Core Bach Flower Essences
At the heart of what are rescue pastilles made of lies the unique formula of five specific Bach flower essences. These are derived from wild plants using traditional methods developed by Dr. Edward Bach. Each essence is intended to address a particular emotional state, and the combination is known as the Rescue blend. The five essences are:
- Rock Rose ($Helianthemum nummularium$): For terror and panic, promoting courage and composure.
- Impatiens ($Impatiens glandulifera$): To help with irritability and impatience.
- Clematis ($Clematis vitalba$): For the feeling of being mentally 'far away' or ungrounded, helping one to be more present.
- Star of Bethlehem ($Ornithogalum umbellatum$): Intended to soften the impact of shock or trauma.
- Cherry Plum ($Prunus cerasifera$): For fear of losing control, encouraging a sense of calmness.
Inactive Ingredients: The Structural and Flavor Components
Beyond the flower essences, the remainder of the pastille's composition provides its form, texture, and flavor. Key inactive ingredients include bulking agents, gelling agents, and sweeteners to create the solid, sugar-free lozenge. This allows for a product that is both alcohol-free and suitable for consumption by most individuals.
Bulking and Gelling Agents
These ingredients are crucial for giving the pastille its solid, chewable form. The formula relies on sugar alcohols and gelling agents to achieve the desired texture.
- Sorbitol, Maltitol, and Isomalt: These sugar substitutes serve as the primary bulking agents, providing volume and sweetness without the sugar content. They are polyols, which is why excessive consumption can lead to a laxative effect.
- Gum Arabic: This is a natural gum harvested from the acacia tree. It functions as the gelling agent that gives the pastilles their chewy consistency.
Flavoring and Coloring
Natural ingredients are used to create the distinct flavors and colors of the different Rescue Pastille varieties.
- Natural Flavoring: The specific flavor depends on the product version. For example, blackcurrant flavor uses blackcurrant concentrate, while the orange and elderflower version uses orange and elderflower extracts.
- Natural Colors: The colors come from natural fruit and vegetable extracts. For instance, red cabbage, elderberry, and black carrot extracts are used for coloring.
Sweeteners and Glazing
To ensure a pleasant taste without added sugar, sweeteners are used. A glazing agent is also applied to prevent the pastilles from sticking together.
- Xylitol: This natural sweetener provides additional sweetness while maintaining the product's sugar-free profile.
- Beeswax and Vegetable Oil: A combination of these two is used as a glazing agent. This is an important detail for those with specific dietary needs, as it makes the product vegetarian but not suitable for vegans.
A Comparison of Pastilles vs. Liquid Remedies
| Feature | Rescue Pastilles | Rescue Remedy (Liquid/Spray) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Chewable lozenge in a tin | Drops or spray in a bottle |
| Base Ingredients | Sugar alcohols (sorbitol, maltitol, etc.), gum arabic, natural flavors, beeswax | Grape alcohol and water, or a non-alcoholic glycerine base |
| Alcohol Content | Alcohol-free | Contains grape alcohol (approx. 27% v/v) in the traditional formula |
| Sugar Content | Sugar-free | Sugar-free, as it is a liquid tincture |
| Portability | Handy click-shut tin, ideal for on-the-go use | Glass bottle, slightly less discreet for public use |
| Key Benefit | Convenient, alcohol-free, sugar-free, and chewable | The original, classic formula in a direct-application format |
Important Considerations for Users
While Rescue Pastilles are widely used, it is important for consumers to have a clear understanding of their purpose and potential effects. For instance, the homeopathic nature of the flower essences means that clinical studies have not found a benefit beyond the placebo effect. However, for many, the calming ritual of chewing a pastille offers perceived psychological relief during stressful moments.
Additionally, due to the sugar-free sweeteners, it is important not to exceed the recommended dosage, as excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. If pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to give the pastilles to a child, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended. The product is not intended to treat or cure diseases.
Conclusion
In summary, rescue pastilles are made of a foundation of five homeopathic Bach flower essences, combined with inactive ingredients like sugar alcohols (sorbitol, xylitol, isomalt), gum arabic, natural colors, and flavors. Beeswax is used for glazing, which means the pastilles are vegetarian but not vegan. The result is a convenient, alcohol-free, and sugar-free lozenge format for addressing occasional stress. While the scientific evidence for the efficacy of the flower essences is limited, the product's popularity and the psychological benefits of the consumption ritual make it a staple for many seeking temporary comfort. For a deeper look into the history of Bach flower remedies, the Wikipedia article provides extensive information on Dr. Bach's development of the system.
