Rock Rose
Botanical: Helianthemum Nummularium
Family: Cistaceae
Homeopathic remedy: Cistus Canadensis
Description: A perennial herb, with a simple, ascending downy stem. Its flowers are large and bright yellow, some with petals. Rock Rose opens its flowers only in the sunlight, a fact that explains the genus name, which is derived from the Greek helios ("the sun") and anthemon ("flower"). The common name refers to the ice crystals that form from sap exuding from cracks near the base of the stem in late fall. The flower lasts only one day and produces many seeds.
Medicinal uses: Scrofula, Scarlatina, Secondary syphilis, Diarrhea
Keywords: Terror, Fear, Panic, Sudden Shock
Dr Bach's description: The rescue remedy. The remedy of emergency for cases where there even appears no hope. In accident or sudden illness, or when the patient is very frightened or terrified or if the condition is serious enough to cause great fear to those around. If the patient is not conscious the lips may be moistened with the remedy. Other remedies in addition may also be required, as, for example, if there is unconsciousness, which is a deep, sleepy state, Clematis ; if there is torture, Agrimony, and so on.
Essence: The Rock Rose is one of the components of the Rescue Remedy and as such it is specific for the fear. The fear of the Rock Rose can start as a Red Chestnut, Mimulus or Aspen type of fear, but the intensity of the fear of the Rock Rose is much greater. A fitting word for this type of fear is terror. Patient is totally hopeless, the extreme fear can produce the state of panic, where every conscious thought is impossible.
The typical situations, that require the Rock Rose remedy are accidents, serious injuries, shocks of all kinds, natural disasters, sudden serious illnesses. These situation however describe only the sudden shock-like experiences, that would require the Rock Rose. Yet the rock Rose terror can evolve from the fears, that can be easily managed under normal circumstances. If however the conditions are not favorable the easily managed fear gains strength and evolves into terror and panic. In extreme situations, where the patient is unconscious or where he cannot drink, the lips of the patient can be moistened by the remedy and the healing will take place.
The Rock Rose has a great power in calming the patient even in the state of panic and terror and it brings balance and courage. The inner strength is regained and the patient can face his fears with a better chance of success.