Bach Flower Remedies – Elm

Species: Ulmus procera

Group: Despondency or despair

Keywords: Overwhelmed by responsibility.

“Not one of us upon this earth is being asked to do more than is within his power to perform…”
~ Edward Bach

Native to Europe and western Asia, the English Elm tree can grow into a distinctive figure-8 shape because its upper boughs spread out like a fan, while the lower branches grow horizontally. These large trees can grow up to 150 ft tall and live more than 100 years. Small flowers emerge in the spring before the leaves. Sadly, since the 1960s, most of these majestic trees have been destroyed by Dutch Elm Disease, including one of the trees shown in the photo below.

In The Twelve Healers, Dr. Bach described those who would benefit from Elm as “Those who are doing good work are following the calling of their life and who hope to do something of importance, and this is often for the benefit of humanity. At times there may be periods of depression when they feel that the task they have undertaken is to difficult and not within the power of a human being.”

Emotional disharmony indicating Elm:

• Overwhelmed by responsibility
• Unable to keep up with daily events
• Exhausted from overwork

Positive character qualities of Elm:

• Return to efficiency
• Self-assurance of capabilities
• Problems seen in perspective
• Takes time for self-care

Daily use of the Bach flowers provides gentle emotional support. Negative attitudes are transformed into positive virtues as the body’s self-curative potential strengthens emotional health and restores inner harmony.

“And may we ever have gratitude in hearts that the great Creator in all His glory has placed the herbs in the field for our healing.“ ~ Edward Bach