Scientific Research on Flower Essences
There has been good quality research done on flower essences using both random controlled trials (RCT’s) and case studies.
RCT’s are important for distinguishing between the effect of the essences and placebo.
Case studies measure the outcomes of essences tailored individually for the participants, and report on their experiences of the treatment.
Random Controlled Trials on Flower Essences
Flower essences were found to be significantly more effective than placebo in each of the trials below. A link to the article is after each citation.
Insomnia
Porcar-Castell and Esmel-Esmel (2021) The effect of Bach flower remedies on quality of life and sleep in hospital professionals during the Covid-19 pandemic. TMR Integrative Nursing 2021;5(6):195–202. https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIN2021195202. Full article here.
Anxiety
Dixit, U., & Jasani, R. (2020). Comparison of the effectiveness of Bach flower therapy and music therapy on dental anxiety in pediatric patients: A randomized controlled study. Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, 38(1), 71–78. doi: 10.4103/JISPPD.JISPPD_229_19. Full article here.
Salles L, Silva MJ. Effects of Flower Essences in Individuals with Anxiety. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Paradigm, Practice, and Policy Advancing Integrative Health. 2014;20(5):A76. doi: 10.1089/acm.2014.5200.abstract. Abstract here.
Halberstein, et al (2007). Healing With Bach(R) Flower Essences: Testing a Complementary Therapy. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 12. 3-14. doi: 10.1177/1533210107300705. Full article here.
Anxiety, binge eating, and sleep
Fusco, et al (2021). Efficacy of Flower Therapy for Anxiety in Overweight or Obese Adults: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.). 27. doi: 10.1089/acm.2020.0305. Full article here.
Stress
Herculano, et al (2020). Effect of Flower Essence Therapy on Teachers’ Stress: A Randomized Clinical Trial. REME-Revista Mineira de Enfermagem. 24. doi: 10.5935/1415-2762.20200055. Full article here.
Childbirth
Magaton, Anna & Lara, Sônia & Gabrielloni, Maria & Barbieri, Márcia. (2022). Maternal and perinatal effects with the use of floral therapy in childbirth: randomized clinical trial. Revista Gaúcha de Enfermagem. 43. e20210127. doi: 10.1590/1983-1447.2022.20210127.en. l. Full article here.
Case Studies on Flower Essences
Case studies are necessary in addition to random controlled trials because they allow participants to receive individualised prescriptions, whereas in RCT’s everyone gets the same remedies. Individually tailored remedies are more effective over the long term.
Trauma, anger, insomnia, depression
Individualised flower essence treatment at a child protection shelter in Costa Rica. The success of the pilot project lead to flower essence treatment being funded for 29 more shelters across the country. Testimonials of the children are given. Full article here.
Depression
This article discusses 5 different case studies on the use of flower essences to treat depression. Case study groups are in Cuba and the US, including an outpatient psychiatric clinic. Participants level of depression was rated with two objective standard depression inventories, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D). Participants of each case study experienced a significant reduction in depression. Full article here.
Anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflict, self esteem.
HIV/AIDS patients in Brazil are treated with flower essences for the diverse emotional challenges of having HIV/AIDS. The article includes testimonials from the participants about their experience of the treatment.
Full article here.
