I tried Rescue Remedy to cope with anxiety and here’s what happened

My spirit animal is an anxiety-riddled cat. It doesn’t take much to stress me out. Pigeons living under my air conditioner, minor rickshaw accidents, work assignments, enlarging pores – any or all of it can get the job done. Safe to say I’ve told plenty of people where they can stick their ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ advice-plaques. When the time came to switch jobs, with its medley of interviews, calls and new colleagues, I knew my anxiety would be off the charts and I’d have to keep my SOS anxiety meds handy. Leaving this comfortable safe space I had created for myself over 3 years and stepping into a new work environment became my Everest. I remembered my friend’s high praise for a herbal concoction known as Rescue Remedy, a ‘natural stress reliever’.

I did my own research into Dr. Bach’s Flower Remedies (BFR), makers of Rescue Remedy, and even though different studies from the US, Germany and Austria noted little difference between the effectiveness of BFR and placebos in their trials, BFR had received rave reviews from lay users globally over the last couple of decades. Trusted sources even let slip that countless famous personalities in Hollywood and Bollywood swear by this stuff. If it can manage THAT level of pressure I could get something out of it, right?

BFR claims to be a tincture made of 38 flower remedies to ‘help mankind achieve joy and happiness’. Despite sounding like a Miss India contestant’s speech, the self-confidence was impressive. I decided to try it out for one month.

Though the recommended dose is 4 drops, I wasn’t ready to fully cede control. My prescription became 2 drops stirred into a glass of water that I would sip through the day. Of course, it was pretty useless. While complaining about its ineffectiveness to my sister, she reminded me that if I was going to play doctor and make up my own dosage, I might as well be drinking Rooh Afza instead.

She was right. Putting aside my pride, I committed to doing this trial properly. And that’s when we finally had lift-off.

Stress-busting smoke breaks became less frequent. I had to whip out my teeth guard on only two occasions. Though my anxiety didn’t go away completely, I know that with a few drops of this ‘treatment’, the shortness of breath and heaviness in my chest will mellow out.

More than the essence itself, I began to enjoy the ritual I’d created for myself. A morning dose while sifting through my workwear closet and an evening dose (if needed) with cold water for a refreshing zing. Perhaps, it was just that, the ceremony of self-care that did it. Or, the 27 per cent grape alcohol content working magic on a non-drinker like me.

Would I recommend Rescue Remedy for the jittery soul? If you’re wary of medication or are tired of the drowsiness caused by anti-anxiety pills, then this could be for you. I never thought I’d be writing supportively about homoeopathy, but as I eat humble pie, I’ve come to accept that I shouldn’t knock it till I’ve tried it. Rescue Remedy, you mysterious elixir, are you science or snake oil? I have no idea if you do what your creator claims, or if it’s all just in my head, where it matters the most.