Doctor’s Analysis: Do Flower Essences Work?

One of the newest trends among celebrities is the use of flower essences as a natural way to boost mood and relieve stress. Although many enthusiastic users swear by the validity of this remedy, there is controversy regarding the effectiveness of flower essences. Do flower essences work when it comes to altering mood?

Flower essences were initially developed by Edward Bach, a homeopathic physician, who used these essences in his own practice almost eighty years ago. Dr. Bach believed that flowers were a source of great healing power and could be effective in treating a variety of stress related ailments including anxiety and depression. By gathering wild flowers and creating essences, he developed his own flower remedies which were embraced by practitioners worldwide. His strong following was based on the belief that flower essences work to soothe emotional discord by imprinting the essence of the flower onto the soul.

The most common way to use these essences is to apply four drops of the essence under the tongue up to four times per day for a period of thirty days. A dose could be used more frequently if the subject were under considerable stress. An alternative way to use flower essences is to apply a few drops to pulse points like those on the wrist. Some people even use flower essences on animals by mixing the essence with water and adding it to a spray bottle to create a mist. These mists are primarily used to calm down anxious pets and relieve separation anxiety in dogs and cats.

Each flower supposedly has its own unique properties designed to help a particular problem. For example, therapists who believe flower essences work will often prescribe morning glory essence for fatigue as it supposedly energizes the patient. In contrast, to feel more relaxed, golden yarrow essence might be prescribed to relieve symptoms of hyperactivity. There’s even iris essence that supposed helps to bring out your inner creativity. Bach actually described thirty eight different flower essences designed to help particular problems. A quick search of the internet will give you a list of all thirty-eight and how they’re used.

Analysis:

The question of whether flower essences work still remains. Unfortunately, no controlled study has ever shown a definite benefit from use of flower essences. The studies that have shown some benefit have all been small and poorly controlled. Many experts feel the modest benefits that were reported in smaller studies were related to the placebo effect. Despite lack of rigorous scientific evidence, people continue to embrace flower essences as an all natural way to reduce stress and relieve other psychological maladies. Fortunately, these essences appear to be nontoxic and safe to use for the average person. Will the scientific community one day discover these essences have documented medical value? Only time will tell.