Rescue Remedy (RR) is a Bach Flower remedy. The Bach Flower Remedies are
“essences” or “energies” of various plants, each plant carrying its own
therapeutic healing vibration. Because of this, flower remedies are extremely
safe, and there is no way in which the user can overdose on them.
Rescue
Remedy is the most popular Bach Flower Remedy in North America (and probably in
many other parts of the world). It’s not a single remedy, but a combination of
five:
Rock Rose: For terror and panic
Impatiens: for irritability,
nervousness, and tension
Cherry Plum: For fear of losing control
Star of
Bethlehem: For trauma, shock, and numbness
Clematis: For unconsciousness
I’ve used Rescue remedy for driving-related traumas, physical injuries
(especially cuts), fear-related insomnia, stressful situations, and other
purposes. It has been especially helpful to me preceding a visit to the dentist,
before appearing for jury duty, and when we were moving Beyond the Rainbow to
its website. (We just kept the bottle by the computer).
People I know
have taken it before and after surgery, during labor and after childbirth, and
for a wide range of traumas.
I insert here the usual disclaimer that
Rescue Remedy is no substitute for medical treatment; however, in my experience
and that of others it has helped to alleviate the mental and emotional stresses
which can worsen a medical emergency.
Rescue Remedy can be used in many
different ways: after a seizure to reduce pacing and other post-ictal behaviors;
to reduce stress in various situations, including visits to the vet,
thunderstorms, fireworks, having company in the home, etc. Anything that causes
your dog to experience stress (both “good” and “bad” stress) can potentially
lead to seizure activity and by lessening the effects of the stressor on the
dog’s system, seizures may be prevented or the severity and/or number lessened.
Many of us use Rescue Remedy with our epi-dogs and non-epis as well. Some
dogs do not respond to Rescue Remedy, post-ictally (after a seizure), however.
In addition to using the RR after seizures, many people use the remedy in
stressful situations and find that it has helped to calm their dogs in
situations of panic and hyperactivity, such as prior to a vet visit, or when
there is a lot of household commotion or change of routine. Some people believe
that it may also calm their dogs enough to avoid a seizure if used when
pre-ictal (before a seizure) behavior is present.
You need only give a
couple of drops of Flower Remedies with each dose. Actually, it is not the
amount given, but the *frequency* in which the remedy is given, that determines
its effectiveness. In particularly stressful situations, giving 2-3 drops of RR
every 15 to 30 minutes until the stressful situation has passed is most
effective. Some people add a few drops to their pet’s water bowl or food. Also,
if RR needs to be given during a seizure, it is not recommended that the remedy
be administered orally. Many people squirt a drop or two on the dog’s forehead
or bedding during the actual seizure.
How to Actually Take Rescue Remedy
It’s
generally recommended that if you feel that you need a mixture with two or more
of the remedies in Rescue Remedy that it makes more sense to use Rescue Remedy
itself in your mixture. It counts as one remedy; however, you add four drops to
your mixture instead of the usual two.
In an immediate crisis you can
take it directly from the bottle, four drops at a time, as frequently as every
twenty minutes, or put the four drops in a glass of water and sip it often.
Do be careful about taking it on an empty stomach, as Rescue Remedy, like
all Bach Flower Remedies, is preserved in brandy.
Giving Rescue Remedy To Others
Rescue Remedy can be given to people who are unconscious. Because lawsuits
are popular activities I don’t suggest that you give Rescue Remedy to a
stranger. However, if an friend of yours needs it you can put it on pulse
points, such as the temples and wrists.
I’ve given it several times to
birds who flew into a glass window or door. Put a few drops on or into the beak.
This often creates an immediate recovery.
In general, Rescue Remedy can
be very helpful for animals in cases of physical or emotional trauma. For
animals up to human size put four drops in the drinking water. For larger
animals increase the dosage to ten drops. Cats, in particular, don’t like the
smell or taste of alcohol. Rub the Rescue Remedy behind their ears; they’ll hate
it, but it’s good for them.
It’s also good for plants when you repot
them, or if they are looking unhappy.
Above all, don’t be limited by my
suggestions. The uses of Rescue Remedy are virtually limitless.
Conclusion
The following information is taken from
Bach Flower Remedies
for Animals written by Helen Graham and Gregory Vlamis. In the section on
dosages, it says: “Flower essences (FEs) are administered in drops, a single
drop at a time. They are normally given by mouth. Five days is the average
period of treatment, although they can be continued for two weeks or longer.
Dosage varies with the particular situation and the animal species being
treated. The standard dose is 4 drops. More drops are not harmful, but wasteful.
Fewer drops can be used if the animal is quite small (squirrels, hamsters,
rabbits). For large breeds of dogs (St. Bernards, Great Danes), sheep and goats,
6 drops should be given. Horses and cows get 10-15 drops. These can be given as
often as necessary but at least four times daily. Drops can be applied directly
on or under the animal’s tongue, dropped onto the nose to be licked off, or
rubbed into the gums or lips. They also can be added to water, food, treats,
etc., but this is not as reliable because you can’t monitor the exact amount
they are taking. You can also mix with water and spray it on the skin or in the
air surrounding the animal. You can add it to lotions and apply it topically to
the skin or fur, pulse points, or other soft cavities of the body (under the leg
or arm) – I put it inside their ears sometimes. You can also bathe the dog with
water containing a few drops of FEs. They respond with great immediacy to the
correct essences. If there is no apparent change after five days, you are using
the wrong remedy. FEs are safe to take in combination with each other and with
any other medications – allopathic or homeopathic. They are harmless, and
overdose is impossible. If you administer the wrong essence, it will simply have
no effect.”
My name is Bree Weasner, and I’ve been bringing pet owners like you
valuable information on pet nutrition and natural holistic alternatives to
conventional pet care since 2001.