Bach ("Batch") flower remedies are very diluted preparations of different species of wildflowers. They were created by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930s.
Bach flower remedies are often so diluted that they contain little or no detectable amounts of active ingredients. Similar to homeopathic preparations, they aren't expected to have beneficial drug-like effects or safety concerns. There are 38 different remedies.
People use Bach flower remedies for anxiety, depression, ADHD, pain, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse Bach flower remedies with homeopathy. Bach flower remedies are sometimes called homeopathic products because they are diluted like homeopathic remedies, but they aren't based on the same principles.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Anxiety. Taking Bach flower remedies doesn't seem to reduce anxiety.
There is interest in using Bach flower remedies for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Bach flower remedies are possibly safe when used in moderation. Since most Bach flower remedies contain little or no active ingredient, these products aren't expected to cause harm. But they 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 aren't expected to cause harm.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Bach flower remedies are likely unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding because they contain alcohol. Alcohol can cause birth defects and other harm to infants. The alcohol in these preparations also passes into breast milk and can interfere with the infant's development.
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Interaction Rating=Major Do not take this combination.
Bach flower remedies contain alcohol. When disulfiram is taken within 12 hours of alcohol it can cause a reaction. Do not take Bach flower remedies if you are taking disulfiram.
Metronidazole (Flagyl)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Bach flower remedies contain alcohol. When metronidazole is taken with alcohol it might cause a reaction. Talk to your health provider before taking Bach flower remedies if you are using metronidazole.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Bach flower remedies are prepared by soaking plant material in water that is then exposed to sunlight. The plant material might also be boiled. A small amount of this 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 are usually so diluted that they contain little or no detectable amounts of active ingredients.
Similar to homeopathy, Bach flower remedies indicate how dilute they are by using specific letters and numbers. Dilutions of 1/10 are signified by "X." So, 1X = 1/10, 2X = 1/100, 3X = 1/1000, and so on.
Dilutions of 1/100 are signified by "C." So, 1C = 1/100, 2C = 1/10,000, 3C = 1/1,000,000, and so on.
Speak with a healthcare provider before use.
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