Natural Therapies For Life

Healing Grief

// November 26th, 2009 // No Comments » // Bach Flower Remedies, Emotional Problems, Homeopathy

The loss of a loved one, whether a family member, friend or even a pet, triggers in us a plethora of emotions, which we generally call grief. Although grief is usually associated with the passing on of a loved one, it is not exclusive to just that. Grief is simply a sense of loss that is felt after losing something or someone. It could be a person, job or even a loss of status, which is rather common in today’s world, where one’s fortunes change in a matter of seconds.

It is important to allow the grieving process to take its course, but if it extends years and severely hampers one’s ability to carry on with life, help is required.

Many a times, people complain of long-standing aches and pain, chronic migraines, perpetual fears and anxieties for which they do not have a definite cause. It is almost as though they cannot remember a time without the pain. Upon further questioning, they finally come to realise that their complaints started after the death or parting of a loved one.

The inability to come to terms with loss is a very common cause of various ailments. In homeopathy, there some excellent remedies to balance a person’s vital force in such situations since it takes into account the whole person and not just the physical symptoms.

Please consult a qualified practitioner if you are considering homeopathic treatment . Do not attempt to self-medicate in this situation as a delicate handling of your constitution is required.  A homeopathic practitioner will not just prescribe on the sense of loss but will take into consideration your totality before prescribing a remedy.

If you are not yet ready to see a practitioner, you may want to consider Bach Flower remedies to aid you in your healing. Since flower remedies are selected simply based on current emotions and feelings, no prior medical knowledge is required. Hence, they are excellent for self-healing.

Some suitable Bach Flower Remedies:

Star of Bethlehem – This is the chief remedy for shock, trauma and grief. It is very effective when the trauma seems to overwhelm one’s existence and cannot be released. This is the first remedy to be given when one receives shocking news. This will give the person strength to absorb the shock and maintain equanimity.

Walnut - This is the remedy that helps with adjustment and change in life after any major event. It breaks any negative link with the past and allows a person to positively adapt to situations. This should be considered when a person is going through a transitional phase after experiencing a loss.

Honeysuckle – The key use of honeysuckle is to help one come out of a lost relationship. There is a lot of longing for past relationships or life situations and the person is unable to focus on the present. This is also a very effective remedy when one is distressed about the loss of youth, health and or beauty.

The above-mentioned remedies may be taken in combination for about 3 weeks. The recommended dosage is 3-4 drops, 4 times daily at regular intervals.

Babies’ Ailments – Diarrhoea

// October 18th, 2009 // 2 Comments » // Babies' Ailments, Homeopathy

Babies’ Ailments

Part 4: Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is a cause for confusion and concern to many parents. It is important to understand that diarrhoea in babies is a little different from that in younger children and adults. Normally, a person is said to be experiencing diarrhoea when there is a passage of loose, watery stools at least more than 3 times a day. However for babies, especially newborns, there is a tendency to have very frequent bowel movements, up to five times a day. Generally, babies who are breast-fed will pass stools more often than the babies on formula milk.

The trick is to note the appearance of the stools.  In diarrhoea, your baby’s stools will be watery, smelly and will contain mucus. This may be accompanied with a fever and your baby may also loose some weight.

The causes of diarrhoea in babies are varied. Your baby could simply be allergic to something in the diet. The most common is milk allergy. If you suspect that your baby could be allergic to formula milk, try opting for a lactose-free alternative. Also ensure that the formula milk is prepared in a clean environment as babies are particularly sensitive to germs. Other causes include the use of antibiotics – either given to the baby or taken by the mother who is breast-feeding. Generally, babies who are breast-fed are less likely to have diarrhoea as some components in mother’s milk keep the digestive track in optimum state.

In diarrhoea, the most important thing is to ensure that your baby continues receiving enough fluids. Do not stop breast-feeding or giving formula milk if it suits your baby.

If the diarrhoea lasts more than a few days or if your baby develops symptoms such as dry lips or decreased urine, consult your doctor immediately.

The anti-diarrhoeal medication for adults cannot be given to babies as it comes with side-effects.

Homeopathy presents several remedies that are specific for diarrhoea in babies. Once again, it is important to match your baby’s symptoms with that of the remedy.

Suggested remedies:

Chamomilla 30 – The stools are green, watery and sour smelling. The baby screams in pain and wants to be carried all the time.

Magnesia Carb 30 – The stools are green and frothy, like a frog pond’s scum. There is undigested milk in the stools. The diarrhoea occurs every three weeks.

Phytolacca 30 – This remedy is specific for diarrhoea during dentition. The baby bites the teeth and jaws are firmly clenched.

Performance Anxiety – Examinations, Jobs, Interviews etc

// September 9th, 2009 // 2 Comments » // Common Ailments, Homeopathy

Performance Anxiety – Examinations, Jobs, Interviews etc

At some point in time, all of us have doubted our own abilities and had sleepless nights tossing and turning, thinking about the next day’s exam or interview… despite being well prepared for the task and knowing “deep down” that everything is under control.

For those of you who have school-going children, you may  have noticed that your child suddenly develops colds, coughs or even diarrhoea just around the time of an important test or exam. Besides school-related tasks, children also tend to experience the same type of nervousness before a visit to the doctor or dentist. Even for adults, there is the common butterflies-in-the-stomach feeling that precedes a big event.

There are some very effective homeopathic remedies that can help calm your nerves, ease tension and help you in concentrating better on the tasks at hand so that you are able to harness your full potential rather than waste energy fretting and worrying about it.

Some suitable remedies for performance anxiety

Argentum Nitricum 30c – This remedy is very useful for fears and nervousness before a big event such as an interview, performance, speech or exam. The person feels as though time is passing very slowly. The memory becomes weak due to  nervousness.

Gelsemium 30c – This remedy is effective for cold, coughs, diarrhoea and other ailments that are due to emotional excitement, such as fear, nervousness or bad news. The person feels weak and may even tremble.

Kali Phos 6x – This is a nerve remedy that is very good for overworked individuals. It is excellent for sleeplessness before the big day.

Lycopodium 30c – The characteristic feature of Lycopodium is a lack of self confidence masked by an exterior of over-confidence. The person will have gastric or digestive disturbances stemming from the nervousness. Little things tend to annoy.

Babies’ Ailments – Colic

// August 28th, 2009 // No Comments » // Babies' Ailments, Bach Flower Remedies, Common Ailments, Homeopathy

Babies’ Ailments

Part 3: Colic

Sleeping, drinking milk and…crying are all part of a baby’s daily routine, especially in the first three months. However, if your baby keeps crying for more than three hours a day, without any apparent reason, chances are that he or she could be experiencing colic. By definition, colic is a condition in which an otherwise healthy baby cries or screams frequently and for extended periods without any discernible reason. Scientists have suggested an immature digestive system, lactose intolerance or even anxiety in breastfeeding mothers as possible causes for colic in babies but there is no established reason for this.

Generally, gripe water is the preferred remedy for many parents. It is a natural remedy that contains herbs such as dil, fennel, chamomile and ginger. Before purchasing a bottle of gripe water, it is necessary to check the ingredients’ list for the absence of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) as this is not an ideal substance for your baby’s delicate system.

Baking soda is alkaline in nature and can upset the acid balance in your baby’s stomach in addition to producing other unwanted side effects. Thus, it is necessary to make an informed choice when selecting a suitable brand of gripe water for your baby.

There are several natural remedies that are excellent for your baby’s colic. The key to finding the right remedy is to match the symptoms of your baby with that of the remedy. If you are unsure, please seek the advice of a qualified homeopath.

Some suitable remedies for Colic

Mag Phos 30c – Abdominal pain that is relieved by massage, warm application and pressure. Your baby’s abdomen could be bloated.  There is release of gas but it does not relief the pain.

Chamomilla 30c – Your baby is extremely irritable and pacified only when carried about and petted constantly. The cheeks are red and there is hot perspiration. The stools are green.

Rescue Remedy is a combination of five Bach Flower remedies that is useful in any emergency situation when there is not enough time to select a specific remedy. If your baby is incessantly crying, take four drops of the stock solution and mix it in a bottle of water. Give this to your baby in sips until he or she is calmer.

Babies’ Ailments – Diaper Rash

// August 17th, 2009 // No Comments » // Babies' Ailments, Homeopathy

Babies’ Ailments

Part 2: Diaper Rash

While changing your baby’s nappy or diaper, you may have come across redness and tenderness on the buttocks and the surrounding area. This irritation is commonly known as diaper rash. There are many reasons for this, with the most common ones being prolonged exposure to a soiled diaper and use of new products.

The diapers that we use nowadays have very good absorption power. Hence, you may not find it necessary to change your baby’s diaper frequently. However, no matter how dry your baby may feel, it is necessary to change the diaper at least six times a day as exposure to a soiled diaper causes irritation and discomfort.

The wipes, powders and lotions that you use on your baby must be safe and gentle. In addition, some babies are sensitive to the detergents that are used to wash their cloth diapers. Hence, it is necessary to be mindful of these things that we may generally deem as insignificant.

Dietary changes may also contribute to diaper rash. This could happen when you introduce solids to your baby’s diet or if you are breast-feeding, it could be a response to changes in your own diet.

You must be extra mindful if your baby has been given a course of antibiotics as this generally upsets the balance of the good bacteria in the body, thus causing diaper rash. This also applies if you have taken antibiotics when breastfeeding your baby.

An excellent homoeopathic remedy for diaper rash is Calendula Q. This is available in cream form and should be applied to the affected areas each time you change your baby’s diaper. The rash should disappear in a couple of days.

Babies’ Ailments – Fever

// July 31st, 2009 // 4 Comments » // Babies' Ailments, Homeopathy

Babies’ Ailments

Part 1: Fever

A fever is our body’s natural way of coping with an infection. However, when a baby is down with a fever, there is a different level of fear and anxiety that pervades the home environment. As a concerned parent, you may fail to realise that although your baby may be in discomfort, a fever is the body’s way of combating an infection. Thus, it should be allowed to take its course. By giving your baby medicines to suppress the fever, you are actually not allowing your baby’s immune system to work for him or her.

As parents, it is necessary for you to consider carefully the therapies that you choose for your baby as the side-effects of some Western medication can leave a life-long impression on your child’s health and immunity.

Instead of turning to anti-fever medicines immediately, it is important to first determine the cause of the fever and monitor your baby’s temperature regularly. Be sure to seek the help of a doctor to ensure that your baby is going through a regular fever. Once you are sure of the diagnosis, it is best to be patient and choose therapies that can aid your baby’s immune system, rather than suppress it by resorting to a “quick fix”.

Homeopathic remedies work beautifully in boosting your baby’s immune system and gently bringing down the fever, without any element of suppression. These remedies work by restoring the balance in the vital force, thus enabling the baby’s own immune system to fight the infection. In identifying the correct homeopathic remedy, it is important to match your baby’s symptoms with that of the remedy.

Some Suitable Remedies for Fever

Aconite: Common name: Monkshood Homeopathic Remedy: Aconitum Napellus If your baby is down with a high fever that comes on suddenly, especially after exposure to cold, Aconite is a suitable remedy. This is accompanied with a flushed face, great restlessness and profuse sweat.  Your baby may also be very clingy. A very good remedy in the early stages of fever.	Aconite
Belladonna: Common name: Deadly Night-Shade Homeopathic Remedy: Atropa Belladonna Redness is the key characteristic in Belladonna fevers. The fevers are intense and your baby’s face will appear bright red and skin, hot and dry. The tongue will be strawberry red.	Belladonna
Chamomilla: Common name: Chamomile Homeopathic Remedy: Chamomilla This is also known as “The Children’s Remedy” in homeopathy. If your baby’s fever is due to diarrhoea, ear-aches or other infections, Chamomilla is the remedy of choice. Your child will feel better when carried around.	Chamomilla

In the next post, you can read about Natural Therapies for Diaper Rash.