Is it ok for a christian to use bachs flower remedies?

Answer 1

I saw your question while researching the possible use of Bach Flower Remedies and/or Australian Bush Flower Essences on a perpetually frightened cat whom nothing else seems to help. I have seen anecdotal evidence that the essences do help animals, which would seem to contradict the scientific research that indicates only a placebo effect for these remedies.

From what I have discovered, the philosophy behind the development of both of these approaches is very New Age-oriented. We are not told what Dr. Bach's background was, but Ian White, who developed the Australian essences, is apparently a practicing Wiccan.

This does not mean that there are any Satanic or demonic influences involved with these approaches, nor does it mean that they don't work, but I would think that a Christian should approach them with caution. Certainly, the flowers themselves, and any energy they may have, are God's creation, and thus are given to us to use. It would be the spiritual effect from the people who gather and prepare the essences that I would be concerned about.

I will say that I have had good results using essential oils, which have real, documented, scientific effects, in spite of having obtained the oils from non-Christian sources, where some of the people involved in their production have similar New Age philosophies. The plants themselves, and the oils derived from them, are God's creation, given to us to use.

Basically, you'll have to use your own judgment and spiritual discernment. If you sense anything wrong with the flower essence, don't use it and don't keep it in the house.