Original Bach Flower Remedies®: The Solarization Method

This is one of the two techniques still used by the Bach Centre, where all flower essences are produced from flowers grown in a healthy, natural, and pesticide-free environment. This technique is particularly suitable for annual flowers, such as agrimony, gentian, rock rose, and impatiens. The solarization method requires harvesting the flowers at their peak ripeness very early in the morning. The harvested flowers must all be of the same species to avoid mixing them, which could alter the quality of the extract.

The flowers are then methodically placed in a container filled with spring water, which is exposed to the sun for several hours. The solution is then filtered, and 40% ABV brandy is added as a preservative. Note that in case of rain or wind, the entire process cannot be completed!

Original Bach Flower Remedies®: The Boiling Method

Unlike the previous method, the boiling technique is primarily used for preparing elixirs made from woody plants derived from trees and shrubs. The climatic conditions must also be impeccable, and only a single species must be harvested, again to ensure the purity of the extract. This time, it is not the sun, but rather a conventional heat source that raises the temperature of the mixture of ingredients to a gentle boil (for approximately 30 minutes). The boiling method allows for better extraction.

The solution is then filtered, and a quantity of 40% ABV brandy is added to create what is known as the mother tincture.