Natural Therapies For Life

Overcoming Negative Emotions such as Anger, Hatred & Jealousy

// January 20th, 2010 // No Comments » // Bach Flower Remedies, Emotional Problems

It would be an understatement to say that our lifestyle at present is taking its toll on us, especially where emotions are concerned. The demands at work and school, not forgetting the persistent competitive spirit that is driving us, create fertile soil for emotions such as anger, jealousy, hatred and suspicion to develop.

Many times, we are conscious of these negative emotions but are unable to come out of its vicious grip. Although it is difficult, we must make an effort to overcome this negativity as our body is unable to cope with the stress it creates. Emotions such as anger, jealousy and hatred manifest physically as allergies, inflamed or burning skin eruptions (pimples, boils, allergies) and may even show as a violent fever. In the long run, such negativity takes its toll on the lymphatic system, thus impairing immunity.

A Bach Flower Remedy that is excellent in such situations is Holly. It helps to re-establish inner balance and harmony in a person who has been thrown off-balance due to rage. The remedy can be taken dropwise up to 4 times a day for about 3 weeks.

Holly is suitable for angry outbursts and outward display of bitterness. However, if a person bottles up the negativity and keeps everything inside, Willow is a more suitable remedy. It is very appropriate for situations where there is unspoken resentment which you would like to gently rid yourself of. Willow can be taken in the same dosage as Holly.

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 – 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.