Held my hand through Traumafest! (Dr Bach Rescue Remedy Spray)

Member Name: bamamo

Product:	Dr Bach Rescue Remedy Spray
Date:	17/07/09 (130 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Worked to settle nerves in no-fear situations, easy to use

Disadvantages: Didn't help with the dentist, pricey

A while ago I had a couple of stressful events I was really worried about all in one week, and needed something to take the edge off. After reading a review on a different Rescue Remedy product, I thought perhaps it could be worth a try, and opted for the spray. In any form (there are also drops or pastilles), Rescue Remedy is convenient to carry about and use as needed.

Rescue Remedy is a combination of several flower remedies - impatiens, Star of Bethlehem, cherry plum, rock rose and clematis. It is said to soothe nerves and is suitable for the whole family - with pregnant women and epileptics advised to seek medical advice first. I never read this before using it and, as a close relative has severe epilepsy this is a tad worrying, although I have used homeopathic remedies to great effect when I was a child so thought it could help for me.

Using the spray couldn't be easier, just direct two sprays onto the tongue. The bottle is small enough to carry around and discreet enough to use in public. I decided to try out the spray at work a couple of days before Traumafest, as I will call it, began.

I was worried that it would taste bitter and horrible, and was pleased to find it didn't. However, the grape alcohol solution it contains is pretty strong and I was worried my breath would smell like I had just had a nip of whiskey to sort myself out! Fortunately this doesn't last long, especially as one of the traumatic events was a visit to the dentist, who obviously would be up close to my mouth!

Although the days I used to test run the spray were relatively stress-free, I was getting a little worked up about what Traumafest would have in store. I found myself to be a little mellower after using the spray, but can't say whether this was all in my head or not and me WANTING it to work.

So, stressful event number 1: dentist. I was having a tooth pulled for my upcoming fitting for braces, and as I had never had so much as a filling I was extremely worried. After a couple of bad blood test experiences, I have developed a bit of an aversion to needles, and no matter how much people told me that dental injections were totally different and not that bad, I didn't believe them and was a wreck even THINKING about the extraction for about a week beforehand.

As I was leaving work to my appointment, I began to use the spray, topping it up just before I arrived. And how did I feel? A WRECK. I must say that the dentist was excellent with me and it wasn't as much of a big deal, I certainly wouldn't feel scared to have another extraction, but I did feel awful and the Rescue Remedy can't have done all that much on this occasion.

Still, I decided to use it again for stressful event number 2: piano exam. On this occasion, I think it might have helped me out. I felt calm and collected, and ended up with a merit so I have to have been pretty focused!

I've come to the conclusion that Rescue Remedy is helpful for mellowing out someone and focusing their mind, but it can only do so much. In situations of total fear, such as the dentist, it didn't really cut it, for me. I still carry the bottle around and use maybe just one spray when I'm feeling a bit worked up. So far it has helped on these situations, but I'm yet to find something as terrifying as that day to re-try it, which is a very good thing if you ask me.

The product information mentions it can be used by the whole family. I honestly can't say that I think children would appreciate the taste, and if I had kids I'm not sure how much I would want them to rely on a product like this for everyday situations. Kids shouldn't get so stressed out in the first place! It could be useful for teens facing exam nerves, however.

My spray version cost £7.68 for a 20ml bottle. The dropper and pastilles (bear in mind pastilles will probably not last nearly so long) retail at around £5. The best place to find this is probably Boots, where it is sometimes on some kind of offer along with vitamins and supplements.

It might not be that powerful in fear situations, for me at least, but handles stress well and although a little pricey, if helps you pass your driving test, or an important exam, who cares? Definitely worth a try if you suffer from a nervous disposition.

Summary: Worth a try if you suffer from nerves.