Holistic Health Can Rescue Remedy Relieve Stress? By Cathy Wong Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD on March 07, 2020 facebook twitter linkedin Carly Snyder, MD is a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist who combines traditional psychiatry with integrative medicine-based treatments. Learn about our Review Board Carly Snyder, MD on March 07, 2020 Print Jill Ferry / Getty Images Table of Contents View All Possible Benefits Possible Side Effects Dosage and Preparation 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. 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 a special blend of five different wildflowers: Cherry plumClematisImpatiensRock roseStar-of-Bethlehem 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. Possible Health Benefits According to proponents, flower essences are a homeopathic treatment that can help relieve 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 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 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. Possible 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 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. Dosage and Preparation Flower essences like Rescue Remedy are available in most health food stores. The product is available in a variety of forms including: BalmCreamGelLiquid 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. 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. How Taking Supplements for Stress May Help Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. 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 Article 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. British Homeopathic Association. Is homeopathy safe?. 2020. Additional Reading Ernst E. Bach flower remedies: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials. Swiss Med Wkly. 2010;140:w13079. doi:10.4414/smw.2010.13079