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Healing With Bach(R) Flower Essences: Testing a Complementary Therapy
Abstract
Bach® Original Flower Essence (BFE) Rescue® Remedy, a modality used since 1930 but not yet thoroughly investigated scientifically, was evaluated for the reduction of acute situational stress. A double-blind clinical trial comparing a standard dosage of BFE Rescue Remedy against a placebo of identical appearance was conducted in a sample of 111 individuals aged 18 to 49, randomized into treatment (n = 53) and control (n = 58) groups. The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was administered before and after the use of Rescue Remedy or placebo. Downward trends in anxiety level measurements were discovered in both the treatment (Rescue Remedy) and control (placebo) groups. Statistical analyses indicated that only the high-state anxiety treatment subgroup demonstrated a statistically significant difference between pretest and posttest scores. The results suggest that BFE Rescue Remedy may be effective in reducing high levels of situational anxiety.
... 15 Bach flower remedies are designed to holistically treat the individual by restoring emotional balance. 14,16 There is some evidence that Bach flower remedies can help reduce acute situational stress in individuals with high degrees of anxiety. 16 Turmeric is an herb that was prescribed for its antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties, as it can protect against oxidative damage and the formation of cells that can promote inflammation. ...
... 14,16 There is some evidence that Bach flower remedies can help reduce acute situational stress in individuals with high degrees of anxiety. 16 Turmeric is an herb that was prescribed for its antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties, as it can protect against oxidative damage and the formation of cells that can promote inflammation. 17,18 Echinacea was prescribed for its immune-modulating properties, as well as for its anti-inflammatory properties. ...
Introduction:
Women with breast implants may experience breast implant illness (BII). BII is comprised of a collection of systemic symptoms, such as fatigue and pain, that are postulated to be related to having breast implants.
Case presentation:
This case report documents the naturopathic treatment of a 35-year-old female patient diagnosed with fibromyalgia, tension headaches, and chronic anxiety, perceived to be linked to and exacerbated by her textured cohesive gel implants. The patient sought naturopathic treatment for support during the explant process of her breast implants.Naturopathic treatment was provided over a 3-month period in conjunction with prescribed medication for her anxiety and tension headaches.
Conclusion:
At 3 months post-naturopathic treatment, the patient experienced a reduction in anxiety, fatigue, and self-reported pain. The integration of alternative therapies with prescribed pharmaceutical treatment appeared to positively impact the health of this patient.
... 15 Benefícios são observados no uso de cinco florais associados que compõem a chamada fórmula emergencial, indicada para situações de emergência, crise, estresse, entre outros, como observado na redução de altos níveis de ansiedade situacional em estudantes de enfermagem. 16 A fórmula emergencial é composta por cinco essências florais: Rock Rose (Heliantnemum vulgare), utilizada em casos de grande urgência, medo intenso, necessidades extremas, situações que parecem desesperadoras; Impatiens (Impatiens glandulífera), empregada na dor muito forte, impaciência, ansiedade de voltar ao normal ou ficar bem rapidamente, intolerância com quem está ao redor; Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera), aplicada para a lucidez em momentos difíceis; Star of Bethlehem (Ornitholagum umbrellatum), auxilia na cicatrização de choques e traumas físicos ou emocionais e Clematis (Clematis vitalba), usada para auxiliar a focar e na recuperação em casos de cansaço e apatia. 13 Para o presente estudo optou-se por utilizar a fórmula emergencial com o acréscimo do floral Walnut (Juglans regia), o qual foi chamado neste estudo de FiveW. ...
Introdução: O residente de enfermagem está exposto a estresses e desgastes que impactam em sua qualidade de vida profissional. Nesse sentido, as práticas integrativas e complementares de saúde podem contribuir para promover o bem-estar físico, mental e espiritual. Objetivo: Verificar o efeito da terapia floral nos componentes da qualidade de vida profissional (fadiga por compaixão – Burnout e Estresse Traumático Secundário – e satisfação por compaixão) em residentes de enfermagem no contexto da pandemia de COVID-19. Metodologia: Estudo piloto quase-experimental do tipo antes e depois, com 16 enfermeiros residentes de hospitais de ensino, que responderam um questionário sociodemográfico e uma escala Professional Quality of Life Scale 4 (ProQOL-4), e utilizaram a fórmula emergencial associada ao Walnut dos Florais de Bach (FiveW) por três semanas com follow up após três semanas. Os dados foram analisados descritivamente e o efeito da intervenção pelo teste t-Student e pelo modelo de efeitos mistos, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: A terapia floral auxiliou na redução do escore da subescala Estresse Traumático Secundário do ProQOL-4 (p=0,017), com efeito residual após o follow up. Houve interação do ano da residência e especialidade do programa nas subescalas Satisfação por Compaixão e Burnout; e área de especialização da residência e adoecimento de pessoa próxima por COVID-19 no Estresse Traumático Secundário e Burnout (p<0,05). Conclusão: A fórmula floral FiveW mostrou redução dos escores do Estresse Traumático Secundário, evidenciando que a terapia floral pode contribuir como estratégia complementar para melhora da qualidade de vida profissional.
... Edward Bach believed that illness was the result of a conflict between the purposes of the soul and the personality's actions and outlook. Our souls are coming here to learn and evolve and the physical decease is a result of disharmony between our real purpose that is spiritual and our actions in this world that might not lead to the evolution of the soul (Halberstein, DeSantis, Sirkin, Padron-Fajardo & Ojeda-Vaz 2007). ...
Spiritual science tries to merge science and religion. The humankind is always evolving and what was called before religion becomes science in modern times. The Gospel of Thomas, written in the second century teaches that salvation is through the words of Jesus and not through his death and resurrection which are never mentioned. The gospel does not contain cross, suffering, healing, miracle stories or exorcisms. The gospel teaches that salvation comes from the perfection of the individual. The article gives an interpretation to the Gospel of Thomas from the Spiritual Science perspective that empowers the individual as capable of understanding his true nature and relationship with the creation. The gospel reconciliates Christianity with Buddhism as it teaches that reaching enlightenment is the only way to escape the material world.
... However, the authors reported a significant reduction in anxiety in students with high levels of anxiety at the baseline. [16] Rescue remedy was recommended for children as a preventive measure before a dental or medical appointment, a surgery, or examination. [17] A systematic review by Thaler et al. concluded that available evidence failed to show efficacy of Bach flower remedies over placebo in reducing pain and anxiety in adults. ...
Background:
Dental anxiety is a primary cause of missed dental appointments, delayed treatment, and untreated dental caries in children. Alternative techniques such as music therapy (MT) and Bach flower therapy (BFT) have potential to reduce anxiety. Lack of randomized controlled studies evaluating effectiveness of these methods in reducing dental anxiety led us to this study.
Aim:
To compare the effectiveness of BFT and MT on reduction of dental anxiety in pediatric patients.
Materials and methods:
A total of 120 children (aged 4-6 years) were selected and randomly allocated to three groups: BFT, MT, and control. All children received oral prophylaxis and fluoride treatment. Dental anxiety was evaluated using North Carolina Behavior Rating Scale, Facial Image Scale (FIS), and physiological parameters.
Results:
Significantly better behavior was seen in children from the BFT group as compared to the control group (P = 0.014). FIS scores measured postoperatively did not show significant differences among the groups. Children from the BFT and MT groups showed a significant decrease in the pulse rates intraoperatively from the preoperative period. Intraoperative systolic blood pressure in children from the MT group was significantly lower than both the BFT and the control groups. Diastolic blood pressure significantly increased in the control group intraoperatively, whereas other groups showed a decrease.
Conclusion:
The results of this study demonstrate significant effects of both single dose of BFT and exposure to MT, on reduction of dental anxiety in children aged between 4 and 6 years.
... O primeiro assunto abordado, presente em 33,3% da amostra, (02) Remedy ( que é a formação de cinco flores: Impatiens, Clematis, Star of bethelehem, cherry Plum e Rock Rose) mostrou significativa redução da ansiedade somente em indivíduos que apresentavam altos níveis de ansiedade (Halberstein R, 2007). ...
... Alguns estudos mostram bons resultados da terapia floral como, por exemplo, uma pesquisa com terapia floral e placebo, em que ambos os grupos apresentaram tendências descendentes nos indicadores de nível de ansiedade durante o teste (15) . Em outra pesquisa a intervenção com a terapia floral também diminuiu a ansiedade em indivíduos que se submeteram a este tratamento (8) . ...
Objective:
To understand the experience from the perspective of the participant of a clinical research, which had as intervention the flower therapy for anxiety of individuals with overweight and obesity.
Method:
qualitative study, developed by semi-structured interview with 42 participants from a clinical research and data submitted to content analysis.
Results:
after analysis, five thematic categories emerged: seeking natural alternatives to aid in control of anxiety and obesity; perceiving the benefits of flower therapy in itself and in family and professional relationships; recognizing flower therapy as source of tranquility and self-knowledge; perceiving changes in sleep quality; acquiring self-control and guidance on food and relational needs.
Final considerations:
the participants showed the intention of seeking natural alternatives to aid the control of anxiety and obesity, employing complementary therapies to strengthen their health. Consequently, participants reported self-control in feeding and in family and professional relationships.
Dentre as especialidades da área da saúde, a Odontologia é uma das mais temidas pelos pacientes, haja vista a atemporalidade da imagem não positiva do cirurgião-dentista e os procedimentos invasivos. Nesse sentido, a ansiedade e o medo são emoções naturais ao ser humano e comuns na prática odontológica, contudo, esses sentimentos em demasia podem gerar complicações na clínica dentária. Os métodos não farmacológicos, em destaque para as Práticas Integrativas e Complementares, podem ser eficazes para o manejo de pacientes com ansiedade dental. A Terapia Floral, enquanto prática integrativa, tem como foco os distúrbios emocionais, tornando-se uma opção de recurso na prática odontológica. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão integrativa da literatura, com o intuito de explorar o aparecimento da ansiedade dental nos pacientes, bem como a utilização da Terapia Floral no combate desse distúrbio. Assim, foi realizado um levantamento da literatura e, posteriormente, uma análise temática dos textos incluídos na revisão. Dessa forma, emergiram seis temas norteadores intrínsecos aos objetivos desta pesquisa: 1) O uso de técnicas não farmacológicas para o manejo de pacientes com ansiedade dental; 2) Perfil dos pacientes com ansiedade odontológica; 3) Razões para a ansiedade odontológica; 4) Interdisciplinaridade em odontofobia; 5) Terapia Floral no controle da ansiedade e do medo; 6) Terapia Floral na Odontologia. Logo, verifica-se que os achados apresentam a Terapia Floral como eficaz nos casos de ansiedade, contudo, ainda faltam estudos que demonstrem os efeitos dessa terapêutica na Odontologia.
Objectives: Homeopathy (HOM) is a therapeutic method, which is widely used by patients and medical professionals. The medical conditions as well as the homeopathic medical products investigated vary strongly. There is an extensive amount of research, and this necessitates a bibliography that comprehensively presents the entire body of clinical evidence grouped according to medical conditions. Design: Thirty-seven online sources as well as print libraries were searched for HOM and related terms in eight languages (1980 to March 2021). We included studies that compared a homeopathic medicine or intervention with a control regarding the therapeutic or preventive outcome of a disease (classified according to International Classification of Diseases-10). The data were extracted independently by two reviewers and analyzed descriptively. Results: A total of 636 investigations met the inclusion criteria, of which 541 had a therapeutic and 95 a preventive purpose. Seventy-three percent were randomized controlled trials (n = 463), whereas the rest were non-randomized studies (n = 173). The leading comparator was placebo (n = 400). The type of homeopathic intervention was classified as multi-constituent or complex (n = 272), classical or individualized (n = 176), routine or clinical (n = 161) and isopathic (n = 19), or various (n = 8). The potencies ranged from 1X (dilution of -10,000) to 10 M (100-10.000). The included studies explored the effect of HOM in 223 medical indications. We present the evidence in an online database. Conclusions: This bibliography maps the status quo of clinical research in HOM. The data will serve for future targeted reviews, which may focus on the most studied conditions and/or homeopathic medicines, clinical impact, and the risk of bias of the included studies.
An analysis of the control groups in double-blind trials of medicines demonstrates broad variation--from 0 to 100 percent--in placebo effectiveness rates for the same treatment for the same condition. In two cases considered here, drug healing rates covary with placebo healing rates; placebo healing is the ultimate and inescapable "complementary medicine." Several factors can account for the dramatic variation in placebo healing rates, including cultural ones. But because variation differs by illness, large placebo effects for one condition do not necessarily anticipate large placebo effects for other conditions as well. Deeper understanding of the intimate relationship between cultural and biological processes will require close ethnographic scrutiny of the meaningfulness of medical treatment in different societies.
Bach-flower remedies are a type of alternative medication used increasingly for over-the-counter self-help purposes. We studied the efficacy of a combination of Bach-flower remedies in subjects with test anxiety in a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded parallel group design, with crossing over the placebo group to remedies after the first phase. Anxiety was measured by a standardized, validated test anxiety questionnaire (the German version of the Test Anxiety Inventory, TAI-G). Fifty-five of 61 subjects with self-reported test anxiety gave valid data. There was no significant difference between the groups, but a significant decrease of test anxiety in all groups was present. We conclude that Bach-flower remedies are an effective placebo for test anxiety and do not have a specific effect.
To evaluate the effects on blood pressure, lipid profile, and anxiety status on subjects received a 12-week Tai Chi Chuan exercise program.
Randomized controlled study of a Tai Chi Chuan group and a group of sedentary life controls.
Taipei Medical University Hospitals and University campus in the Taipei, Taiwan, area.
Two (2) selected groups of 76 healthy subjects with blood pressure at high-normal or stage I hypertension.
A 12-week Tai Chi Chuan exercise training program was practiced regularly with a frequency of 3 times per week. Each session included 10-minute warm-up, 30-minute Tai Chi exercise, 10-minute cool-down. Exercise intensity was estimated to be approximately 64% of maximal heart rate.
Blood pressure, lipid profile and anxiety status (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; STAI) were evaluated.
After 12-weeks of Tai Chi training, the treatment group showed significant decrease in systolic blood pressure of 15.6 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure 8.8 mm Hg. The serum total cholesterol level decreased 15.2 mg/dL and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased 4.7 mg/dL. By using STAI evaluation, both trait anxiety and state anxiety were decreased.
This study shows that under well-designed conditions, Tai Chi exercise training could decrease blood pressure and results in favorable lipid profile changes and improve subjects' anxiety status. Therefore, Tai Chi could be used as an alternative modality in treating patients with mild hypertension, with a promising economic effect.
This report presents selected estimates of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among U.S. adults, using data from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
Data for the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population were collected using computer-assisted personal interviews (CAPI). This report is based on 31,044 interviews of adults age 18 years and over. Statistics shown in this report were age adjusted to the year 2000 U.S. standard population.
Sixty-two percent of adults used some form of CAM therapy during the past 12 months when the definition of CAM therapy included prayer specifically for health reasons. When prayer specifically for health reasons was excluded from the definition, 36% of adults used some form of CAM therapy during the past 12 months. The 10 most commonly used CAM therapies during the past 12 months were use of prayer specifically for one's own health (43.0%), prayer by others for one's own health (24.4%), natural products (18.9%), deep breathing exercises (11.6%), participation in prayer group for one's own health (9.6%), meditation (7.6%), chiropractic care (7.5%), yoga (5.1%), massage (5.0%), and diet-based therapies (3.5%). Use of CAM varies by sex, race, geographic region, health insurance status, use of cigarettes or alcohol, and hospitalization. CAM was most often used to treat back pain or back problems, head or chest colds, neck pain or neck problems, joint pain or stiffness, and anxiety or depression. Adults age 18 years or over who used CAM were more likely to do so because they believed that CAM combined with conventional medical treatments would help (54.9%) and/or they thought it would be interesting to try (50.1%). Most adults who have ever used CAM have used it within the past 12 months, although there is variation by CAM therapy.
Bach flower therapy: Theory and practice
- M Scheffer
Scheffer, M. (1988). Bach flower therapy: Theory and practice. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
Pocket guide to Bach flower essences
- R Hasnas
Hasnas, R. (1997). Pocket guide to Bach flower essences. Freedom, CA: Crossing.