Some Natural Help for Night-Time Bedwetting

I belong to a really great list-serve through the Holistic Mom's Network and oddly enough that is where I got the idea for today's post. A mom had written in wondering what she could do for her 5 year old son who was wetting every night. This brought back a few memories of about a year ago when our son seemed to have nightly wetting episodes. People will tell you it's so normal, and that it's a stage, which is all true; but when it's you up every night at 2 am changing sheets and laundering a complete set of bedding every night, you hope there is something to stop the cycle.

There is a lot of literature out there about the effectiveness of using Homeopathics and Bach Flower remedies to stop bed wetting and we found the homeopathic Pulsatilla to be invaluable in helping our son quickly get over his issue with bed-wetting. He completely fit the profile for Pulsatilla and it wasn't long after giving him Pulsatilla that we finally had some dry nights. I stopped giving him the Pulsatilla as a test and found that the problem re-occurred soon after. It seemed like forever, but probably after a month or two of no wetting we again stopped giving him the Pulsatilla and he was able to stay dry at night. What a relief. I still believe to this day that he wouldn't have gotten through that stage as quickly without homeopathics.

Unlike traditional medicine where there is a one size fits all approach, when you use homeopathics and Bach flower remedies you must find the right remedy for the person you are treating. I can't count the number of times I've heard people say - "Oh, I tried XYZ remedy for teething, homeopathy doesn't work." There are half a dozen remedies to try for teething and each one fits a particular personality and situation. It's not always easy to see yourself or child in a remedy, but a little investigation and perseverance usually pays off.

Homeopathics for Night-Time Bed wetting

• Belladonna - helps the child who sleeps so deeply he cannot wake up.


• Causticum - helps the child who wets the bed in the first sleep and is worse in dry, clear weather.


• Equisetum - helps the child who had dreams or nightmares when urinating


• Kreosotum - helps the child who sleeps so deeply he cannot wake and often has dreams or nightmares involving fire or of being pursued.


• Pulsatilla - helps the child who is shy, sensitive, weepy and affectionate.


• Sepia - also helps the child who wets in their first sleep. This child generally loves vigorous exercise and dancing, and is sensitive to cold air.

Bach Flower Remedies for Night-Time Bed Wetting

• Chicory: due to lack of attention - reduces the child's dependence on the parents at night.


• Crab Apple: helps overcome a feeling of uncleanliness. When a child is ashamed of his own weaknesses, it becomes harder for him to overcome them.


• Mimulus: alleviates the anxiety induced by anticipation.


• Pine: relieves guilt feelings


• Willow: due to contrariness, resentment, or bitterness

Any of the Bach flower remedies can be mixed and taken together. Use a combination of Bach flower remedies and homeopathics to suit your child's needs. You can find Bach flower remedies and homeopathics at your local health store. I also purchase a few homeopathics at 1800homeopathy.com.

For those of you going through this stage: Good Luck and remember "This too shall pass"!

Karla

Better Sleep With Bach Flowers

If you suffer from insomnia, and it has nothing to do with the ghosts and ghouls running around this Halloween season, Bach Flower Remedies might just be the trick (or treat) for you. I know this is the second post this week with Bach Flower Remedies, but I'm reading a really great book and so inspired to use more of these great, natural remedies. I promise next week I will move on to other topics.

Insomnia usually stems from either organic toxicity issues or stress and worry. If you wake between the hours of 11 p.m. and 3 a.m., it's usually a toxicity issue and a good cleanse of the liver, gall bladder, lungs, intestines, or thyroid might be in order. If you wake between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. it's usually a sign of stress and worry. Note: these are generalizations and only you know will be able to figure out what is causing your lack of sleep.

If stress and worry are contributing to your lack of sleep, and let's be honest in these times who doesn't have plenty of stress and worry, here is a great list of Bach Flower Remedies to help you get some sleep.

• Agrimony: due to problems kept secret
• Elm: due to mulling over worries
• Holly: due to anger and rage
• Hornbeam: due to a general feeling of stress and overwork
• Impatiens: due to a general restlessness and nervousness
• Mimulus: due to fear
• Mustard: caused by depression
• Olive: caused by a weakness of the heart
• Pine: caused by a guilt complex
• Red Chestnut: caused by worrying about others
• White Chestnut: caused by mental over stimulation
• Willow: caused by bitterness and resentment

For those who may be unfamiliar, Bach Flower Remedies are tinctures made from the essence of 38 different flowers. They are safe, natural remedies. You can mix up to six of them for the most beneficial results. Look for these in your local natural health store.

Happy Halloween to all of you! Have a very fun and safe weekend!

Karla

Source: Advanced Bach Flower Therapy: A Scientific Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment; Gotz Blome, M.D.

Using Bach Flowers for Seasonal Depression

We all unfortunately fall victim to depression at various times in our lives. Some have more severe cases than others and some go on for years, but the fact remains that we all suffer from this malady. Depression stems from many root causes: disappointment, being overwhelmed, fear, exhaustion, guilt, worry, poor nutrition, and etc. I'm currently reading a very good book on Bach Flower therapy and I learned some very interesting things about depression.

• Depression results when important life-affirming impulses or needs that are crucial to our happiness are suppressed.


• When we know and understand the reasons for our depression, we call it reactive depression (meaning a reaction to unhappy circumstances). Reactive depression is often overcome by treating the condition or circumstances that created the depressed state.


• When the cause of our depression seems inexplicable, we call it endogenous depression (stemming from the mind or psyche). Endogenous depression is much more difficult to overcome and sometimes requires a complete rehabilitation of our world view and assumptions.

Bach Flower remedies can provide some relief for depression and can be a great natural remedy in times of need. Here are some of the basic essences to treat mild depression.

• Mustard: This remedy is a basic remedy for all types of depression.


• Aspen: Depression caused by fear


• Cerato: Depression caused by helplessness or perceived helplessness.


• Gentian: Depression caused by failure or humiliation. It can help restore optimism.


• Hornbeam: Depression due to a fear of failure or feeling that we are not up to the challenges of everyday life.


• Olive: Depression due to weakness or exhaustion.


• Pine: Depression due to guilt.


• Red Chestnut: Depression due to excessive worry.


• Star of Bethlehem: Depression due to an unresolved shock or unbearable problem.


• Wild Oat: Depression due to a lack of purpose in life.

Mustard is the basic essence for depression. Otherwise choose the essences that sound close to what you are experiencing and up to 6 of the remedies can be mixed together at a time for maximum effectiveness.

If you are currently being treated for depression, I do not recommend stopping treatment in lieu of these remedies. These can be added to any current therapy you are on or tried as a starting point. Never stop anti-depressants cold turkey. There can be severe side effects to the abrupt discontinuation of some anti-depressant medications.

For more information on Bach Flower Remedies, check out these posts

• Using Bach Flower Remedies to Treat Seasonal Allergies
• Bach Flower Remedies for the Stomach Flu
• Bach Flower Remedies for Headaches and Migraines

Karla

Source: Advanced Bach Flower Therapy: A Scientific Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment: Gotz Blome, M.D.

Using Bach Flower Remedies to Treat Seasonal Allergies

Here in the Midwest, we are heading quickly toward fall. Fall bring about many wonderful things including apples, pumpkins, cool nights and fall celebrations, but for many it also means the return of seasonal allergies. For those of you looking for more holistic treatments for those pesky allergies Bach Flower remedies are a wonderful alternative. We've already discussed how homeopathy can help with allergies. For more information on that click here.

Bach flower remedies are a little difficult to describe in the context of a short blog, but I will try to give you a little background information. First and foremost they are made from natural herbal substances such as walnut, holly, oak, and crab apple to name a few. Their purpose is really to treat the emotional aspect of a person and therefore the emotional aspect of a disease or ailment. This may sound strange for most of us, but if you believe like I do, that much of our chronic problems are stress related; and most stress can be tied into an emotion, such as fear, anxiety, or hopelessness. Over time you can see how these emotions could lead to physical distress. You might say then that these remedies are designed to get at the root of the problem.

Now, let's move on to allergies. Allergies are strong reactions that are triggered by certain substances. Our bodies have been previously exposed to a substance (such as pollen, animal hair, food, or chemicals), becomes sensitized, and cannot tolerate that substance anymore. In some cases, these reactions can be very strong and cause severe even life-threatening conditions.

Here are some great Bach flower remedies to try

• Beech: Beech should be used as a basic essence for treating all allergies and conditions related to intolerance.



• Crab Apple: Sometimes chronic infections play a role in allergies. They can poison the body and make it overly sensitive. Crab Apple is the most important detoxifying essence.



• Holly: Holly helps in cases of strong immune reactions. This can be used, for example in severe fits of sneezing, clear cases of irritation, or allergic shock.
  

You can use the essences alone or combine all three. Look for Bach Flowers at your local natural health store or order them online. Frontier is a place I've ordered them before. Give Bach Flowers a shot - you'll be surprised how great they work.

Karla

Homeopathics and Bach Flower Remedies to Keep on Hand for the Stomach Flu

Preschool ended last week for my kids, but not before they were exposed to one last bout of the stomach flu. One of the sweet little guy's in the class was sent home on Wednesday with the big D. I hoped maybe the kids would miss it, but sure enough Sunday morning L. woke up with a fever and complaining of a tummy ache. I kind of twirled for awhile wondering what to do for her and then I thought duh - I can use homeopathics and Bach flowers for her! By dinnertime Sunday night she was up laughing and playing with her brother; her fever was gone; and we had no vomiting or diarrhea. Yeah! I love natural medicine!

Here is a great list of homeopathics and Bach flowers to keep on hand to get you through the stomach flu.

Homeopathics: The basic principles of homeopathy are that the natural state of the human body is one of health and that we possess the natural ability to heal ourselves. What we describe as symptoms are actually the body's efforts to protect itself against disease. Therefore, to effect a cure, we should not suppress the symptoms, but seek to stimulate the body's own natural healing processes.

• Arsenicum Album - Person is restless, fearful, aching, and irritable. They are thirsty for sips of water and are better from warm drinks, worse from cold ones. They dislike the smell or even sight of food. They have burning pains here and there and usually feel worse after midnight.


• Bryonia - Person has a painful cough and pain in the throat and chest. They feel worse from even the slightest motion. They are irritable, quiet, and want to be left alone. They are usually very thirsty with dry mouth and lips.


• Euphatorium perfoliatum - Person experiences deep aching in the bones and even the eyeballs are sore. They may feel totally "wiped out," unable to exert the least effort. They are usually thirsty, especially as the chill begins to come on.


• Gelsemium - There is gradual onset of chilling, aching, lassitude, and fever. Person is not thirsty. They are persistently apathetic and indifferent to life. They lie quietly with eyelids drooping.


• Nux Vomica - This remedy is indicated when a cold has developed into influenza. The patient is irritable, chilly, sensitive to noises and odors, worse from cold or open air. They are better lying down and from warmth.


• Phosphorus - This remedy is for the person who doesn't even act sick. A child, for example, with a temperature of 104 degrees may play happily. Person may feel very weak. They are thirsty for refreshing ice-cold drinks, but may vomit as soon as the water is warm in the stomach.

That is an extensive list. We found Arsenicum Album and Nux Vomica helpful. If you are unfamiliar with homeopathics, look for them in your local health store or you can order them online at 1-800-homeopathy. For more information you can also check out the National Center for Homeopathy.

Bach Flower Remedies: Generally I think of using Bach Flower Remedies during times of stress or emotional problems, so I was surprised to find that they are also very helpful during the flu or other physical symptoms. This shouldn't be so surprising as we generally get "sick" after a period of mental, emotional, or physical stress.

Here is a list of the primary essences one should take as soon as the flu shows up.

• Clematis: This strengthens the resolve to stay healthy.


• Crab Apple: Promotes purification of the blood and helps divert the virus.


• Olive: Gives one reserves of strength.


• Walnut: Strengthens the immune system against pathogens

All of the above can be taken together or mixed in a bottle. Here is another list of complementary essences and you may choose up to two depending on your particular circumstances. (Only up to six essences should be mixed at a time).

• Chicory for a conspicuous craving for love or comfort.


• Elm for sudden exhaustion.


• Holly for groundless irritation.


• Mustard for an inexplicable bad mood.


• Water Violet to treat the need for quiet and the need to be left alone.


• Gentian in case of a prolonged illness or prolapse.

If you are unfamiliar with using Bach Flower Remedies, once again check your local health store as they usually sell them there. My local health store doesn't sell them, but I order them from Frontier. For more information you can also check out the Original Bach Flower Remedy site.

Hopefully this helps you the next time you or someone in your family is faced with the stomach flu! I know it was helpful here.

Karla

Migraines

I've received inquiries from various sources recently wanting some natural remedies for migraines. When that happens, I know it's a burning question and it's time to post about it. If that many people in my circle of friends are questioning, then chances are it's an issue for our readers as well.

I don't want to focus as much on what a migraine is in this post. Those of you who suffer from these terrible headaches are well versed in what they are. I want to focus more on possible causes and holistic ways to treat them to hopefully avoid pharmaceuticals. I know the side effects of some of the prescribed pharmaceuticals are terrible. Just as a matter of definition though, migraine headaches are severe, throbbing headaches that may or may not be accompanied by nausea, visual disturbances, and other symptoms.

Possible Trigger for Migraines

• Certain food or beverage allergies such as cheese, chocolate, hot dogs, bacon, processed meats that contain nitrites, food containing MSG, fermented foods such as beer, yogurt, sauerkraut, yeast, brewer's yeast, aspartame, or lack of caffeine.
  
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) between meals. Low blood sugar causes inadequate glucose (sugar) transfer to the brain. The brain needs an almost constant supply of glucose as the brain uses glucose for energy.
  
• Hormonal disturbances


• Constipation


• Stress and emotional changes


• Liver malfunction


• Too much or too little sleep


• Sun glare or flashing lights


• Lack of exercise
  
• Change in barometric pressure

Natural Healing Therapies

Carefully review the list of triggers and see if anything can be modified. Have you tried avoiding the common food allergy items? A big issue is hypoglycemia. Are you eating frequent, small meals to keep your blood sugar at a good level for brain function? Have you thought about doing a liver detox program?

Herbal and Nutritional Therapies

• Sometimes as crazy as it sounds an external application of cabbage leaves can relieve a migraine headache.
  
• Infusion or decocotion of chamomile, cayenne, fumitory, ginger, peppermint, rosemary, valerian, willow bark, black cohosh, or wormwood.


• 2 teaspoons of honey (get more bang for your buck and have two teaspoons of honey in your tea! See the list above.)


• Eating fish, consuming fish oils, or taking primrose oil: The omega or essential fatty acids are fantastic brain food.


• Cordyceps is a Chinese Herb that may, through its ability to reduce anxiety and stress and promote sound sleep, help people who suffer from migraines.


• Include almonds, almond milk, watercress, parsley, fennel, garlic, cherries, and fresh pineapple in your diet.


• Women whose migraines occur as a result of their menstrual cycle may benefit from the use of a natural progesterone cream.

Bach Flower remedies for headaches: Bach flowers remedies focus on treating the mental and emotional factors that cause disease. I have found that they produce amazing results.

• for tension: Agrimony


• for problems with concentration: Clematis


• for feelings of stress and overwork and fear of failure: Elm


• for nervousness or impatience: Impatiens


• for grimness and stress-related tension: Oak


• for guilt feelings: Pine


• for excessive activity: Vervain


• when we are thinking too strenuously: White Chestnut

Homeopathics: although much more complex, these are basically natural, herbal remedies for everyday ailments. Once again, I have had awesome results using homeopathics. The key is to find the right one.

• Aconitum Nappellus: Characterized by a sudden, violent hadache all around the head like a band, or in the forehead like a bursting pain. The person is restless, fearful, and thirsty. The symptoms are worse in the evening or night, in a warm room, and on getting up from bed, and better in the open air.


• Belladonna: For the headache that comes on suddenly and violently, like the Aconite headache, but in addition is characterized by throbbing, pounding pain, restlessness, a hot head, and a red, flushed face.


• Bryonia: One of the most commonly indicated remedies for acute headache. The pain is stitching or tearing and is most apt to be right-sided. The person feels worse from motion, even moving the eyes or raising the head. There may be a bursting sensation on stooping or on coughing. Constipation often accompanies this headache.


• Gelsemium: May be needed by the person who has a vague but distressing headache beginning in the neck and extending up over the head, settling in a band around the head. It may develop into a bursting sensation in the eyes and forehead, and the scalp feels tender. It sometimes comes on after exposure to too much sun or from mental stress, bad news, or apprehension. It is worse from lying down. The Gelsemium person is languid, chilly, and without thirst and wishes most to be left alone.


• Iris Versicolor: Often needed when a migraine-like headache begins with blurring of vision. The scalp may feel tight and there is profuse flow of saliva with burning of the tongue, throat, and stomach. The person may lose his or her appetite and there may be nausea and vomiting. Iris headaches are usually worse in the evening and at night, and better from continued motion.


• Kali Bichromicum: Matches the symptoms often referred to as "sinus headache": pain is in the "mask" area, either over, under, or behind the eyes, or at the root of the nose in a small spot that can be pointed to with one finger. Motion aggravates the pain, as does stooping or bending forward. The person feels worse from warmth, better in the open air.


• Nux Vomica: Has a well-deserved reputation as "the hangover headache" remedy. It is a splitting headache all over the head, with nausea and an out-of-sorts feeling. The person is irritable, oversensitive to everything.


• Sanguinaria canadensis: Very often fits the typical "sick headache." It begins in the morning, increases during the day, and lasts until evening. Pain is bursting, beginning in the back of the head, spreading upward and settling over the right eye; it is accompanied by nausea and often by vomiting and dizziness.

Natural Therapies

• Reflexology Treatment where the practitioner concentrates on the points for the head, solar plexus, spine, neck, sinuses, eyes, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, ovaries, digestive system and liver.


• Acupressure and Acupuncture


• Massage Therapy

Sources: Advanced Bach Flower Therapy, The Reflexology Manual, Acupressure Techniques, Homeopathic Medicine at Home, Putting It All Together: The New Orthomolecular Nutrition, and Prescription for Nutritional Healing.