Bach Flower Database

Botany: Carpinus betulus
Preparation: Boiling Method
Represents: Mental Vitality

Hornbeam corresponds to our mind's desire to seek out new experiences and fresh new adventures. Hornbeam personalities are spontaneous, fresh thinkers who can combine a sense of responsibility with a sense of adventure.
In the negative state, however, the mind is mentally exhausted. The constant demands, however light, of a dull routine have taken their toll. Physically, a soul in a negative hornbeam state is perfectly capable of performing the tasks. But the mind, which has been starving for something--anything--new, rebels.

Potentially anyone call fall into a negative hornbeam condition but this state is especially common among people who work indoors for most of their days. There's something about being in an artificial environment that seems to sap energy from all of us. Even truck drivers, who spend so much time behind the wheel of their vehicles, tend to feel the disconnect from nature.

Imagine a woman who, after 20 years as a police officer, has begun to question her career. To others, this woman is a true hero. She goes out every single day and potentially puts herself in harm's way for the benefit of others. It's easy to understand why the average person would look at our young woman and think she must have one of the most exciting careers in the world.

But to our woman, there's little excitement left. She is constantly "on-call" and knows she can be called back into work at a moment's notice, should circumstances warrant it. All those years of carrying all that responsibility have worn her down. She's considering taking an early retirement just so she can spend a little time with her children, who are quickly approaching adulthood.

Our woman is in a negative hornbeam state. She is so "burned out" by her job that she's almost forgotten the time when she considered law enforcement her true calling. She needs a vacation-or at least a stimulating hobby--and she needs it badly.

The Positive Hornbeam State

The positive hornbeam state is marked by a sense of spontaneity and adventure. In this state, souls understand that each day brings new and different challenges. Positive hornbeam personalities balance their professional and working lives to achieve a sense of equilibrium and maintain their sense of purpose.