Stress Management Management Techniques The Health Benefits of Bach’s Rescue Remedy By Kendra Cherry Kendra Cherry Facebook Twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author and educational consultant focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial process Updated on February 22, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Carly Snyder, MD Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Carly Snyder, MD is a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist who combines traditional psychiatry with integrative medicine-based treatments. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Jill Ferry / Getty Images Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Rescue Remedy Ingredients Flower Essense vs. Essential Oils Possible Benefits Dosage and Preparation Side Effects Frequently Asked Questions 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. It 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. Rescue Remedy Ingredients Flower essences are herbal infusions that are said to carry the vibrational energy and healing power of the infused flower. While each flower essence product is traditionally made with a single type of flower, Rescue Remedy is a special blend of five different wildflowers: Cherry plumClematisImpatiensRock roseStar-of-Bethlehem It also contains alcohol as an inactive ingredient. Flower Essense vs. Essential Oils Flower essences are frequently confused with essential oils. While both are made from plants, there are a number of important differences between the two. Where flower essences are an herbal floral infusion, essential oils are concentrated liquids made from plant compounds. Flower Essences Flowers are submerged in water. This water is boiled or exposed to the sun and then filtered. The final product does not contain any part of the flower. Essential Oils Plants are steamed or pressed. The extracts are then often combined with a carrier oil. The final product contains actual compounds from the plants. Uses According to proponents, flower essences are a homeopathic treatment that can help relieve occasional stress. The manufacturer suggests that the product can provide gentle relief from everyday stress. Stress can have a negative impact on the immune system and contribute to diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Some types of flower essences are also said to: Lessen anxietyPromote healthy sleepSoothe pain It is important to note that statements about the effectiveness of the product have not been medically evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). How Stress Impacts Your Health Despite claims for Rescue Remedy's stress easing effects, scientific studies have shown mixed results. Many trials have concluded 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. Dosage and Preparation Flower essences like Rescue Remedy are available in most health food stores. The product is available in a variety of forms. These include oral and topical preparations. In the liquid form, the recommended dose is four drops taken either directly on your tongue or mixed with water and sipped throughout the day. Always read labels before consuming them. Side Effects Rescue Remedy is generally considered safe. It is also safe for those on a gluten-free diet. People taking certain medications, such as antibiotics like metronidazole or the alcohol use disorder drug Antabuse (disulfiram), may experience nausea and/or vomiting because of the alcohol-based form of any flower essence. It may not be appropriate for you if you have concerns about the alcohol content of the product. 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. Frequently Asked Questions How long does Rescue Remedy take to work? While each person is different, the manufacturer suggests that most people begin to feel the effects "fairly soon" after taking the product. How long does Rescue Remedy last? The manufacturer does not state how long the effects of the product last but suggests that doses can be repeated as needed. Can you overdose on Rescue Remedy? Overdose should not occur with regular use. However, the alcohol content of the product should be considered. Avoid taking more than the suggested dose and do not combine with other products containing alcohol. Is Rescue Remedy for pets a different formulation? Rescue Remedy Pets is formulated for animals of all types including cats, dogs, birds, horses, rabbits, and reptiles. It is alcohol-free and the formulation differs from the Rescue Remedy formulations intended for human consumption, which should not be given to pets. How does Rescue Remedy work for pets? The Rescue Remedy Pets formulation is intended to help relieve stress and create calm for pets of all types, sizes, and ages. The manufacturer suggests that it can be helpful for travel, loud noises, and stressful events. A Word From Verywell Due to a lack of supporting research, it's too soon to recommend Rescue Remedy as a treatment for any condition. If you're 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. If you are experiencing symptoms of prolonged stress that are affecting your well-being and quality of life, talk to your doctor or mental health professional. Your doctor or therapist can recommend solutions, which may include medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes. The 9 Best Anxiety Supplements of 2022, According to a Dietitian Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Struggling with stress? Our guide offers expert advice on how to better manage stress levels. Get it FREE when you sign up for our newsletter. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 6 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Ernst E. Bach flower remedies: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials. Swiss Med Wkly. 2010;140:w13079. doi:10.4414/smw.2010.13079 The Original Bach Flower Remedies. Rescue remedy, rescue remedy spray. Bach Rescue. Rescue Remedy dropper. 2021. British Homeopathic Association. Is homeopathy safe?. 2020. Bach Rescue. How quickly will I feel Rescue working?. 2021. Bach Rescue. How much Rescue can I take?. 2021. Speak to a Therapist for Stress Management Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation.