Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 1998; 3: 180–1
The aim of the study is to investigate the efficacy of Five-Flower Remedy for anxiety in healthy university students taking examinations. The main objectives were to determine if Five-Flower Remedy, taken orally by healthy students before sitting examinations, can reduce anxiety scores, as measured by (I) the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and (ii) visual analogue scales (VAS) scores, to a greater or lesser extent than placebo.
Informed consent was obtained from 100 students recruited on the University of Exeter campus during the months of May and June 1998. Subjects were randomised (in blocks of 4) to receive either Five-Flower Remedy (a combination of the following 5 flower essences: Impatiens, Star of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum, Rock Rose and Clematis) or an indistinguishable placebo. Both the investigator and the subjects were blind as to treatment allocation. Upon induction to the trial, subjects were asked to complete a baseline information sheet, an STAI and were instructed as to the use of the study medication. Subjects were required to record their use of study medication and anxiety over the week proceeding the examination that individual subjects identified as having the potential to cause most concern. Statistical analysis comprises comparison between groups before and after treatment.
Preliminary results will be presented at the symposium.
