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Star of Bethlehem – Ornithogalum umbellatum L. (Liliaceae)

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Common names: Star of Bethlehem Latin name: Ornithogalum umbellatum L. Family: Liliaceae. Botany: prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy

(clay) soilsHabitat: native to South Africa. Found along roadsides, fields, woods, and meadows; and also cultivated.Description: bulbous perennial growing up to 12 inches long with semi-erect, white-veined grass-like basal leaves. Star-shaped flowers with 6 tepals (white on top and green-striped underneath) open in early summer.Cultivation: from seeds, or separating the bulbs; it prefers moist, light to heavy soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.[RD, LK-1, LK-3]

History & Folklore: No reports found.Parts used:

Bulb [BT].

Medicinal properties: Anti-tumor (unproven) [BT].

Uses:Herbal medicine:

Practitioner used only. Gastric and duodenal ulcers; stomach cancer (refer to toxicity) [BT].

Homeopathic Remedy:For some type of cancer [RBC, LK-1].For severe states of “intrusions” such as ulceration or

cancer [RBC].Flower Essence:

For the effects of kind of shock, serious news, accidents, frights, traumas from conception to the present.It is also one of the ingredients of the Rescue Remedy.

Constituents & Pharmacology: Alkaloids (poisonous) [LK-1]. Glycosides (similar to those of digitalis) [LK-2].

Pharmacy:Infusion: no reports found.Liquid extract: no reports found.Poultice/liniment: no reports found.Homeopathy: prepared using the bulb [LK-1].Flower Essences: prepared by the boiling method [BJ,

RBC]. Dose: 2 drops under the tongue, or in glass water/juice.

Cautions, contraindications and toxicity: Pregnancy & lactation: no reports found.Cautions/warnings: contact with the bulb can cause contact

dermatitis in sensitive people [LK-1].Contraindications: Practitioner used only.Toxicity. There exist death reports with the ingestion of the

flowers or bulb [LK-2]. The bulb is considered poisonous to grazing animals, and causing blindness [LK-1, LK-2].

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Bach Flower Essence InformationPersonality Traits and Plant Characteristics

[BJ] Flowers:The white flowers of Star of Bethlehem were chosen by Bach as a remedy for shock and distress. Its action is to bring about calm and balance to those caught up in a whirlpool of life trauma. Each flower has six pointed petals that have a perfect geometry. These petals surround six stamens, which form around the coronet around the six-celled ovary with its single style (interesting that 6+6+6+1=19-it came in the second batch of 19 Bach remedies).The geometry of the flowers helps to reassemble the structure of life when it has been tumbled and broken by life.

The six pointed star of the plant is unique among Bach’s flowers. Most are either five-petalled (Crab Apple/ Wild Rose) or four-petalled (Mustard/ Holly). In this it epitomizes either a six-pointed Star of David, with all the connotations of balance between heaven and earth in the flower’s delicate shape. The Star of David is composed of two triangles: one pointing down for the spiritual world, and one pointing up for the physical world. It is the balances of forces represented by the triangles, which leads to harmony and health. This is the positive state of the Star of Bethlehem: order and balance. All of this geometry can be seen in the star form of the flowers.

Quality and gesture of the flower:1) For those who experience trauma there is dislocation

between the physical and the subtle bodies-the geometry is distorted. This may happen as a result of physical accidents (broken bones, bruising, wounds, a fall) or as a result of some psychological trauma (‘serious news’, loss of a loved one, the fright following an accident). In both cases there is disruption of the normal flow of energy and information. The remedy acts to repair this by realigning the matrix of the subtle and physical links in the living forms.

2) The flowers shine with light, lying like a carpet of stars among the grass. They are particularly sensitive to sunshine and only open on warm, clear days. The flowers may last up to three weeks before the petals tire of this daily movement and collapse. On the back of the petals is a broad green stripe which camouflages the flower when closed. Opening in the sunshine, they bring a sudden sparkle of light to the meadows. Looking more closely in to the flowers reveals six points of yellow pollen as the stamens surround a golden jewel in the heart of the star, warming and strengthening the white light.

LeavesWhen young the leaves are straight like small spears, by the time the flowers open, the leaves have begun to die back and collapse. The dynamic movement of the leaves could represent the turbulent experience of life, which supports the pure, crystalline form of the flowers-spirit born into the material world.

StemAs it is a bulb there is only one stem, though it branches to form an umbel, a flat topped head flowering head, hence the Latin name for it (Ornithogalum umbellatum). Individual flowers are thus linked back to the central stem: a miniature tree form. The strength and clarity of this structure is quite pronounced.

Preparation method Star of Bethlehem is prepared by the boiling method. One would think that this remedy should be made by the more gentle sun method. But it is not for a gentle condition. Fire transforms. It brings about a change in state. This can also be said of accidents, shock and trauma. They break up patterns of the past and interrupt the established order of life experience. At times this may be necessary to allow for new growth. When people experience the fire of change they may react with symptoms of distress and grief. Star of Bethlehem helps to reform a stable patterning in the emotional life.

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The Positive State[BFE1] Conceded by Dr. Bach the comforter and soother of pain. It neutralizes the effects of trauma.

[SM2] Positive effects and uses: Star of Bethlehem rouses the personality from its mental numbness, reconnecting it with its higher self. The personality reintegrates on all levels, becomes livelier, and regains the ability to cope with normal external energies, sensing great vitality, mental clarity, and inner strength. With psychosomatic conditions that prove to be resistant to treatment, Star of Bethlehem may yield great results, especially when taken for a few months. It has been shown to have relaxing effects on tension in the throat or nervous problems with swallowing. Those who have been on narcotics in their life may benefit from a combination of Star of Bethlehem and Crab Apple It may be given to newborns to counteract the trauma of cutting the umbilical cord, together with Walnut; it helps ease the change to a new form of existence. It may ease women’s heavy menstrual periods….every menstruation might be seen as a ‘little birth’ and is thus seen as a kind of mini shock. It may be useful in treatments designed to help people work through psychic traumas such as rebirthing.

Positive Potential: You take things in deeply and can sense their subtle differences: you are able to relate to other people’s feelings You’ve learned to deal appropriately with your emotional experiences, using them for personal development You give comfort to others

Positive Statements for Practice: ‘I feel’ ‘I breathe’ ‘I am alive’

[MB] Positive affirmations: “I have recovered from the traumas of the past”. “I am tranquil and calm”. “I have inner peace”. “My energy flows smoothly”.

[SM1] Relates to the soul potential to awakening and re-orientation. Vitalizes, energizes. Promotes an integrated personality at all levels, allowing coping with normal energy demands full of vitality, mental clarity, and inner strength. A remedy to include in our daily live to promote fast recovery of any un-expected challenging event that may occur as part of life. The most important ingredient of the Rescue Remedy – synthesizes the action of the other 4 remedies, neutralizing the form of energetic trauma, and promoting a fast recovery. Positive affirmations: “I am letting all energy blocks”. “My whole system is breathing”. “My head is bright and clear”. “Within me there is total communication”.

[BG] In the positive state, these people are sensitive, open, and happy with life, and have a good instinct for avoiding anything that may bring pain/sorrow. They have a good memory that serve to avoid circumstances, conditions, or behavioral patterns that tend to be unpleasant have unpleasant results. They have an incessant caution regarding anything that may bring sadness, which is unavoidable due to the extreme sensitivity; otherwise, it would bring suffering with any negative experience. In addition to this outer protection, they also have an inner security that allows them to accept their fate. They posses an instinctive sensibility that allows them to notice what is right or good in everything that happens to avoid suffering. They calmly feel joy from their life by carefully putting all difficulties aside, and keeping a positive attitude; they can take the sting out of misery.

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The Negative State [BFE1, BF2, BG, BS, HJ1, KD1, SM1, SM2]

For all kind of physical, mental, and emotional shocks/trauma at any time in the person’s life (from conception/birth to the present) such as:

Deep grief, emotional despair, deep unhappiness. Deep disappointments.Serious bad news. Frights, scares.Accidents, disasters. Bereavement.Severe loss.Death event (death in the family, seen someone die,

possibility of death). etc.

[BFE1, HJ1] It works well taken right after the shock, but also works for delayed effects (including physical symptoms) that may appear even years after the event. For people that are numbed or withdrawn with a sense of loss or grief.

[BFE2] For those in great distress and under circumstances that produce great unhappiness. For the after effects of a shock (i.e. crying, tension, trembles, feeling scare, feeling rejected, numbness, feeling mentally stunned, sorrow, emptiness, withdrawn, longing for death, mind fill with memory of the past, guilt, self-reproach, self-pity, resentment, distrust, feeling shattered). For those that refuse to be consoled (Star of Bethlehem brings comfort). For those in some kind of agony, including concealed agony or inner torture. Feeling of despondency from bad news. Feeling devastated. Nightmares. Feeling of loneliness from a broken heart. Lack of peace of mind due to bad news. Ghastly memories associated with bad experiences (i.e. rape). Grief/sadness as a result of a rebirthing. Reminders that provoke sadness or grief. Feeling of repulsion through horror. Isolation after bad experiences, bad news. Unable to cry after a bad news or experience.

[KD1] For physical injuries (concussion, fractures, head injuries, etc.). Unpleasant events that cannot be forgotten. When thinking about the past brings sorrow. Events from the past that seem to haunt the person. Any disciplinary action received from a parent or guardian that cannot be forgotten.

[BS]

For sexual issues when they are first noticed. Falling in-love: when the ego has been bruised by a rejection. A bad experience of first-sexual encounter (i.e. humiliation, inadequacy). After the shock of any medical diagnoses (esp. serious conditions such as cancer). Drug addiction: to neutralize the shock to the withdrawal. To neutralize the buried effects of any domestic violence that may has happened growing up (esp. when the person, as an adult, is manifesting violent behaviors). Any shock associated with being or feeling stress and overworked. For loosing a job, or fear of being lay off. For financial difficulties where creditors are closing in.

[RBC] A trauma or shock imprints on all cells of the person;

Star of Bethlehem releases this memory. For despondency and despair. For any negative experience that being hard to

overcome causing despair. Former happiness seems irretrievable. Sense of abandonment, feeling having lost all support

or possibility for help. Depression.

Lack of rational acknowledgement to limitations, or unable to recognized opportunities or new possibilities rising from the grief.

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The Negative State [BG]

For those who do not have the strength to bear unhappy situations or devastating experiences. For unprocessed or unresolved psychic or physical trauma. Excessive need for comfort. A tendency to be easily influenced a good memory, and a strong need for happiness and a perfect world that cannot be fulfilled. Their good memory can cause them torment. Common symptoms:

· Inconsolable grief.· Nightmares.· Depressive moods.· Fears or behavioral disorders related to unhappy

circumstance traumatic events.· Inability to have a positive attitude or focus on the

future, they can only focus on their misfortune.· Cannot overcome a serious loss, or a disappointment in

love.· Cannot overcome a life that has taken a sudden turn for

the worse.· Cannot overcome their chattered dreams that they life

depended on.· They give the impression that they have reached a low

point in their life and their mind is fixated on the negative.

When recovery seems blocked for unknown reason. Egotism, egocentrism, self-denial (due to unresolved trauma). The negative state is to some degree due to a “spiritual digestion problem” – unable to digest shocks, terror, loss, pain, sorrow, etc. The “spiritual digestion problems” possibly happen to those that have not experienced enough conflicts in life, have ignored the learning of life events, and/or neglected the ability of the intellect and quality of the spirit. They may not be able to recognize that the life events are actually signs that the spirit is trying to shake things up and find a new way of living, and when unable to recognize the lessons, spiritual development may be retarded.

[SM1] For any energetic trauma that live on in the energetic system that may bring different degrees of paralysis in the area under its influence. A person lives in a half-dreamed mental and spiritual state, a type of inner numbness. In the negative Star of Bethlehem state, a person may not appear as a chronic trait. When this is the case, the person often seems slightly drugged or subdued; may speak in a low voice, and even, hard to hear at the end of the sentences; move slowly, sometimes attracted to magic and mysticism, and may even include drug abuse. The person seems withdrawn and disconnected from everything s/he does, avoid having feelings about problems, playing dead. Awaken the personality from half-sleep state and takes it back to its higher self. Dissolves any traumatic residues. For the after affects of any type of frightening experiences that happened at any period of their lives. To sooth any pain and sorrow. For those unhappy, sad, grieving. Those needing comforting, but unable to accept it.

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The Negative State[SM2] From Shock to reorientation – ‘The comforter and soother of pains and sorrows’Key symptoms:

Often it is needed early on in therapy, or when there has been no response to treatment. It can act as a catalyst when there is an unconscious shock lodged in the system that is blocking movement forward.

Behavior Pattern in the blocked state: The rudeness of people leaves you speechless You are unable to accept comfort Unpleasant emotional experiences reverberate inside you for a long time You are shocked and then sad because of an unpleasant experience A piece of bad news leaves you knocked out You can’t get over a fight that was hurtful and unfriendly There is an old wound in your life that you dare not remember Following surgery or an accident you don’t feel like yourself anymore You react slowly as if sedated You let things get too close for comfort, then are unable to cope with them You repeatedly suffer from the same nightmare You are easily bruised both physically and mentally.

Those in a negative Star of Bethlehem state have been shocked and remain in inner numbness. The word shock here constitutes any impact of energy on our bodies or minds that is too strong for our energetic system to handle so that distortions result. This does not have to be registered consciously by the personality, as shock will live on in the energetic system and will manifest as a certain degree of paralysis or frozen tension.

Star of Bethlehem relates to the soul’s potential for resurrection: The error in the negative state stems from an inner refusal on the part of the personality to allow itself to fully experience emotional impressions and to take a more active role in life. It withdraws from everything that the Higher Self has assigned it to feel. It battens down the hatches and plays dead, with the result that many impressions that have not been integrated collect and clog the more subtle pathways of the psyche. Over time, even the smallest energy requirement will prove too much for the system to handle,

Children:[BF1, BS, BG, HJ1, MB, SM1]

For mother and child after childbirth, it neutralizes any traumatic experience associated with it. [SM1] combined with Walnut to ease the change of

existence. [MB] if hard to give to the baby, then the mother may

take internally, or she may place two drops o the nipple before breastfeeding.

[BS] For any accident during potty-training period (i.e. not making it to the potty, or if happens during the night)..

[MB] To neutralize any kind of physical or emotional shock such as arguments with friends or love ones, separations, divorces; in children, events such as the death of their goldfish or other pet, seen a dead pigeon outdoor. Children in need of Star of Bethlehem may lack energy, courage, or willpower. Bright students feeling stuck on grasping a new concept at school.

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Star of Bethlehem – Ornithogalum umbellatum L. (Liliaceae) The Negative State

paralyzing it and eventually causing more and more parts of the system to cease proper functioning.

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Psychological and Physical complains/conditions [BFE2, BG, KD1, SM2]

Nightmares.

[BG] (the theme: due or associated to shocks/traumas, including unresolved ones)

For all pathological conditions involving injuries and/or psychological traumas. Star of Bethlehem helps process any related unresolved trauma/shock, or any new ones that the conditions may bring (such as cancer). Pain (esp. after injuries). For cancer (since cancer is often associated with intense psychological trauma). Anorexia. Development difficulties in children. Drug abuse (to make life bearable). Epilepsy (for related psychic and physical trauma). Chronic cough. Pulmonary embolism (to help with unprocessed shock). Rheumatism, spinal problems, sciatica. Lack of concentration. Menopausal issues. Sexual dysfunctions. Neurotic behavioral disorders (esp. when over-sensitive, easily insulted; inability to be warm or friendly with other people instead they are cold, isolated; family and/or partner problems; fears). Schizophrenia. Depression. Nervousness, shame, stage fright. Weak personality.

[KD1] Star of Bethlehem is best to include in the first Bach flower treatment formulas to eliminate/neutralize any trauma relating blocks that may be present. For physical injuries (concussion, fractures, head injuries, etc.). Any therapy-resistant condition. For psychosomatic conditions including neurosis, hysterical symptoms, thyroid issues, dysphagia, functional heart conditions, bronchial asthma, sexual dysfunctional, nervous bladder.

[VD] For chronic depression.

[SM1] With psychosomatic conditions where there exist a resistance (i.e. can bring relaxation when there exist tension of nervous origin affecting the body such as problem with swallowing, , hearing, walking, touching, unable to see. People that use (or has used) narcotics in their life.

[SM2] Symptoms such as not being able to see, hear, walk, or feel something when touched may indicate a need for Star of Bethlehem. The experience of physical side effects including a loss of feeling, an uncertain gait, a change in voice, and water retention. Depression.

[RBC] Head injuries (for the mental and physical trauma associated with it). Headaches after a grief. For subdued organisms, loss of healthy body functions. Tendency to circulatory collapse. Fainting. Loss of appetite. Gastrointestinal disturbances and conditions:

· Peptic ulcers.· Colitis.· Crohn’s disease.· Weight loss.· Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath:· Sighing.· Bronchial asthma.· Impair diaphragm.· Hyperventilation Syndrome

Alopecia (hair loss). Insomnia. Moaning and crying during sleep.

[BS] Men issues: After the shock of any medical diagnoses (esp. serious conditions such as cancer). Drug addiction: to neutralize the shock to the withdrawal. Alopecia: for sudden hair loss, especially if occurs at a young age. Also, for anyone affected when they loose their hair.

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Star of Bethlehem compared with Others Essences:Beech [RBC] for criticism of the grievous event to avoid experiencing the severity of the impact; grief over

loss of a former state of perfection that now has been displaced by a less perfect reality.Gorse [RBC] for deep hopelessness, no more incentive to live.Clematis [RBC] for grieves over present lack of happiness, yet dreams of a fulfilled future.Honeysuckle [RBC] for sadness and reminiscences in regard to irretrievable past.Mustard [RBC] for depression.Rock Rose [KD1] for panic, mortal fear causing a fear displacement that leads to an Agrimony state.Rock Water [RBC] for inner sadness/depression from forgoing playful/pleasurable pursuits, from ruling oneself with

an iron fist.Sweet Chestnut [RBC] for utter despair over meaninglessness of life, faithlessness.Wild Rose [RBC] for apathetic withdrawal after grief, emotional standstill.Willow [RBC] for grief from being treated unfairly

Combination with other essences:Agrimony [BG] spiritual wounds behind a happy face.

[RBC] denial of the severity of the shock.Aspen [BG] spiritual injury due to fears.Beech [RBC] criticizing.Cerato [BG] insecurity caused by a chocking experience.Cherry Plum [BG] psychosis due to spiritual injury.Clematis [BG] unconsciousness prompted by shocking experiences.

[RBC] longing for death.Crab Apple [BG] pathological loathing.

[SM1] beneficial for people that have used narcotic in their life.Elm [BG] breakdown caused b spiritual shock.Gentian [BG] weak will as the result of psychic trauma.Holly [BG] aggression due to spiritual distress.

[SM1] when there is not real response to treatments (there may be an unconscious shock blocking the system), Star of Bethlehem acts as a catalyst in such cases.

[RBC] when the shock includes anger.Honeysuckle [BG] unresolved loss.Larch [BG] loss of self-confidence from spiritual trauma.Mimulus [BG] anxiety due to psychic trauma.Mustard [BG] depression caused by psychic trauma.

[RBC] sinking into depression.Olive [BG] lack of spiritual resistance due to exhaustion.Pine [BG] unprocessed/unresolved guilty trauma.Red Chestnut [BG] excessive worries as the result of negative experiences.Rock Rose [BG] psychic devastation and panic.

[KD1] for those that awake with nightmare (the nightmare may be associated with a past trauma that cannot be remembered).

Sweet Chestnut [BG] despair caused by psychic devastation.[RBC] giving thoughts to nihilism.

Walnut [BG] lack of resistance against (or caused by) trauma.[SM1] for newborn to help the transition to the new way of existence.

Water Violet [BG] human contact issues caused by spiritual trauma.White Chestnut [BG] traumatic compulsive thoughts.

[KD1] when thoughts of an earlier emotional trauma are re-surfacing back into consciousness.Wild Oat [SM1] when there has not been real response to treatment (there may be an unconscious shock lodged in

the person, blocking the system), Star of Bethlehem acts as a catalyst in such cases.Wild Rose [RBC] resignation, emotional standstill.Willow [BG] bitterness caused by unprocessed or unresolved trauma.

[RBC] resentment and blaming.Rescue Remedy An ingredient of the Rescue Remedy.

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Topical Applications [KD2]

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Star of Bethlehem – Ornithogalum umbellatum L. (Liliaceae) References:

Herbal References:RD – “Reader’s Digest A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants” Rider’s Digest, 1997BT – “Bartram’s Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine.” by Thomas Bartram – Marlowe & Company, 1998.

LK-1 – http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Ornithogalum+umbellatumLK-2 – http://www.scib.gc.ca/pls/pp/ppack.info?p_psn=165&p_type=all&p_sci=sci&p_x=pxLK-3 – http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant39.htm

Bach Flower References:BS – “Bach Flower Remedies for Men” – by Stephen Ball. The C.W. Daniel Company Lim. 1996

BFE1 – “An Introduction & Guide to Flower Essences. The 38 Bach Flower Essences. ” The Dr. Bach Edward Centre – Wigmore Publications Ltd. 2001.

BFE2 – “The Bach Flower Remedies” Rev. edition (three books in one); Keats publications, Inc. 1997.BG – “Advanced Bach Flower Therapy. A Scientific Approach to diagnosis and treatment”

by Gotz Blome. Healing Art Press, 1999.

BJ – “Bach Flower Remedies, Form and Function” by Julian Banard. Lindisfarne Books 2004.HJ1 – “The Bach Flower Remedies. Step by Steps” by Judy Howard. – C. W. Daniel Company Limited, 1990

KD1 – “New Bach Flower Therapies. Healing the Emotional and Spiritual causes of Illness” by Dietmar Krämer – Healing Arts Press, 1995.

KD2 – “New Bach Flower Body Maps. Treatment by Topical Application” by Dietmar Krämer – Healing Arts Press, 1996.

MB – “Bach Flower Remedies for Children” by Barbara Mazzarella – Healing Art Press, 1994RBC – “Applying Homeopathy and Bach Flower Therapy to Psychosomatic Illness” 2nd Edition. By Cornelia

Richardson-Boedler – B Jain Publishers Ltd, 2004.SM1 – “Bach Flower Therapy, Theory and Practice” by Mechthild Scheffer.

SM2 – “The Encyclopedia of Bach Flower Therapy, Theory and Practice” by Mechthild Scheffer – The Healing Arts Press. 2001.

VD – “Specifics in Bach Flower Remedies” by D.S. Vohra – B. Jain Publisher PVT. LTD.

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