Bach rescue....do they really work?

[ialford]

Can anyone tell me if bach rescue works for anxiety? I need to go to Dublin in a few weeks and im already stressed and anxious about having a panic attack on the flight or while there.

[clairabella]

ive not tried the rescue remedies so i couldnt say...althou i know a lot of people who say they work for them.........i use quiet life tablets when im feeling stressed and they do take the edge off for me... ive also had kalms before and they did help.......if your going to try them its best to start a week before your due to go....give it a go theres no harm in trying hopefully they will work for you!!....

[willitstop]

I use rescue remedy and it does help take the edge off :)
Good luck

[newbie76]

I have been using Bach Rescue Remedy for 4 days now, and I am disappointed to say that they don't seem to make any difference to my anxiety... however a friend of mine told me it takes about a week for it to start working... not sure...

[Jimpy]

I used rescue remedy and it took the edge off for me, when I had a full blown panic attack it didn't do much good but whilst I was only anxious it worked ok. Plus I like having the thought it's around just in case my anxiety flares up.

Jim

[newbie76]

By the way, Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bach_flower_remedies#Effectiveness) seem to think they do not work...

"Effectiveness
A recent database review of randomized trials concluded:

The hypothesis that flower remedies are associated with effects beyond a placebo response is not supported by data from rigorous clinical trials.[3] (http://nomorepanic.co.uk/#cite_note-Ernst2002-2)
All randomized double-blind studies, whether finding for or against the remedies, have suffered from small cohort (http://nomorepanic.co.uk/wiki/Cohort_(statistics)) sizes but the studies using the best methodology were the ones that found no effect over placebo (http://nomorepanic.co.uk/wiki/Placebo).[21] (http://nomorepanic.co.uk/#cite_note-WalachRilling-20)[22] (http://nomorepanic.co.uk/#cite_note-21) The most likely means of action for flower remedies is as placebos (http://nomorepanic.co.uk/wiki/Placebo), enhanced by introspection (http://nomorepanic.co.uk/wiki/Introspection) on the patient's emotional state, or simply being listened to by the practitioner. The act of selecting and taking a remedy may act as a calming ritual (http://nomorepanic.co.uk/wiki/Ritual).[3] (http://nomorepanic.co.uk/#cite_note-Ernst2002-2)
A systematic review in 2009 concluded:

Most of the available evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of BFRs has a high risk of bias. We conclude that, based on the reported adverse events in these six trials, BFRs are probably safe. Few controlled prospective trials of BFRs for psychological problems and pain exist. Our analysis of the four controlled trials of BFRs for examination anxiety and ADHD indicates that there is no evidence of benefit compared with a placebo intervention.[4] (http://nomorepanic.co.uk/#cite_note-Thaler2009-3)"

[Hel_is_heaven]

Whether the affect is placebo or not I also find it helps when I am feeling tense etc just to help relax me little.
All you can do is try one and see if it helps you, the drops don't cost huge amounts.
Good luck
Helen x

[Cat80]

For very very mild anxiety maybe but for me who has GAD it does nothing other than make me feel sick which then makes my anxiety worse

[chrislot]

I never found this effective either.

[Ronny]

It never worked for me either.

[lipglossloo]

Hi there,

I have used bach droplets and it actually makes me feel better when i have it on me. I think its maybe a distraction but it can work if you believe it to xxx

[mumble]

I've used them for about 2 years. I've found that when in a state of uber anxiety or panic - (I have GAD) then they don't do much. However as others have said, they have helped take the edge off for me and I found they've built up in my system as such to do so. It may also be a slight placebo effect, but I always like to have some on me. Security blanket!

Perhaps if you're very anxious about the flight - your doctor may be able to give you Diazepam or something similar?

[KK77]

Works well for me, but then I don't have severe anxiety so I may be biased.