Rescue Remedy Health Benefits and Uses

Rescue Remedy Health Benefits and Uses Holistic Health Print Can Rescue Remedy Relieve Stress? By Cathy Wong Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Richard Fogoros, MD on August 05, 2016 Richard N. Fogoros, MD, is a retired professor of medicine and board-certified internal medicine physician and cardiologist. He is Verywells Senior Medical Advisor. Learn about our Medical Review Board Richard Fogoros, MD Updated on February 03, 2020 Jill Ferry / Getty Images More in Self-Improvement Holistic Health Happiness Meditation Stress Management Spirituality Inspiration Brain Health Technology Relationships View All Rescue Remedy is a type of Bach Flower Remedy, a line of flower essences developed by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1920s and 1930s. The English physician believed that illnesses caused by negative emotions, like stress and depression, could be alleviated with flower essences, which are herbal infusions that are said to carry the vibrational energy and healing power of the infused flower.?? Flower essence is made by placing flowers in water and creating an infusion by exposing the mixture to sunlight or another heat source. The flowers are then discarded and the liquid is preserved (usually with alcohol), diluted, and stored in vials. While each flower essence product is traditionally made with a single type of flower, Rescue Remedy a special blend of five different wildflowers: rock rose, impatiens, clematis, star-of-Bethlehem, and cherry plum.?? Possible Health Benefits According to proponents, flower essences are a homeopathic treatment that can help relieve stress, which can have a negative impact on the immune system, leading to diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Some types of flower essences are also said to promote healthy sleep, lessen anxiety, and soothe pain. Rescue Remedy, in particular, is said to provide calm and protect against anxiety during times of extreme stress. How Stress Impacts Your Health What the Research Says Despite claims for Rescue Remedys stress easing effects, scientific studies have shown mixed results, with many trials concluding that Rescue Remedy may be no more beneficial than a placebo when it comes to relieving stress. A 2010 review of randomized clinical trials found mostly no difference in stress or anxiety between those who took Rescue Remedy and those who took a placebo.?? Results like these make it difficult to pinpoint whether Rescue Remedy can make good on its promise to alleviate stress and anxiety. Possible Side Effects Although Rescue Remedy is generally considered safe?? (including for those on a gluten-free diet), people taking certain medications such as antibiotics like metronidazole or alcohol use disorder drug Antabuse (disulfiram) may experience nausea and/or vomiting because of the alcohol-based form of any flower essence. Rescue Remedy also comes in zero-proof versions preserved with vegetable glycerin instead of brandy, ideal for those who are pregnant or nursing, or for children. Dosage and Preparation Available in most health food stores, flower essences like Rescue Remedy are sold in liquid form with a recommended dose of four drops taken either directly on your tongue or mixed with water and sipped throughout the day. Bachs Rescue Remedy  is also available in spray, cream, gel, and balm forms.?? Always read labels before consuming them. A Word From Verywell Due to a lack of supporting research, its too soon to recommend Rescue Remedy as a treatment for any condition.  If youre considering using it, talk to your doctor before starting your supplement regimen. Keep in mind that Rescue Remedy should not be used as a substitute for standard care in the treatment of a chronic health condition. How Taking Supplements for Stress May Help