A team of researches hope to come out smelling of roses

(PhysOrg.com) -- Researchers at the University of Plymouth are giving away free bottles of flower essences to discover why some people benefit more than others from this type of complementary therapy.

The team is hoping to recruit 120 volunteers, who will be asked to take the essence over a period of two weeks in return for completing online questionnaires.

Bach flower essences are said to be highly effective in everyday use for common ailments such as stress, fatigue, depression and lack of confidence. They are a popular form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

Behind the study is University of Plymouth Psychology Lecturer Dr Ben Whalley, who said: “We have found that flower essences are very helpful for a large number of people but we don’t know why some people benefit more than others.

“We want to know more about how Bach remedies work - for example, whether it matters how people take the essence.”

Volunteers will be asked to attend an initial briefing session and complete a few short questionnaires before receiving the essences. Feedback about the effects can be provided through links which will be sent via email. Volunteers need to be over 18 years of age as the essences contain a small amount of alcohol.

To give it a try, volunteers can email the team at flowersplymouth@gmail.com or visit voice.psy.plymouth.ac.uk/flower for further information.

Dr Whalley added: “We hope taking part will benefit volunteers as it has done for so many others, and the team greatly appreciate any help in advancing this fascinating area of research.”

Provided by University of Plymouth