Flower remedies are also known as Bach flower remedies, after the English homeopathist, Edward Bach, who invented them during the 1930s.

Like many people Bach believed there was a link between mind and body and that many illnesses were caused, or made worse, by emotional problems. He thought that flower essences could be used to soothe these emotions and, in so doing, could improve health.

He devised some 38 different formulas of flower extracts intended to ease seven different types of emotional upset: fear, loss of interest in things, uncertainty, loneliness, being overly sensitive, feeling low and difficulties in handling relationships. Over the years questionnaires have been produced to help people work out what their problems are and which remedies would be best for them.

The remedies themselves are made by collecting flowers in full bloom and then soaking them in spring water for a few hours. The water is then mixed with brandy. This mixture is then diluted many times so that finally there is only the minutest trace of the flower essence in the remedy. This is bottled and is used by putting a few drops of the remedy under the tongue or mixing it in water or fruit juice.

There is absolutely no evidence that Bach flower remedies can help prevent or treat cancer. Nor is there any good scientific evidence that they do actually help with the emotional problems they were originally intended for. Having said this, some people do find them calming and beneficial in improving their mood and easing stress - though this may be just a placebo effect. One thing at least is that there are no known harmful effects from taking the remedies.

Bach flower remedies are not available on the NHS but can be found in most chemists' shops and other retail outlets.

So although it would be dangerous, to use Bach flower remedies as an alternative to normal treatments for cancer, for some people they may sometimes help in coping with some of the problems caused by the illness.