As the leaves change colors and a crispness fills the
air, our steps quicken and we are renewed with a sense of change
and moving forward. Autumn invigorates us, we feel perkier and
more energetic as we look forward to fall festivals, back to school
and work, tailgate picnics and football, and hikes in the woods.
But, because our lives demand much from us, we can easily become
fried and frazzled, frustrated by trying to keep pace and still
nurture ourselves. Every day we make conscious and intuitive decisions
affecting our health -- our mental, emotional, spiritual and physical
well-being. Complementary/alternative medicine bridges the gap
between traditional medicine and our growing realization that
we are responsible for our own health. Homeopathy and flower essences
are just two of many holistic modalities that will support our
personal healing, growth and transformation. This autumn, in the
season of bountiful harvest, it is fitting to experience some
of the gentle and powerful cures nature has to offer.
Homeopathic remedies are available in homeopathic pharmacies
and in many health food stores. The remedy usually comes on small
sugar pellets which are dissolved in the mouth. We can treat many
minor health problems with homeopathy, once we know a little about
it.
Arnica is the homeopathic remedy for bruising, and for
trauma on every level - physical or emotional. If you've been
"hit by bad news," Arnica is definitely needed. Arnica
will also care for your aches and pains from overexertion. Weekend
athletes should always keep it on hand. The yearly Turkey Bowl,
a football game played at our house on Thanksgiving morning by
all those near and dear to us, leaves every athlete a bit stiff
and bruised the morning after -- except those who used Arnica,
of course!
Ambrosia, the nectar of the gods? On Mt. Olympus, yes;
in Maryland, well . . . Ambrosia, commonly known as ragweed, can
bring on burning eyes, wheezy cough, stuffed-up head, and runny
nose. These symptoms illustrate the homeopathic principle, "like
cures like." Ambrosia will bring on these reactions in its
natural state, but homeopathically prepared it will relieve fall
allergy sufferers! Before I became enlightened about the wonders
of homeopathy, I used over-the-counter antihistamines and felt
rotten most of the time anyway. Then I learned! Ambrosia matched
my fall allergy symptoms and made a dramatic difference for me,
and for my family, too, because I became a much pleasanter person.
Some would agree that Ambrosia is nectar of the gods!
Some flower essences are available in health food stores;
others are available from flower essence specialists. Flower essences
usually come in dropper bottles, and a dose is 2 to 4 drops into
the mouth. (Don't confuse flower essences with the essential oils
of aromatherapy; aromatherapy oils are not to be taken by mouth.)
Most people first try flower essences through the Five-Flower
remedy (also called the Rescue Remedy), a combination of flower
essences for emotional first aid. Just as homeopathic Arnica is
the first thing to consider for physical trauma, the Five-Flower
remedy is the first aid for emotional upsets (including fear and
anticipation).
Fall brings excitement mingled with anxiety when it's time
for back to school or work. The Five-Flower remedy can be helpful
at this time.Walnut, the flower essence for times of change
and stepping forward, offers support during transitions such as
the first day of school. This is a big deal when you are six,
but an even bigger deal when you are 36 and it's your baby you
are waving goodbye to as he boards the big yellow school bus.
Don't forget to consider Walnut for the first days of high school
or middle school, or the first days your Mom spends time at the
Senior Day Center.
Chamomile essence soothes the tension and anxiety that
accumulate through the day, often resulting in anger, insomnia
or nightmares. There was a time when one of my children was experiencing
daily tummy aches right after school and frequent bad dreams that
he couldn't explain, as well as mood swings and unusual irritability.
We selected Chamomile essence, and we sensed results right away.
His tummy aches diminished and his sunny disposition returned
within a week. He later told us that he was being harassed by
a bully on the way home from school every day. One of the true
gifts of flower essences is how gently and subtly they work.
For the first weeks in a new situation, new job, new school,
new position in life, several essences come to mind: Cosmos
for speaking your thoughts clearly, in an organized, uncluttered
manner; Larch to increase self-esteem and confidence; and
Mimulus to address insecurities and fears that often arise
during times of growth and change. Peppermint, "the
flower of refreshment," releases sluggish energy so the mind
is clear and alert.
Aloe Vera essence, "the flower of regeneration,"
is soothing for serious feelings of burnout. When life is too
fast-paced and you are neglecting your own needs, Aloe Vera will
help you slow down and allow your inner spirit to regenerate.
Autumn is a season of reflection as well as a time to look
forward to new and exciting developments. Homeopathic remedies
and flower essences are dynamic energy medicines that can take
us to a new frontier of wellness.
Rose Sincevich has a private practice in energy medicine
consultation at the Cosmos Center, 211 West Patrick Street in
Frederick, MD. For more information, call (301) 663-0373.