What is Rescue Remedy and when should it be used?

Rescue Remedy is a brand name for a combination of five flower remedies: Rock Rose, Impatiens, Cherry Plum, Star of Bethlehem and Clematis. Flower remedies are natural remedies made from the energetic imprints of flowers. They are prepared by infusing the flowers in pure water and then diluting the resulting solution in brandy. The final product is a highly dilute solution that contains the energetic signature of the flower.

Flower remedies are believed to work on an energetic level to promote healing and balance in the body, mind and spirit. They are often used to address emotional and mental imbalances, such as anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma. Each flower remedy is believed to have a specific healing property or "message," which can be beneficial for different emotional states.

Flower essences are typically taken orally, either directly under the tongue or added to water or other beverages. They are safe and gentle and can be used by people of all ages, including children and pets. 

The History of Rescue Remedy & Bach Flower Remedies

Dr. Edward Bach was a British physician and homeopath who founded the Bach flower remedies in the 1930s. He believed that physical illness was often the result of emotional and mental imbalances and that treating these underlying imbalances could help restore health and wellbeing. He became interested in the healing properties of flowers and plants and began to develop a system of flower remedies.

Dr. Bach believed that different flowers had different energetic properties and that these properties could be harnessed to promote emotional and mental healing. He spent many years researching and experimenting with different flowers and developed a system of 38 flower remedies, each with its unique healing properties.

Dr. Bach's most famous remedy is Rescue Remedy, which he developed as a combination of five flower essences: Rock Rose, Impatiens, Cherry Plum, Star of Bethlehem, and Clematis. He intended this remedy to be used in emergency situations when a personalised combination of flower remedies was not available i.e. the full set of 38 remedies was not at hand.

Many people around the world use Rescue Remedy to help reduce stress, anxiety and panic, and promote a sense of calm and relaxation. It can be used in a variety of situations, such as before a job interview, a public speaking engagement, or a medical procedure. It is available in various forms, including drops, sprays, and pastilles.

Let’s get to know the ingredients of Rescue Remedy a little better

There are five different flower remedies that make up Rescue Remedy or the “crisis formula” as it’s also known as. Here we provide a brief description of each of these five flower remedies.

Rock Rose

Rock Rose is used to address extreme fear, panic, and terror. This remedy can be helpful in situations where someone feels overwhelmed by a perceived threat. The energy of Rock Rose helps to promote courage, strength and a sense of calm, allowing someone to feel more grounded and less helpless in the face of fear.

Impatiens

Impatiens is used to address impatience, irritability, and tension. This remedy can be helpful for those who feel impatient with themselves or others, or who experience tension and irritability due to an inability to slow down. The energy of Impatiens helps to promote patience, relaxation and a sense of ease, allowing someone to move through life with greater grace and tranquillity.

Cherry Plum

Cherry Plum is used to address the fear of losing control or doing something terrible. This remedy can be helpful for those who feel overwhelmed by their emotions or impulses, or who fear that they may act out of control. The energy of Cherry Plum helps to promote a sense of inner strength, self-control and the ability to stay calm and centred even in difficult situations.

Star of Bethlehem

Star of Bethlehem is used to address shock, trauma, and grief. This remedy can be helpful for those who have experienced a traumatic event, loss, or other form of emotional upheaval. The energy of Star of Bethlehem helps to promote comfort, healing and a sense of peace, allowing someone to move through their grief or trauma with greater resilience and emotional strength.

Clematis

Clematis is used to address daydreaming, absent-mindedness and a lack of focus. This remedy can be helpful for those who struggle to stay present in the moment or who feel disconnected from their physical surroundings. The energy of Clematis helps to promote clarity, alertness, and a grounded presence in the world, allowing someone to engage more fully with their environment and the people around them.

While Rescue Remedy is the most well-known combination of flower remedies, individual remedies can also be used to address specific emotional states.

When to use Rescue Remedy versus Individual Bach Flower Remedies

As the only combination of flower remedies that Dr Bach created, people find Rescue Remedy an easy and quick way to help calm their emotions. However, Dr Bach designed this formulation to be used in acute situations or for short-term use. It is great option for moments of crisis, such as a panic attack or an unexpected event that causes emotional distress. However, it's important to note that Rescue Remedy is not meant to be used as a long-term solution for chronic emotional imbalances or anxiety. If you need rescuing every day, there is a problem!

In such cases, a personalised combination of individual flower remedies using the full set of 38 flower remedies is often more suitable for healing long-term issues. Each flower remedy addresses a specific emotional state, and by selecting the right combination, a person can receive targeted support for their unique emotional needs. For example, someone struggling with chronic anxiety may benefit from a combination of Mimulus for specific fears, Aspen for anxiety without any reason and White Chestnut for racing thoughts.

While Rescue Remedy is the most well-known combination of flower remedies, it is important to remember that individual remedies can also be used to address specific emotional states. By working with a trained practitioner or by educating yourself on the properties of each remedy, you can tailor a flower remedy combination that suits your unique emotional needs and support long-term healing.

About the author

Lucy Edwards is a Bach Flower Practitioner who is registered with the Bach Centre. She is the founder of Mindful Remedies, a website that allows individuals to create their own personalised blend of flower remedies. The website offers all 38 of the Bach Flower remedies, and customers can choose up to seven of them to be combined in a single bottle.

In addition to the website, Lucy also offers online consultations via Zoom. During these consultations, she works with clients to identify their emotional needs and selects the appropriate flower remedies to address those needs. Once the personalised remedy is determined, it is shipped to the client to be used as directed.

With her extensive knowledge and experience with Bach Flower remedies, Lucy is dedicated to helping people achieve emotional balance and wellbeing through personalised flower remedy blends.

If you’re interested in creating a personalised remedy or book a consultation, you can do so via the links below.