FLOWER RXS HOME

AGRIMONY
ASPEN
BEECH
CENTAURY
CERATO
CHERRY PLUM
CHESTNUT BUD
CHICORY
CLEMATIS
CRAB APPLE
ELM
GENTIAN
GORSE
HEATHER
HOLLY
HONEYSUCKLE
HORNBEAM
IMPATIENS
LARCH
MIMULUS
MUSTARD
OAK
OLIVE
PINE
RED CHESTNUT
RESCUE REMEDY
ROCK ROSE
ROCK WATER
SCLERANTHUS
STAROF BETHLEHEM
SWEET CHESTNUT
VERVAIN
VINE
WALNUT
WATER VIOLET
WHITE CHESTNUT
WILD OAT
WILD ROSE
WILLOW

The remedy Crab Apple, together with Oak, Willow, Star of Bethlehem, Sweet Chestnut, Elm, Pine, Larch, belongs to the group of For Despondency or Despair, as classified by Bach. These remedies deal with mental states of severity when a condition burdens and one does not have sufficient power or possibility to grow above. Specifically, Crab Apple treats persistent feelings of shame in face of unwanted personal attributes or failings.

In the Crab Apple state, the mind is overly concentrating on one aspect of the self considered unclean, shameful, bothering, and burdensome. Other aspects of the self, such as positive character traits, are not equally important or regarded. The one displeasing state assumes inappropriate dimensions, and one loses perspective of what is most important in life or about oneself. This attitude is enhanced by underlying feelings of helplessness one feels in regard to the problem. One feels unable to shake off or overcome the disturbing condition, and feelings of despair may develop.
In some cases, the shameful aspect experienced or engaged in is fostered by addictive perpetuation and hidden from others so that a personal prison of shame and self-disgust develops.
In other cases, the Crab Apple state is marked by obsessive preoccupation with beauty flaws or states of sickness considered unclean and unbecoming. Here the problem may be openly shared with others.
In yet another situation, contamination is feared through a source outside of the self, such as by germs or unclean surroundings, and a strong reaction of dislike or disgust may be aroused in some people. This strong stance reflects their inner sensitivity in regard to personal hidden shame, or it reflects fear of and possibly temptation to uncleanness in thought or action which has not been dealt with properly.
In cases of abuse or molestation, a Crab Apple state may come about in the victim who feels soiled or abased, even though there is no personal guilt or wrong. The indication for this remedy is the perception that something unclean or base has touched the self, either from within the personality sphere or from without, and one wishes to be cleansed of it.

In treatment of obsessive-compulsive behavior with personally shameful content, this remedy brings release (cf. Cherry Plum, Pine). In body dysmorphic disorder, which entails obsessive, exaggerated preoccupation with imagined or hardly noticeable physical defects, Crab Apple is the indicated remedy.
Feelings of uncleanness and shame may weigh heavily upon the heart and stifle personal enjoyment of life. True despair and despondency may develop, as one feels unable to free or cleanse oneself. This holds true especially when repeatedly engaging in sinful or shameful behavior and regretting it later on.
Another emotion of intensity is the obsessive or hysterical undertone that can develop while being in the Crab Apple state. Minor problems assume disproportionate importance, and, since there is usually no ready cure, obsessive despair may escalate.
The Crab Apple view is too self-centered; one's own self is overly dealt with and the view lost to others and their special needs or place in life. Oftentimes, it is shame about one's appearance or inner guilt and uncleanness which prevent one from enjoying direct eye contact, and much opportunity for personal enrichment through careful tuning into others and concentrating away from oneself is lost.
Some people feel an intense craving or desire to be cleansed and purified from within. This may be part of a moral or spiritual awakening, or it may be a purist's attitude of striving for perfection and ultimate health in body and consciousness. Crab Apple would help in both cases.

To bring a sense of self-acceptance and forgiveness of one's shameful aspects. To direct the mind to positive attributes of oneself, as well as to reestablish priorities such as love and kindness over self-preoccupation and despair. Directing the view to the care of others and finding the joy of service, with simultaneous raising of one's self-worth, brings deepened healing.