Bach to School

Photo by Jeffrey Hamilton on Unsplash

Summer goes by shockingly fast regardless of whether you travel or stay put; whether you’re busy or busy doing nothing. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone complain about “the long summer” like they do about the winter. It’s funny, the days are longer but the weeks are shorter. How does that work?

Where I live in New Mexico, school is already under way. While I suspect the return to the classroom will not be as alien and fraught as it was last year (see, Back to School in the Year 2021), I’m sure there are plenty of classrooms still filled with the jitters.
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This year I have some added suggestions on remedies for the nervous students.
Flowers.
Flowers?
Yup. Bach Flower Remedies are perfect for anxious kids (and, their parents!)

Walnut supports change… Like, a new school year. Or, a change in the home: a new sibling, a new home — any change in circumstances. An excellent remedy for puberty (cuz we all know that's a big change!) Walnut helps them move forward and adapt to their new circumstances. Walnut is also helpful for any younger siblings who will be having to get used to not having their big brother/sister at home with them.

Mimulus is for fears that can be named. If the child is afraid of meeting the teacher or afraid of being away from home; worried about bullies or that they’re not going to be able to make friends; worried they’ll be laughed at or not know what to do. If they can put a name to what is worrying them, Mimulus can help them reach a state of calm neutrality and go forth with confidence and courage.

Aspen if they can not name the fear. If they are suffering from nightmares or generalized anxiety without knowing why, Aspen can help bring a sense of calm.

Larch is for a lack of confidence. The student thinks they’re not good enough and they give up saying they can’t do it. Larch is particularly good before a test or before the big game.

Crab Apple is for those who feel there is something wrong with themselves. If your child is worried about starting school because they think they don’t fit in physically because they are too tall, too fat, too zitty… try some Crab Apple.

Chicory for a clingy child. It helps them be independent.

White Chestnut for when their worry or anxiety keeps them from sleeping. For those thoughts that keep repeating, White Chestnut helps to calm the mind and helps find focus.

Rescue Remedy is a mix of 5 different Bach Flowers and is particularly helpful during acute stress. If the student is crying and unable to calm themselves, for example.

What about Mom and Dad?

Walnut to help deal with this big change.
White Chestnut to help stop the repetitive thoughts.
Red chestnut for the worry they have for their kids.
Chicory when it’s hard to let go.

With Bach Flowers, you can choose one remedy at a time or a few (up to 7). Two drops can be taken directly from the bottle (please be advised that they contain alcohol unless the non-alcoholic version is being used -- All Bach remedies are available in alcohol free versions), or, the easiest way is to put 2 drops of the chosen remedy or remedies in a bottle of water and sip throughout the day. (For Rescue Remedy, use 4 drops.) Note: You can purchase a mixture of your chosen remedies from places like Rebecca's Herbal Apothecary* for less than the price of purchasing just 1 bottle on its own.)

Bach Flower Essences are safe and can be taken alongside medications with no interference (The Dr Edward Bach Centre 1995).

So, some Bach Flowers for you and your anxious student and maybe a nice little posy for the teacher to get the year off to a good start.


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits

* I have no affiliation with this company, I just like their stuff.

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Reference list
Bach Centre, n.d. The history of Dr. Bach [online]. The Bach Centre. Available from: .

Info at Bach Flower, 2022. FAQ [online]. Info@BachFlower.com * 1-800-214-2850.   

The Dr Edward Bach Centre, 1995. The 38 flower remedies : an introduction and guide to the 38 flower remedies. London: Wigmore Publications.