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| Research article summary (published 28 Dec 2002): |
"Flower remedies": a systematic review of the clinical evidence.
Full Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Flower remedies (also called "Bach" flower remedies) are used by an increasing number of individuals, and many health claims have been made for them. No systematic review of flower remedies has so far been published.
AIM:
The aim of this systematic review is to summarise and critically analyse the data from all available controlled clinical trials of flower remedies.
METHODS:
Six databases were searched to identify all controlled clinical trials of flower remedies in humans for any medical condition. No language restrictions were applied. Key data were validated and extracted into table format according to pre-defined criteria. Statistical pooling was not possible, and results were evaluated in narrative form.
RESULTS:
Four studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Two trials suggested a positive outcome. Those studies that controlled for placebo-effects and minimised selection bias through randomisation failed to demonstrate effects beyond a placebo response.
CONCLUSION:
The hypothesis that flower remedies are associated with effects beyond a placebo response is not supported by data from rigorous clinical trials.
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Author information
Author/s: Ernst, Edzard (E);
Affiliation: Institute of Health & Social Care Research, Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter & Plymouth, 25 Victoria Park Road, Exeter, EX2 4NT, U.K. Edzard.Ernst(-atsign-)pms.ac.uk
Journal and publication information
Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Review
Journal: Wiener klinische Wochenschrift (Wien Klin Wochenschr), published in Austria. (Language: eng)
Reference: 2002-Dec; vol 114 (issue 23-24) : pp 963-6
Dates: Created 2003/03/14; Completed 2003/05/19; Revised 2007/11/15;
PMID: 12635462, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)
Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.
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