Chestnut Bud or Walnut?

We are often asked how one remedy compares to another; what the differences are between certain remedies where descriptions are similar or have similar elements, or whether two remedies of apparently ‘opposing virtues’ can be given together.  

Walnut has been the subject of several questions recently and in previous posts we explained the various uses of Walnut, and also discussed how to compare the differences between Walnut and Wild Oat. 

By request, this time we will compare Walnut with Chestnut Bud. 

Dr. Bach described Walnut as being for those who: 

“…are tempted to be led away from their own ideas, aims and work by the enthusiasm, convictions or strong opinions of others.”

And he describes Chestnut Bud as the remedy to help us learn from past experiences so that we do not make the same mistakes, adding that: 

“…to their regret, they find themselves having to make the same error on different occasions when once would have been enough, or observation of others could have spared them even that one fault.”

Walnut, then, is inclined to be distracted by the opinions and ideas of others, whereas Chestnut Bud is doing the opposite: not paying enough attention to the experiences of others. Both lose clarity and focus, but for different reasons. 

It may be helpful to consider the group in which Dr. Bach placed his remedies as this can often explain the subtle differences between those that seem to have similar indications.  Walnut and Chestnut Bud are in different groups: Walnut is for ‘Oversensitivity to Influences and Ideas’, while Chestnut Bud is for ‘Not Sufficient Interest in Present Circumstances’.  

So just by noting the group category we can see a clear reason why both remedies either find it difficult to be guided (Chestnut Bud) or avoid being misguided (Walnut).  Walnut needs to stay strong enough to believe in their own direction and path in life; Chestnut Bud needs to notice and consider how they may learn from that which other people’s experiences could teach them.

There are no remedies that cannot be given together, even if they appear to address opposite issues.  So there will be times when Chestnut Bud may need Walnut and, likewise, when Walnut may need Chestnut Bud. For example, if Walnut becomes side-tracked time and again, then they are not learning from experience.  In this case both remedies would be of benefit and can be taken together.  Similarly, Chestnut Bud would benefit from Walnut if, by listening and taking notice of others, they become so heavily influenced that they lose sight of that ‘small voice within’ to guide them.  Here Walnut will help them to remain true to themselves. 

There are many other remedies that sometimes cause confusion and we will try to address as many of these as we can in future posts.  

Judy Ramsell Howard