By Nicole Noles Collins, Diplomate of Acupuncture, Vitalichi Acupuncture
It’s been a tough few years for the world, and it seems like the roller coaster isn’t over yet. There are so many levels of grief and tragedy that have enveloped our world. It is easy to get overwhelmed from both personal and global tragedies. But you don’t have to grieve alone, and there are homeopathics that are safe and gentle enough to use on people of all ages to help you navigate the emotional landscape of grief and trauma. They are a great adjunct in addition to the aid of your health care team and emotional support system.
Ignatia: This is the premier grief remedy of the homeopathic world. In most cases we differentiate a person’s particular symptoms to give a remedy, but this one is good to have in all home care and travel first aid kits.
BACH FLOWER ESSENCES
Rescue Remedy: This is a combination Bach flower remedy that addresses different aspects of trauma and grief in the same remedy, so if you’re not sure which Bach will work best for you, this is a good starting point.
Star of Bethlehem: I wrote a blog post several years ago about the traumatic loss of my dachshund. Rescue Remedy wasn’t strong enough for my grief and trauma, but taking Star of Bethlehem alone, (which is one of the ingredients of Rescue Remedy) helped ease my pain literally overnight.
Cherry Plum: If you feel that your emotions are so out of control that you may “lose it”, or if you experience panic attacks, Cherry Plum can help. This is also in the Rescue Remedy.
Gorse: For a grief so powerful you feel hopeless, Gorse may help restore your hope.
Sweet Chestnut: If life is unbearable and you feel like you can find no way out, or the roadblocks are too big to overcome, Sweet Chestnut can help lift that anguish and feelings of being forsaken.
White Chestnut: If you keep reliving the thoughts of grief over and over, like you are stuck on a mental hamster wheel, White Chestnut can be a relief. Also great to take late at night if the mental hamster wheel or your to-do list keeps you from falling asleep.
Honeysuckle: If you continually live in the past, and think that things will never be as good again, Honeysuckle can help gently bring you back to the present.
The Bach Flower essences are preserved in brandy (28 percent of the tincture), but the Rescue Remedy can typically be found in a glycerin base in many stores, and is well suited for kids or people who abstain from all alcohol. The single remedies can also be purchased in the glycerin base.
Don’t grieve alone. With homeopathy, Bach flower essences, and a good support system, there can be brighter days ahead.
Help prevent suicide: The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Visit https://988lifeline.org/.
For a list of crisis hotlines for various situations, visit https://findahelpline.com/us/topics/grief-loss.
Vitalichi 