What are they?
Also called flower essences, these are highly diluted extracts made from the flowers of wild plants. There are many types from around the world, including the Original Bach Flower Remedies, developed in England in the 1930s, and Australian Bush Flower Essences, developed in Australia in the 1980s.
Why use them
They may be used by a flower essence practitioner, some naturopaths, herbalists or other complementary therapists.
Some people believe that flower remedies balance the mind, body and spirit, and help you cope with emotional issues.
What to expect
Similar to a counselling session, you may be asked about problems you’re having and how you feel about or respond to certain situations. The therapist may suggest a single essence for you. Or they may prepare a blend of essences (remedy) that is tailored specifically for you. You then take the essence, usually in water, several times a day.
Always check what’s in the remedy (the name may not include the ingredients) and discuss with your cancer care team before taking it. Some herbs may interact with some cancer treatments and medicines, and cause side effects. See pages 14–15 for tips on using herbs safely.
See these tips on using herbs safely.
What is the evidence?
Scientific evidence does not support the use of flower remedies for treating diseases. However, anecdotal reports suggest they may help reduce fear and distress.
After surgery, my naturopath gave me Bach Flower Remedies for fear, shock and exhaustion. These helped me relax.
Louise (bowel cancer)
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Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
More resources
A/Prof Geraldine McDonald, Director Patient Experience and Wellbeing, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Laura Carman, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; A/Prof Christine Carrington, Senior Consultant Pharmacist Cancer Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital and Metro South Health and The University of Queensland, QLD; Kellie Giannarelli, Consumer; Dr Suzanne Grant, Senior Research Fellow, Integrative Oncology, NICM Health Research Institute, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Vivienne Hansen, Bush and Western Herbal Medicine Practitioner, WA; Karla Jaji, Administration Officer, Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre, NSW; Dr Laura Kirsten, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Nepean Cancer Services, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, NSW; A/Prof Judith Lacey, Director of Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Adjunct Professor Danforn Lim, Western Sydney University and University of Technology Sydney, NSW; Dr David Mizrahi, Senior Research Fellow and Accredited Exercise Physiologist, The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW; Professor Avni Sali AM, Founder and Director, National Institute of Integrative Medicine, VIC; Gillian Thompson, Consumer; A/Prof Kate Webber, Medical Oncologist, Monash Health, VIC; Tanya Wells, Integrative Oncology Consultant and Naturopath, Melbourne Integrative Oncology Group, VIC; Prof Kate White, Professor Cancer Nursing, Cancer Care Research Unit, The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW.
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