One of the main reasons Bach flowers became so fascinating to me was because of having lived for many years with a long-term mentally ill and depressed mother. After observing (as a child and young woman) the large amounts of drug therapy and shock treatment with no long-term results, I realised that there must be another way to treat depression.
Bach Flowers, which treat every emotional state of the mind (over 200 million in total), and have been around for more than 60 years, are a great stress balancer and aid for depression.
But what is depression? How do we decide what this means?
The dictionaries have varied explanations for this, from lowering of spirit, feelings of gloom, inadequacies, sadness, melancholy, cheerlessness, dejectedness, despondency, downheartedness, blues, mood changes to low vitality.
The feeling of depression is also varied for each unique individual, the meaning of depression for them is a personal one and needs to be closely understood what that person’s true feeling means to them. And then what remedy or remedies are needed to bring them back to harmony and balance.
Sometimes this could mean that more than one remedy is needed and it is common practice to give up to seven at a time. The seven remedies, in this case, being the one picture of their present state of mind.
At times it may also be essential to treat with vitamin and mineral supplements and lifestyle changes.
Some remedies are more fitting to treat depression than another, but as the emotions in this case can be varied, so are the combinations of a treatment bottle.
Let’s, however, look at some remedies on an individual basis of how they can be of use with depression. Always keeping in mind that more than one remedy may be necessary to get the “right” mix.
To some Pine the remedy for guilt and self-reproach, can be explained as depression. This remedy is useful when they feel bad, sad or angry with themselves about a circumstance or incident that has occurred. Feeling they should have “handled” it differently and feeling responsible for their mistake. Maybe mentally “beating” themselves up for it.
If the incidence constantly on their mind, and with the wish or feelings of regret that they could change it. Then Honeysuckle, the remedy for living in the past and nostalgia would be of help. Honeysuckle is also useful when depressed due to homesickness.
White Chestnut is useful when the incidence is replayed over and over again, unable to let the thought go. The over busy mind which at times can interfere with sleep. White Chestnut stills the mind, giving back peace of mind.
The more common remedies for depression are ones like Sweet Chestnut, this remedy is when the individual is in such a great state of suffering, despair and mental anguish that they feel that they have come to the end of the road and have no where to turn. They have the need to call out for help, sometimes trying to overcome the situation but filled with despair and extreme distress.
This remedy has helped woman with postnatal depression. And also where there has been a loss.
Another remedy useful for grieving and loss, whether it be a relationship breakup or a death of a loved one is Star of Bethlehem. This remedy is used where there has been a shock (whether old or new) to neutralise the shock. Star of Bethlehem will help soothe the deep sadness and trauma of grief.
Gorse is for those who have given up all hope of joy in life.
A few years ago, I had the privilege to treat a gentleman with terminal cancer. He was a very sick man and had given up all hope of life. He would spend his days lying in bed, miserable, sad and listlessly. His daughter and wife (whom he called “the girls”) were very anxious for him and wanted him to be better. They convinced him to come and see me. Which he did, only for them, mid you,, as he felt I could do nothing for him.
After our consultation I gave him a blend which included Gorse. Gorse for feeling hopelessness and despair. He decided to take it, but said that it would be of no help anyway.
Within days I was notified of changes. “The girls” had left Dad for the morning to do some shopping. Upon their return, they found that he had a shower, cooked and ate breakfast and was sitting on the couch, happily reading a newspaper. The last few weeks of his life were full and happy.
Mustard is another useful remedy with depression. This feeling is often described to me by menopausal woman, or woman with PMS. As this feeling of gloom can descend suddenly, like a dark cloud enveloping one and not being able to shake the feeling of gloom and heaviness off. More often than not this comes and goes as suddenly as it appeared and does not have a cause.
For a depression that is “light, and caused by small set backs or seeming failure. Gentian is a useful remedy. The discouragement one feels can get the individual “down”. And quite often when in a Gentian state the individual does not know if they are happy. They also do not understand that their own negative thinking can attract certain conditions in their lives.
I have used this remedy for children who have become discouraged with their schoolwork and studies.
Willow is useful in depressions for individuals that feel that life has given them a raw deal. They feel life has caused then suffering and failure to no fault of their own. Blaming incidences or other people for their misery. Often feeling resentful and in a victim state. They tend to sulk and stew on their problems. Sometimes feeling bitter and grumbling about others optimism and cheerfulness. They find it hard to”snap out” of their state of feeling depressed. I have treated various clients with this remedy after relationship break ups. With great success, the relieve that is felt by these clients gives me a smile on my face as well.
These are just a few remedies for depression. Again it is important to treat the individual and to find their true emotional cause for their depression.
Contact details; Rixt Botello 094061971 or Email [email protected]