that resonate with their emotional needs. This personalised approach ensures that each individual receives tailored emotional support specific to their individual journey.

Specific Remedies for Emotional Support When Dealing with Chronic Illness:

Below we explore some specific remedies that address some typical emotions that one might be feeling when dealing with chronic illness. As a person progresses with their diagnosis you would expect their emotional situation to change and so the list below is quite a long list to consider. If you feel any these resonate with you or a loved one you can add the individual remedies to a treatment bottle by clicking on the button below each description. As mentioned above, choose your remedies based on the ones surfacing most at this present time.

White Chestnut:

Calms the relentless whirlwind of overthinking and worry, granting a peaceful mental space for clarity and tranquillity amid a storm of thoughts.

Holly:

Softens the intensity of anger, nurturing empathy and inner peace, fostering a more harmonious emotional landscape and understanding within.

Willow:

Eases the weight of bitterness and resentment, guiding towards forgiveness and freeing oneself from the burden of negativity.

Star of Bethlehem:

Extends gentle comfort during times of shock or trauma, aiding in gradual emotional healing and providing solace.

Agrimony:

Encourages authentic emotional expression, allowing inner peace through honest acknowledgment and acceptance of feelings if you tend to bury emotions.

Gentian:

Lifts spirits following setbacks, reinstating hope and positivity during moments of doubt and adversity.

Mimulus:

Empowers to confront specific fears, offering courage and strength to face anxieties related to health or the future.

Walnut:

Offers stability amidst change, supporting in transitions and providing a sense of security during transformative phases.

Clematis:

Anchors the mind to the present, enhancing focus and presence in the current moment, helping with clarity and grounding.

Olive:

Restores vitality in times of exhaustion, rejuvenating the body and spirit, replenishing energy levels for renewed strength.

Impatiens:

Eases impatience, fostering patience and understanding during the healing process, allowing for a more peaceful journey and one less rushed.

Pine:

Alleviates the burden of guilt and self-blame, nurturing self-compassion and acceptance, freeing from the weight of self-criticism.

Gorse:

Offers hope, rekindling optimism for those feeling like they’ve given up. It restores a sense of possibility, nurturing resilience during the challenges of chronic illness.

Sweet Chestnut:

For those in the depths of profound despair, Sweet Chestnut provides solace during moments of extreme emotional anguish, offering inner strength and renewed hope when faced with the overwhelming challenges of chronic illness.

Scleranthus:

When faced with the crossroads of decision-making regarding treatment plans, Scleranthus eases indecision and provides clarity, supporting individuals in making confident and considered choices amidst the complexities of chronic illness.


In the journey through chronic illness, emotional strength matters. Bach Flower Remedies offer personalised support for these tough times. If you’d like to create a remedy for yourself or a loved one, you can add to your treatment bottle using the buttons above or click below to view all 38 remedies. If you feel like you would like more expert guidance and a supportive ear, you can book an online consultation via the link below to book in with Lucy Edwards, an experienced Bach Practitioner registered with the Bach Centre.

view all 38 flower essences  book an online consultation

about the author

Since 2021, Lucy Edwards, a qualified Bach Flower Practitioner and the driving force behind Mindful Remedies, has connected with clients across the world. Crafting thousands of personalised remedies, Lucy has supported individuals' emotional wellbeing, shipping remedies to far-flung places like the USA, Thailand, and Australia.

Lucy is readily available for conversations, offering personalised advice to guide you on the path to holistic wellness. It's important to note that she's not only qualified but also registered with the Bach Centre, ensuring that every consultation and remedy adheres to Dr Bach’s original guidelines for expert care and efficacy.