Heal Thyself

This fascinating classic in self-healing was written by the famed British doctor and creator of the Bach flower remedies, Edward Bach. Explore alternate views on illness and medicine in this vintage volume.

First published in 1931, this guide to self-healing explores Edward Bach’s views on the ‘real’ causes and cures of disease. ‘Heal Thyself’ is an ideal read for those wishing to explore alternate medicines and is perfect for anyone seeking to cure their illnesses and ailments with herbal remedies. An elegant examination of disease and modern medicine.

Edward Bach (1886–1936) was an English doctor, homeopath, and writer, born in Moseley, Worcestershire. He studied medicine at the University College Hospital in London, receiving his Diploma of Public Health (DPH) at Cambridge. Bach had a cancerous tumor removed from his spleen in 1917 and was told he only had three months to live. Instead, he recovered and went on to develop the Bach flower remedies, an alternative herbal medicine influenced by homeopathic traditions.

Dr. Edward Bach (1886–1936) was a British physician, bacteriologist, homeopath, and author best known for developing the Bach Flower Remedies, a system of natural flower essences intended to support emotional well-being. Driven by a deep belief that emotional balance plays an important role in overall health, Bach sought to create gentle, accessible remedies that addressed the emotional state of the individual rather than focusing solely on physical symptoms. His ideas have influenced complementary and alternative wellness practices around the world and continue to be widely studied and used today.

Edward Bach was born on September 24, 1886, in Moseley, near Birmingham, England. From an early age, he displayed a keen interest in nature and a compassionate concern for the suffering of others. He studied medicine at University College Hospital in London, qualifying as a physician and surgeon. During his early medical career, he worked in hospitals and later specialized in bacteriology and immunology. His scientific research earned respect within the medical community, particularly for his work on bacterial vaccines, known as the Bach Nosodes, which were later incorporated into homeopathic practice.

Although successful in conventional medicine, Bach became increasingly convinced that treating disease required understanding the emotional and psychological condition of the patient. This belief inspired him to leave his established medical career and devote himself to researching the healing potential of wild flowers and plants. Through years of careful observation and experimentation, he identified 38 flower remedies, each associated with a particular emotional state such as fear, uncertainty, loneliness, or discouragement. He described his philosophy and methods in works including Heal Thyself, The Twelve Healers, and The Twelve Healers and Other Remedies, encouraging people to cultivate inner harmony and emotional resilience.

Bach emphasized simplicity, self-awareness, and a close relationship with nature. While many people continue to value Bach Flower Remedies as part of complementary wellness practices, it is important to note that scientific evidence has not established them as effective treatments for medical conditions beyond placebo effects. Nevertheless, his holistic approach to emotional well-being has had a lasting cultural influence.

Edward Bach passed away in 1936 at the age of fifty. Today, he is remembered as a compassionate physician and innovative thinker whose enduring legacy lies in his commitment to viewing health as a balance of mind, body, and spirit, and in encouraging individuals to seek greater emotional harmony alongside physical care.