Bach Flower Remedies

Bach (pronounced "Batch") flower remedies are prepared by soaking plant material in water that is then exposed to sunlight. Alternatively, the plant material is boiled. A small amount of the liquid is then mixed with distilled water and preserved in brandy. There are 38 different remedies that vary depending on the plant combinations used.

Bach flower remedies were developed in the 1930s by Dr. Edward Bach while he worked at the London Homeopathic Hospital. Many people often refer to Bach flower remedies as homeopathic products because they are diluted like homeopathic remedies. However, there are differences in the principles of Bach flower remedies compared to homeopathy. For example, repeated dilutions are at the heart of homeopathy, but are not a part of Bach flower remedies. Furthermore, "the law of similars" in homeopathy does not apply to Bach flower remedies. The law of similars says that if a substance in large amounts causes a certain disease, then that same substance in small amounts could cure the disease.

Dr. Bach believed that illnesses are the result of "flaws" in personality. He believed that a person's own nature, character, and feelings play a key role in the development of diseases. So it's not surprising that Bach flower remedies are often promoted to help mental and emotional problems, rather than to directly treat physical ailments.

People use Bach flower remedies for conditions such as depression, anxiety, carpal tunnel syndrome, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Bach flower remedies are usually so diluted that they contain little or no detectable amounts of active ingredients. Therefore, just as with homeopathic preparations, Bach flower remedies are not expected to have any beneficial drug-like effects, or any interactions or side effects.

When taken by mouth: Taking Bach flower remedies is POSSIBLY SAFE. Small studies of Bach flower remedies have not identified safety concerns. Since most Bach flower remedies contain little or no active ingredient, these products are not expected to have any beneficial or adverse effects. However, these products are preserved in brandy and therefore contain alcohol.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Bach flower remedies are safe or what the side effects might be. Since most Bach flower remedies contain little or no active ingredient, these products are not expected to have any beneficial or adverse effects.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

The appropriate dose depends on the specific Bach flower remedy being used.

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