Five electronic databases were searched without restrictions on time or language. All randomised clinical trials of flower remedies were included. Seven such studies were located. All but one were placebo-controlled. All placebo-controlled trials failed to demonstrate efficacy.
It is concluded that the most reliable clinical trials do not show any differences between flower remedies and placebos. Keywords: Bach flower remedies, efficacy, systematic review, alternative medicine. Dr Bach became convinced that most human illnesses are caused by negative states of mind e.
He identified 38 remedies — each based on one native flower which, according to his conviction, would alleviate such negative feelings and thus restore health [1]. Dr Bach claimed to treat the whole person in an individualised fashion; two patients afflicted by the same mainstream diagnosis might therefore be treated with two different remedies. Thus they do not contain pharmacologically relevant amounts of constituents of the flowers they originate from.
Flower remedies thus have similarities to homeopathic medicines, yet there are clear distinctions between the two systems [2]. Flower remedies have become a thriving business. They are readily available from a wide range of outlets and many consumers strongly believe in their effectiveness.
A previously published systematic review of flower remedies by the current author [5] is now outdated. A more recent review was focussed specifically on pain and psychological problems and included only four controlled trials [6]. Another review also only included four randomised clinical trials RCTs [7]. It is therefore timely and relevant to conduct an update.
Each database was searched from its inception until January For the current update, these searches were repeated in May Manufacturers of such preparations and experts in the field were asked for published or unpublished trials and the bibliographies of all papers were searched for further studies.
Finally, several specialised journals and the departmental files were searched by hand for further relevant articles. No language restrictions were applied. Contrary to previous reviews [5, 6], this update was restricted to RCTs. Non-randomised trials, uncontrolled studies, case reports and case series were excluded [8—13]. RCTs with human subjects were considered regardless of the disease or illness they related to and regardless of the outcome measures or the type of control intervention employed.
Studies which were not aimed at testing efficacy but at other issues e. Data were validated and extracted by the author according to predefined criteria table 1. When information was insufficient, the authors of the study in question were approached to obtain more details. Methodological quality was assessed using the Jadad scale [16], which quantifies the likelihood of bias inherent in trials on the basis of their description of randomisation, blinding, and withdrawals; this score ranges from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 5 points.
The validity of the primary trials was estimated on a score ranging from 0 to 3 points one point was given for a positive answer for each of the three questions: Was the study sample relevant? Was the intervention appropriate? Was the outcome measure suitable? Due to the statistical and clinical heterogeneity of the primary data, no statistical pooling was performed.
Seven RCTs met the inclusion criteria [17—23]. Three of them [17—19] had already been available for the previous systematic review [5] and four had been included in the reviews by Thaler et al. Figure 1 provides a flow chart of the articles located and included. Bach was born more than years ago and he left this amazing system in our hands at his death in Selma Hayek mentioned in InStyle magazine that she uses Rescue Pastilles to help with crazy busy days, to keep her calm.
The Bach […] Read more. He was a house surgeon and a casualty medical officer at University […] Read more. Moving home, new job, getting married, having children… we all go through similar experiences in life.
Whatever you are going through and whatever emotions you feel, Bach has a blend of natural flower essences designed to let you be you, every day. Choose the Bach essence for you.
The system of plant and flower-based essences was developed in the s by Dr Edward Bach, a physician and homeopath who was convinced that emotional well being was key to good health. Gorse Hopelessness, despair, given up hope. Renewed hope.
Heather Preoccupied and concerned for self, talkative. Good listener; empathy. Holly People overcome by anger, jealousy, envy etc. Honeysuckle Living in the past. Involvement in the present. Hornbeam Monday morning feeling. You procrastinate. Renewed energy.
Larch Feelings of inadequacy; lack of self-confidence. Mimulus Fear of everyday things, illness, pain, accident or misfortune. Fearful or anxious about something specific. Bravery and courage. Mustard Inexplicable sadness, gloom and despair, like a black cloud. Don't know why you feel that way. Clarity of thought.
Oak Those who unrealistically never give up. Keep going when you need to rest. Admit limitations. Olive Mental and physical exhaustion. More energy.
0コメント