Many of us are searching for natural ways to address an everyday complaint - stress. Bach Flower Essences advertises their Rescue® Remedy line of products as "Natural Stress Relief." Do they work?
Bach's line (pronounced Batch) of Rescue® remedies include creams, gels, capsules, alcohol and non-alcohol droppers and sprays, as well as chewing gum and the Pastilles. All of the remedies are based on a combination of flower essences, thought to assist with emotional upset from stressful or traumatic situations.
A Look at the Rescue® Remedy Pastilles
The pastilles come in a round tin with a unique lid cap design - when pressed in the center the lid releases, when squeezed on the sides it locks in place again. Once we move past the novelty of the container we discover the small, chewable "pastilles" inside. They are honey-colored, gelatin rounds made from sugar substitutes (xylitol), gum arabic, beeswax and more.
They're convenient form and container makes the pastilles a popular Rescue® Remedy to carry on the go - easily tossed into a purse, backpack, lunchbox or carry on suitcase. Because they are not liquid they do not have to be carried in a zip-top bag per the TSA regulations regarding flying with liquid items in the United States.
Due to the addition of beeswax the pastilles are not appropriate for vegans, but are otherwise considered acceptable for vegetarians.
Flower Essences Used in the Pastilles
Five flower essences make up the core recipe of the Rescue® Remedy line. They are known as the active ingredients in the pastilles and are:
- Star of Bethlehem - used for trauma and shock.
- Clematis - used to bring clarity and alertness.
- Cherry Plum - used for a fear of losing control.
- Impatiens - used for stress reduction, irritability, and to alleviate impatience.
- Rock Rose - used for panic and terror.
The combination of essences here make the pastilles useful for insomnia, job interviews, public speaking, test taking and other stressful episodes. Users are warned that accidental overdose can cause mild laxative effects on the body.
Reasons People Use Rescue® Remedy Pastilles
Curious about what types of situations folks might use the pastilles in I did an informal survey amongst friends and received the following responses:
- Insomnia - both for difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep after waking during the night.
- Big stress - one respondent, an ER nurse, noted the pastilles were helpful to have after an especially traumatic episode or night at the hospital.
- Menopause - for several the pastilles were thought to help balance some of the feelings of being helpless when menopause symptoms flared up.
- PMS - several women mentioned they used the pastilles in the week before their period to cope with PMS symptoms.
- Overexcited children - two different mothers mentioned they use the pastilles when the kids are "all wound up before bedtime" in conjunction with a warm bath.
With very few side effects and a low price point, around $7 USD, the pastilles might be a suitable product for someone trying to cope with temporary stress. Clearly this product would not replace a medical professional's care or advice, but might be complementary to an existing wellness plan.
Resources:
- Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security website http://www.tsa.gov/311/, accessed 11/3/11.
- Bach Flower Essences official website, http://bachflower.com, accessed 11/3/11.
- The author's first hand experience with the product over the last two years as well as conducting informal interviews in the Fall of 2011.
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
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