It was in the 1930s that Dr Edward Bach, who was English, became interested in emotions and their possible effects on health.
According to him, treating a person meant above all understanding their emotional imbalances.
After several years of research, he developed a natural, gentle method based on the energy of flowers.
In nutritional care, considering the relationship between emotions and eating behaviors seems relevant to me.
Since losing weight is never just a matter of calories, could Bach flowers be useful? I break down for you the links between emotional support and nutrition, and which flowers could be compatible with weight loss.
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How our eating behaviors are linked to our emotions
Addressing the emotional causes of excess weight
First of all, I should point out that the action of Bach flowers has no scientific validation.
However, many studies have looked at the possible influence of emotions on diet and metabolism.
For example, emotional eaters would have a stronger attraction to fatty and sugary foods in times of stress.
Or, anxiety, anger, and sadness may favor food cravings in some profiles sensitive to emotional distress.
Another studied fact is that chronic stress could be one of the causes of weight gain and a greater appetite.
Indeed, according to this study, the hypersecretion of cortisol, the stress hormone, would contribute to fat storage, especially in the abdominal area, and could be linked to an increase in BMI (body mass index).
Emotions that may be linked to eating behavior
To make them easier to use, the 38 flowers are grouped into 7 major emotional families, established by Bach himself:
- Fear: Rock Rose, Mimulus, Cherry Plum, Aspen, Red Chestnut
- Uncertainty: Cerato, Scleranthus, Gentian, Gorse, Hornbeam, Wild Oat
- Lack of interest in the present moment: Clematis, Honeysuckle, Wild Rose, Olive, White Chestnut, Mustard, Chestnut Bud
- Loneliness: Water Violet, Impatiens, Heather
- Great sensitivity to external influences: Agrimony, Centaury, Walnut, Holly
- Discouragement and despair: Larch, Pine, Elm, Sweet Chestnut, Star of Bethlehem, Willow, Oak, Crab Apple
- Excessive concern for the well-being of others: Chicory, Vervain, Vine, Beech, Rock Water
In consultation, I often observe that eating can become a form of compensation in people who neglect their own needs in favor of those of others. Emotional family No. 7 (excessive concern for the well-being of others) may then be relevant to explore.
Who is this natural solution for?
Bach flowers are intended for anyone wishing to work gently on their emotional state.
One of their major strengths, in my opinion, is that they are non-addictive and do not interact with other treatments.
Taking a Bach flower can therefore be complemented by dietary, psychological, or medical follow-up, which I also recommend. They can be used by adults, children, and even animals.
The only precaution concerns the presence of alcohol in the base solution. I therefore recommend choosing an alcohol-free version.
How to use Bach flowers to lose weight?
Routine and dosages
I should note that I am referring here to the traditional practice of Bach flowers, passed down since the 1930s, and not to a scientifically validated protocol.
These floral elixirs are taken orally and fit easily into daily life, thanks to the small size of the bottles, which can be carried anywhere.
The standard dosage is 4 drops, 4 times a day, ideally between meals, directly under the tongue or diluted in a glass of water.
A minimum 4-week course is recommended to appreciate the gradual emotional changes.
In general, it is recommended not to exceed 6 to 7 flowers in the same blend.
My advice for an “Letting go of food” approach with Bach flowers
Certain Bach Flowers could support the establishment of a healthy eating cycle:
- Cherry Plum: for people who feel a loss of control around food or compulsive urges
- Crab Apple: for those who have a difficult relationship with their body
- White Chestnut: for mental rumination, an exhausting state of stress, or nighttime cravings
My advice for preparing the “letting go of food” blend: In a 30 ml dropper bottle, pour in 10 ml of spring water and 3 ml of organic apple cider vinegar. Add 2 drops of each chosen elixir and shake gently.
Of course, this Bach flower recipe to support weight loss is not universal and requires work to identify feelings.
Even though Bach flowers do not have a direct impact on weight and metabolism, that does not mean they are of no interest! If these elixirs encourage you to pay more attention to your emotions and listen to yourself better, then I believe they already play a valuable role in your approach.
From my point of view, you can use them as support among others and, if necessary, alongside psychological follow-up.
Sources and scientific studies
- Tatjana V.S., Machteld AO, Carmen Engel, Carolina de Weerth, Hunger, inhibitory control and distress-induced emotional eating, Appetite, 2014
- Michael Macht, How emotions affect eating: a five-way model, Appetite, 2008
- A. Janet Tomiyama, Stress and Obesity, Annu Rev Psychol, 2019
