Bach Flower Remedies have nothing to do with the famous German family of composers and organists. They were created by on Edward Bach, an eccentric British physician of the early Twentieth century. They are an "alternative treatment," consisting of liquid doses of dew collected from individual types of flowers, mixed with ordinary water and grain alcohol. The type of flower corresponds with the physical ailment to be treated or psychological condition to be encouraged; for example, mustard for cheerfulness, olive for peace of mind, vervain for insomnia, walnut for addiction, et cetera, totaling 38 remedies.
There are no properly controlled empirical scientific studies to show that Bach Flower Remedies work. Testimonials that do not take all influences and factors into account are their only evidence., It is an example of "sympathetic magic," where something that has a characteristic will cause that characteristic; for example, rock rose promoting strength. But there is no necessary connection between something's characteristics and its causing that if applied to patients. Advocates of these remedies have not met their burden of proof. Thinking and believing that they work, and their non-interference with the body's own immune system, accounts for their alleged success.
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