The Bach system has been around for over a century, gaining a loyal following among followers of Alternative Medicine. Of course, there are also staunch detractors, but the truth is that many people have managed to regain their psychological balance thanks to these flower essences.
Basically, this system is based on a series of flower essences that concentrate the healing properties of flowers, whose energy is used to balance an imbalance, whether emotional or physical. Bach proposed 38 essences, which can be administered in different combinations. Finding the right combination requires a thorough diagnosis of the individual, which must take into account not only the disorder and symptoms but also personality traits.
Much more than the placebo effect
Many people, both patients and psychologists and health professionals, wonder if there is scientific evidence to support the use of Bach Flowers. In this regard, it should be noted that this is a complex field since, like other psychological techniques, such as hypnosis and visualization, the results are controversial and many studies lack the necessary methodological rigor.
However, a study conducted by Italian chemists in 1997 aimed to analyze the mechanism of action of Bach Flowers. These researchers found that adding a few drops of Wild Rose to the solution produced a similar effect to that seen if heat had been applied. In contrast, adding Water Violet produced a beta form that eliminated the sodium chloride residue from the solution. This means that flower essences do indeed release a large amount of energy that causes changes in the solution.
Of course, several studies have also been conducted in the psychological field. One was conducted in 1995 at the German hospital in Bad Urach, involving 24 pregnant women whose labor had been delayed. It was found that the women treated with Bach Flowers not only required less medication but also experienced fewer complications, reported less anxiety, and had an easier delivery.
In 2001, researchers at the Sierra Health Institute administered a flower remedy to patients who had suffered from depression for more than five years. After three months of treatment, depression levels assessed through standardized psychological tests had decreased by more than 50%.
However, one of the most interesting experiments conducted in this field was conducted by researchers at the Scuola Triennale di Floriterapia, who followed up on psychological therapy complemented with Bach flowers. The complementary treatment not only proved effective but also produced results sooner. What was most surprising, however, was that people who did not have much faith in the treatment achieved a higher recovery rate, 95%, compared to 86% among those who believed in the positive effects of the flowers. This significant difference calls into question the placebo effect that has long been attributed to flower essences.
In fact, another study conducted on 116 people who were given Bach Flowers concluded that the benefits of the remedies could not be explained solely by the patients’ expectations and, therefore, that a placebo effect was unlikely.
Much to gain and little to lose
Obviously, there are also several studies in which no statistically significant differences have been observed in people who have undergone flower essence treatments. In fact, as with some medications, it is difficult to determine the effectiveness of the active ingredient alone and when the placebo effect kicks in. In this regard, it has been claimed that for some of the most popular selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, the placebo effect accounts for at least 64% of the total effect.
In my clinical experience with Bach Flowers, I have found that these essences are ideal for complementing psychological therapy and contribute to achieving results in a shorter period of time. Flower essences help balance emotional states and positively predispose the individual to psychological treatment, providing the tranquility and stability essential for undertaking the changes they need to make in their lives. Furthermore, Rescue Remedy is very useful in cases of crisis, relapse, or psychological emergency situations.
Furthermore, it should be noted that Bach Flowers have no adverse effects or contraindications, so if we weigh their use, we will realize that we have much to gain and practically nothing to lose.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that for Bach Flowers to be effective, you should take 4 drops 4 times a day. It’s also essential for the psychologist to find the right combination for each case; general remedies are not suitable for this therapy.
Where to buy them?
Bach Flower essences require careful preparation, from the moment the plant is collected to the distillation process. Therefore, it’s best to look for a reliable supplier of professional kits containing complete Bach Flower essences, as well as individual essences with their indications.
Sources:
Hyland et al. (2006) Spirituality predicts outcome independently of expectancy following flower essence self-treatment. Journal of Psychosomatic Research; 60 (1): 53-58.
Cram, J. (2001) Five Clinical Studies Demonstrate the Effectiveness of Flower Essence Therapy in the Treatment of Depression. Calix, International Journal of Flower Essence Therapy; 1:89-106.
Campanini, ME (1997) Terapia con i fiori di Bach: risultati di un monitoraggio su 115 pazienti. Biological Medicine; 2:37-43.
Rossi, M. and Setti, M. (1997) Fiori di Bach: Influenze Selettive e diversificate su Sistema chimico-fisici. Biological Medicine; 3:54-61.
Von Rühle G. (1995) Pilotstudie zur Anwendung von Bach-Blütenessenzen bei Erstgebärenden mit verlängerter Tragzeit. Erfahrungsheilkunde; 44:854–860.
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