June 2010
As a Holistic Practitioner, Homeopath and Advanced Bach Flower Therapist of over 30 years, I have the pleasure of working with children whose concerned parents bring them to me in search of natural alternatives for healing.
Unlike most adults I work with, children tend to have fewer deeply ingrained issues and respond more quickly and more completely when given the appropriate homeopathic medicines and flower essences.
Some of the most common childhood problems I see are school/home related anxieties and fears, feelings of overwhelm, lack of self-confidence, insomnia, nightmares, fatigue, short attention span, impatience, bullying, sibling rivalry, anger and frustration, discouragement and depression, mood swings, and difficulty dealing with parental divorce or family instability.
In addition, adolescents often have issues related to body image and the changes that take place in their bodies at this age, adjustment to physical (new city, new school, new house) changes, poor self-esteem, peer pressure, and need for approval.
Many experience feelings of alienation, neglect and abandonment in the home or at school and consequently compromise their values which can lead to addictions to food, cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs.
I choose from the traditional flower essence remedies developed by Dr. Edward Bach, M.D. and where appropriate, flower essences from Alaskan Flower Essences, FES Flower Essences and Perelandra Flower Essences.
Each formula is designed to address, as completely as possible, all aspects of an issue or issues to provide a sense of emotional support and inner calmness.
The flower essences chosen are then discussed with both parent and child for approval, prior to preparation and usage of the formula.
After several days of formula usage, re-evaluation of the child is recommended.
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Here are a few examples of common issues facing children and the flower essences that may be helpful.
Students (confidence, test-taking, study effectiveness): Larch for self-confidence and creativity, Mimulus for fear of test-taking, Elm for over- whelm with workload and Gentian for discouragement.
Colds, Flu, Infection: Crab Apple for cleansing and detoxification.
Adolescent changes: Walnut for adapting to physical and psychological changes, Crab Apple for self-disgust regarding body image, acne, or other perceived impurity, and Larch for self- confidence.
Female issues (PMS, hormonal mood swings): Scleranthus for mood stability, Mustard for depression, Cherry Plum for loss of emotional control or impulsive behavior, Crab Apple for cleansing and healthy body image, Elm for overwhelm feelings and Impatiens for irritability.
Oversensitivity and Shyness: Aspen for hypersensitivity to unknown things which cause anxiety and apprehension and Mimulus for timidity.
Addiction: Agrimony for addictions that mask emotional pain to present a cheerful façade and Chestnut Bud for awareness of habits that promotes addictive behavior.
Depression: Gentian for discouragement and lack of faith, Gorse for hopelessness, Sweet Chestnut for extreme anguish and suicidal thoughts, Mustard for depression unrelated to any apparent external cause, Star of Bethlehem for trauma and depression due to loss or grief and Wild Rose for feelings of apathy and resignation when faced with life challenges.
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No matter what a child’s ailment or issue may be flower essences can be a valuable part of the natural healing “Family First-Aid Kit”. They can be used by themselves or in combination with any other form of healing to promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
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