Bach Flower Remedies: Are They Effective?
Naturopathy is a form of therapy that involves the use
of natural products, and encompasses herbalism, homeopathy, acupuncture, plus
diet and lifestyle counseling. Practitioners of naturopathy avoid the use of
surgery or drugs, and instead, favor a holistic approach to treatment.
Introduction
Bach flower remedies were developed by Edward Bach, a
homeopathy practitioner, in the 1930s. These are solutions of water and brandy;
the water contains diluted material extracted from flowers. It was Bach’s
belief that the dew deposited on the petals of flowers contained the plant’s
healing properties. He studied 38 different varieties of flowers that grew in
and around Mount Vernon in England.
According to Bach, illness occurred due to a conflict
between the soul and the personality. When these two entities are at
cross-purposes, the body falls ill. Thus, negative moods are generated, which
leads to “energy blocking” and a lack of “harmony.” This situation leaves the
body prey to various diseases.1
Advantages
Bach flower remedies claim to cure several types of
disorders:
Rescue Cream: It is considered to treat minor skin issues including stings, pimples, cuts, burns, and itches.2
These remedies are also
effective on pets and domestic animals.
Scientific research
Bach flower remedies have failed to prove their
efficacy in evidence-based scientific studies.
- In 2010, a
systematic review by Ernst was published that reported that
placebo-controlled scientific trials did not establish the efficacy of
Bach flower remedies.
- In 2009,
another systematic review concluded that Bach flower remedies were
probably safe, but have a high risk of bias. These studies did not find
any difference in results when the remedies were used and when placebos
were used.
Mode of action
The “mother tincture” is prepared by boiling flowers,
or steeping them in a bowl of water under sunlight. This concentrated solution
is diluted into a 50:50 solution of water and brandy. Before consuming the
remedy, the stock solution is further diluted in a treatment bottle with water.
Thus, the final solution probably has no more than a single molecule, and is
said to contain the “vibrational” nature of the flower that can be passed on to
the person consuming it. Hence, Bach flower remedies depend on the concept of
“water memory.”1
Bach flower remedies are usually recommended by a
naturopath, or by a trained Bach flower remedy practitioner who conducts an
interview of the patient. People can also choose their own remedy after
analyzing the state of their mind and their ailment.
Side effects
Generally, Bach flower remedies are considered safe to
use and do not have any violent side effects. Worries about over dosing or
consuming the wrong medicine may be put to rest. However, it has been found in
very rare cases that the remedies may release hitherto suppressed symptoms.
These could include emotions that have not been expressed so far. But, this
phase is said to be temporary and disappears as the treatment progresses.
References:
Ernst E. Bach flower remedies: a systematic review
of randomised clinical trials. Swiss Med Wkly. 2010 Aug 24;140:w13079. doi:
10.4414/smw.2010.13079. Review. PubMed PMID: 20734279.
Thaler K, Kaminski A, Chapman A, Langley T,
Gartlehner G. Bach Flower Remedies for psychological problems and pain: a
systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2009 May 26;9:16. doi:
10.1186/1472-6882-9-16. Review. PubMed PMID: 19470153; PubMed Central PMCID:
PMC2695424.
Comments