A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a Bach Flower Remedy

The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to investigate the efficacy of ‘Five Flower Remedy’® also known as Rescue Remedy®, for examination anxiety in healthy university students. One hundred university students were recruited. They were registered at the University of Exeter, aged between 18 to 65 years, and enrolled to undertake university examinations between May to July 1998. Participants were randomized to take one to four doses of either ‘Five Flower Remedy’ or indistinguishable placebo during day 1 to 7 of the experiment. Self-reported anxiety was quantified using the 40-item Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) as the primary outcome measure. Visual analogue scales were used as the secondary outcome measure to allow the determination of daily anxiety scores. Forty five percent of volunteers completed the study (21 subjects in the experimental and 24 in the placebo group). Reporting of anxiety, as measured by the state component of the STAI at enrolment, was not found to differ between verum and placebo and no gender differences were noted. However, self-reports of trait anxiety were found to be lower in men compared to women at enrolment. Eight days before examination, men reported significantly lower levels of state anxiety but no significant differences were subsequently identified the evening before the examination. No significant differences were identified between or within groups for mean values of the daily VAS scores or indeed the linear contrast variable constructed to determine any trends associated with the weekly VAS reports. It is concluded that ‘Five Flower Remedy’ had no specific effects in treating anxiety under these trial conditions.