Paper Summaries
2.1 Gheorghiu et al. (2024) A new approach to balancing dental fear and anxiety using BachTM Flower Therapy
Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences, 11(1), 92-98; https://doi.org/10.22543/2392-7674.1475
This paper from a dental school in Romania is classed as a review by the journal but it does not critically evaluate the studies referenced. Rather it provides a description of psychological distress in dental patients, especially children, and its treatment with Bach flowers. In addition, possible remedies for dental staff or parents of patients are described. The information about the remedies appears to be accurate, and it reads as if the authors have considerable clinical experience of their use in dentistry. There is a good list of references in relation to the Bach flower system and its application in dentistry.
Summary: A clear description of the use of BFRs to reduce dental anxiety, it will be of value to dental staff and patients who are unfamiliar with the remedies.
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2.2 Rocha et al. (2022), Bach Flower Remedies as Complementary Therapies in Health Care A Scope Review
Holist Nurs Pract 36(6), E64–E71, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364421884_Bach_Flower_Remedies_as_Complementary_Therapies_in_Health_Care; doi: 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000552
The object of the review was to map the use of Bach flower remedies in adult healthcare by undertaking a scope review of research papers.
The PCC (P = Population, C = Concept, and C = Context) mnemonic strategy was used to help formulate the research question, ‘How can Bach flower remedies be applied in the health care of adult patients?’
An extensive literature search was undertaken using 10 databases and several keywords. 11 studies were identified for inclusion of which 4 were cohort studies and 3 were randomised clinical trials (RCTs). Authors classified the studies (in accordance with the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine) as having 2B and 1B levels of evidence and B and A levels of recommendation, respectively (where 1 and A are the highest). They conclude that this shows a high level of evidence and reliability for Bach remedies and demonstrates scientific support for their use.
Comments: There are not enough well-designed studies in this review to demonstrate scientific support for use of BFRs. Limitations are the inclusion of only 3 RCTs and inclusion of 3 papers (including one RCT) which do not report how the outcome was measured. Aims to map basic concepts and identify the gaps in a specific field of knowledge were over-optimistic and not met. Authors list the most common remedies used in studies as Impatiens, Cherry Plum, White Chestnut and Beech without the context that use will depend what is being addressed in these studies, which could mistakenly suggest that these remedies are the most important/effective. They state that more RCTs are required for inclusion and this would certainly improve the validity of any conclusions.
Summary: A broad review of studies on use of BFRs on adults for several conditions which includes only 11 papers of variable quality. As a result, no conclusions on evidence and reliability of the remedies can be supported.
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2.3 Hilton (2025), Utilising the comprehensive meta-analysis software to combine two studies and assess flower essence for alleviation of nurse stress as measured by the perceived stress scale
ISRG J Clinic.Medici.Medica.Res., Vol. II, Issue II (March – April), 16-23.
https://zenodo.org/records/15105193
A literature search was undertaken by the author to find randomised controlled trials looking at flower essences and nursing stress.
Two studies were identified and included. Both used the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and a Comprehensive Analysis (version 4.0.000 (https://meta-analysis.com)) on the results was undertaken. A focus of the study was to ascertain if a meta-analysis involving only two studies could add value to the discussion of the results.
According to this analysis, both groups (placebo/intervention) showed PPS reductions, but these were not significant [p value = 0.181]. The conclusion reached was that flower essences had no significant effect in alleviating the stress identified in the nursing professionals included in the studies. This is in line with the conclusions reached by the author of these studies
Comments: The subject chosen for study was narrow and resulted in the inclusion of only two studies. These studies had reached similar conclusions so it’s difficult to see what the current paper hoped to add, beyond trialling the software used. The conclusions suggest buying a nurse a bunch of flowers to alleviate stress instead of using flower remedies.
Summary: A meta-analysis of two studies looking at alleviation of nurses’ stress.