On 06/05/2004, at 4:00, Kate Cropp CNP, IBCLC, MSN wrote:

> Does anyone have legitimate information regarding the safety of these 5
> extracts? The makers (Bach) have replied to me that it is "completely
> safe"
> and has "no side effects". I would prefer seeing scientific information
> about this.

A 5X homeopathic dilution amounts to about one drop in six and a half
litres. RR is also 27% alcohol, according to the manufacturer. As the
"active" ingredients are probably all but unmeasurable, I can't see any
reason why it would be any more dangerous than a couple of sprays of
vodka under the tongue.

It is very difficult to scientifically prove a negative; but with the
high dilutions used in most homeopathic substances, there comes a point
where there is no known chemical/physiological mechanism via which the
substance can have any effect on the human body. I suspect Bach's
response to you originates here, rather than in randomised
controlled-trial research. A recent systematic review concluded that
the very few quality controlled trials that have been done have shown
that, at best, Bach flower remedies appear to act as an effective
placebo for anxiety-related conditions.

> Also, is there a certain brand of fenugreek that you prefer?

I buy bags of whole fenugreek legumes from an Asian supermarket. After
the Pan Pharmaceuticals quality-assurance debacle here Down Under, I
couldn't bring myself to buy capsules.

Lara Hopkins

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