Bach flower remedies are a form of therapy created by Dr. Edward Bach that use highly diluted flower essences. They are commonly marketed for relieving symptoms such as anxiety, low mood, and sleep difficulties.
Although high-quality studies have not confirmed their effects, some people believe these remedies can help relieve negative emotions and promote a sense of inner balance. This “natural” approach uses 38 different essences and is generally considered safe, with no commonly reported contraindications in typical consumer use.
Bach flower remedies are intended to complement, not replace, conventional medical care. They should only be used under the guidance of a qualified clinician or a trained flower-essence practitioner.
Health benefits
Bach flower remedies have been suggested to provide possible benefits in managing conditions such as:
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Anxiety;
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Depression;
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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD);
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Sleep problems;
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Pain.
However, there is a lack of studies confirming clear health benefits. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), there is no convincing scientific evidence that Bach flower remedies are effective for treating psychological conditions or physical illnesses.
Because of this, these products are generally not recommended as a primary treatment and should not replace treatment prescribed by a physician.
Do Bach flower remedies help with anxiety?
It’s possible that Bach flower remedies may help some people feel more in control of anxiety symptoms. However, based on reviews cited by the NCCIH, studies evaluating flower remedies for anxiety have not demonstrated effectiveness beyond placebo.
Still, more research is needed to confirm whether they are truly beneficial for anxiety.
How they work
According to Dr. Edward Bach, negative emotions can play a role in the development of health problems. In this view, emotions such as fear or insecurity may create internal imbalances that could contribute to illness.
Bach flower remedies are based on the belief that the “energy” of flowers can be transferred into water and then used to address health concerns. When used by someone who is unwell, this is believed to improve their vitality and support their overall treatment, which differs from both homeopathy and conventional medicine.
The goal of Bach flower remedies is to restore internal balance by easing negative emotions linked to specific concerns. For example, someone who feels fear would focus on building courage, while someone under significant stress would focus on improving their ability to relax.
Bach flower remedies chart
The full list includes 38 essences grouped into 7 categories, as shown below:
Even within the same category, each essence has a specific use. Because of this, choosing the most appropriate option is often recommended with guidance from a flower-essence therapist, who evaluates which emotions may be out of balance.
If a concern involves multiple underlying emotions, more than one essence may be used at the same time. In practice, this often means combining several remedies, usually up to 6 or 7 at most.
How to use
There are 3 main methods for using Bach flower remedies:
1. Dilution in a glass of water
This method involves adding 2 drops of each essence recommended by the therapist into a glass of water, then sipping it throughout the day or taking it at least 4 times a day. If the glass isn't finished in one day, it can be stored in the refrigerator for use the next day.
This approach suits short-term use.
2. Dilution in a dropper bottle
Add 2 drops of each recommended essence into a 30 mL (1 oz) dropper bottle, then fill the rest with filtered water. Take 4 drops of the mixture at least 4 times a day, and store the bottle in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
This method is often used for longer-term use, since it can help reduce waste of the essences.
3. Placing directly on the tongue
This approach can be harder for beginners because the remedies are not diluted and may taste very strong. With this method, place 2 drops directly on the tongue whenever needed.