Homeopathy and Grief

I've been musing over this for a few days, and hopefully if you're reading it, it's perfectly timed for you. I was sat with a group of my daughter's friends, teaching them to crochet, when my mum texted to say the Queen had died. I could have gone longer without knowing, with us not watching the news it may have taken longer to filter through, although once I'd gone onto the world of social media (which I've still not yet left, my plan to leave in summer being extended to autumn due to being asked to remain a little longer for one organisation), my feed would have been flooded with images and thoughts.

Queen Elizabeth II died on the 8th September, at her Scotish home in Balmoral. One time many years ago we were in the area, whilst on holiday in Scotland. I recall space, a beautiful region, but not much more. It was many years ago I suppose.

I can only imagine the place was a tonic, with a busy schedule and living in the centre of London, to retreat to there would have been food for the soul. At least for mine anyway.

The nation has come together, at a time of newspapers filled with doom over the winter, there are tributes and photos cherishing the long lived life of our monarch. There's also counter opinions, people feeling triggered and challenged by an outpouring of grief for one that others never knew.

There's a lot to feel and a lot to heal.

Allowing the feelings to be what they are is a great step towards healing them, and taking the time to sit with compassion, particularly self-compassion, is a wonderful way to learn more about ourselves and the world around us.

If you're struggling, it may be good to ask "What's the kindest thing I can do for myself right now?" Often I ask myself. Last night I went to bed early not feeling great, and today woke around 3am, then 3.30, then 4am. I asked myself that question, which is currently one of my very favourites (there are a couple of other great ones I'm loving too, perhaps more about that on another blog), and the answer for me, was as it often can be, to breathe. So I did 4-7-8 breaths (breathe in for 4, hold for 7, breathe out for 8) for a while. When I woke again, around 4.30am, I knew it was time to get up.

We can ask it for simple things, or more complex. It's a question I'm learning to ask myself (internally) in arguments - and has been of huge benefit to me. It calms me, I step out of the drama and it's hugely helpful not just for the easy times. It's a question that enables me to have some space. Sometimes you can't just stop, and now many will be experiencing wave after wave of emotions. It might not change anything out there, but if you can gain some space and clarity inside, it could shift much.

So that's one thing that might help.

Another is (of course!) homeopathic medicines.

It's perhaps of interest to know that Queen Elizabeth II, as with many of the Royal Family who have used homeopathy since Queen Adalaide made public her interest in this 'new medicine in 1835. New medicine indeed - Hahnemann had first published an essay mentioning homeopathy in 1796, so a mere 39 years later it was being used in Royal circles.

Prince Charles as was, King Charles III now, has been an active supporter of homeopathic medicines, using them on his farm with animals as well as himself.

And whilst the history may be of intriguing, I always find it even more to see it in action, to observe or to experience a well matched homeopathic medicine for myself. The shift can be utterly remarkable.

So I wanted to share a little about remedies that may help in times of grief, whether affected by the loss of the Queen, or by that of a well loved pet, family friend, loved one. All we have to do is match the symptoms experienced to the remedy needed.

I would like to say first that in cases of long term grief, that visiting a homeopath may be worth considering. The shifts that I've seen from acute remedies has been significant, but that from seeing a bigger picture and giving a remedy based on that? Totally life changing at times. I'm happy to answer questions about which is more appropriate for you if that's helpful.

Diving in...

Aconite, our first remedy to mention (since I'm going alphabetically at least!) is a great medicine to think of in times of shock. There can be acute fear seen, and it may be that colds or illness comes on (often with a high fever) after shocks. There may be a fear of death observed in the patient who needs Aconite. Mostly complaints come on suddenly and it's often healthy, strong people who may experience a state that needs Aconite. Could be useful in early times when learning of a loss.

Arnica, funnily enough, I would never have thought of mentioning in a blog on grief years ago. How times change. I've seen Arnica be so helpful for sleepless mothers, carers, jet lagged folk, and for women in labour. Arnica is often thought of as 'the bruising remedy' and yet its scope can be so much deeper. I've recently prescribed it in a case of a woman in her 40s who has had horrendous headaches since she was 18 and am seeing some great results (so much so, that's my next blog to come). If the grief is such that one is struggling to sleep and feeling battered, exhausted and worn out during the day, I'd think of Arnica and take it to help keep you going. Of course rest where needed, but this would be likely to help alongside.

Ignatia - and I'm sure for anyone out there who knows and loves homeopathy would have been waiting for this one to show up. It's probably our best known remedy for grief, and has a well deserved reputation. That said, a quick search in my repertory (our book, or computer program of symptoms) shows 247 remedies, including Ignatia, listed under 'Grief'. It's good to know if Ignatia isn't hitting the spot, there may be another remedy listed here that may help, or visiting a homeopath could also be a great way forwards. We've a few homeopathic medicines to choose from. Where Ignatia may help you're likely to see crying, sighing, sleeplessness and wanting to stay by themselves. The old texts describe 'hysterical women' being helped with Ignatia. Think of that beside yourself with grief, can't do anything state and Ignatia may help in that picture.

Natrum Mur or to be blunt about it, salt. This is particularly good in long held grief, that has often been suppressed and held in. The Nat Mur patient may want to be left by themselves, may be worse for consolation and may well dwell on past disagreeable events. It's generally not a remedy I'd think of in acute grief states, but where a new grief has triggered a chronic state, it may well be one to think of. They would often be alone, generally not seeking out, or feeling better from company.

Phosphoric Acid, the last remedy I want to mention in this week blog, is one to think of where there is grief with great weakness. Grief and sadness may be accompanied by extreme tiredness and there may be indifference to life in general seen here too. The person needing this may stay inside the house, may not wish to speak to others, and may just want to be quiet and undisturbed.


Of course, as mentioned, there are several hundred remedies that may be identified as being particularly helpful when grief is a part of the picture, these are just a few to think of in cases of acute grief.

Remembering to take things steadily is important too. Barefoot walking teaches me that sometimes you can charge on ahead, even run carefree and happy, and other times you need to slow for the harder, stonier paths. I believe many of us have an expectation that we continue at the same pace through whatever, that stopping is showing a weakness. Instead I think it's being human, and so important for each other to know we all struggle at times, sometimes we all need to take it slowly and have a bit more nurturing, from others or for ourselves.

With best wishes for whatever you need at this time,

Em

Whilst I'm here, I've a 2 evening Introduction to Homeopathy course coming up on the 22nd and 29th of September. Evening one is a session of inspiration and stories of homeopathy in action, accompanied by learning more about commonly used remedies. Evening two is more about practical details, as well as insights into where homeopathy evolved from, with more remedies covered.

Find out more here:

Introduction to Homeopathy