Product Review: Stress Relieving Gum?
Photo Credit: Madeline Apperson As I continue to research stress and how it can be treated, prevented and maintained, the more I realize that there is an entire market devoted towards stress management. I recently went to Wegman’s to do routine shopping when I discovered an entire section for homeopathic medicines, herbs, teas and remides designed to prevent, treat and maintain chronic illnesses, common colds, viruses, and even anxiety and stress. I was always aware this enchanting aisle existed, but I never took the time to actually peruse my way through it. While taking a closer look, I found a section marked off for stress, anxiety and depression specifically. Bach Flower Remedies Ltd., developed in Germany, was developed by Dr. Edward Bach more than 80 years ago. The specializes in homeopathic remedies to cure a wide variety of discomforts and distress. Specific to my research, I was drawn to Bach’s Rescue Gum. The gum is a natural stress relief. It features a zesty orange and elder flower flavor, the center containing “4 drops of Rescue the famous combination, of Five Bach Flower Remedies discovered by Dr. Edward Bach and used by millions around the world.” The gum is believed to be a go-to remedy for anxiety producing situations such as (but not limited to) tests, job interviews, nerves and high pressure situations. I questioned the validity and effectiveness of this gum, given it was only a few dollars and tucked away in that enchanting aisle. Nevertheless, I took a chance with the gum and bought it. The following day my friend Nikole and I were sitting in class. She mentioned how restless her legs felt and describe an abnormal sensation she was experiencing. I admit that I felt bad for her, but I was also excited to try out my “new” product on her, to see if it affected her in any way and get a better understanding of the taste. After a few minutes of chewing the gum, she noticed a change in her behavior. She said that she even felt a sense of calm come over her. While we weren’t entirely sure if it was the gum itself, or her reading the package and mentally believing it worked, it seemed somewhat effective. I’ve experienced some stressful situations since purchasing the gum, for example yoga. Before each of these events occur I have chewed a piece of the Rescue Gum. I am not kidding when I tell you that it works! The gum has a natural yet soothing taste to it. In a weird way it takes your mind off of what is making you stressed. Thanks to more research, I have found other’s success stories using the Rescue Gum and Bach products. Some people even use the products on their pets! If you find yourself in stressful situations or under pressure, I encourage you to invest in this gum. If you aren’t much of a gum chewer, that’s okay too, because there are oils, lotions and even dissolvable pills designed to cater to your needs. It may seem strange but hey, you’ll never know unless you try it. Sometimes in life it’s the little things that help us the most, even like a piece of gum.